There’s no doubt that reading is a huge part of college life. At Carrington College, while we ensure that you have the opportunity to put a lot of time into hands-on learning, there’s no getting away from the fact that hitting the school books regularly is also key to your success. But although time is short and we know you’re busy, try to always have a good book by your bed – it can be a fiction novel, an autobiography, or a travel book on your favorite part of the world. If you think that you don’t have enough time to read for pleasure, you’re wrong. We all make time for things that are important to us. I bet you watch some TV? How much time do you waste on Facebook? You could easily spend some of that time relaxing with a good book. Leisure activities like reading for pleasure are often the things that we let slide when life gets too busy, but the act of reading for pleasure every day can improve your quality of life…
Enjoy some escapism
Reading a great work of fiction is a great way to be instantly immersed in another world for a while; a world without chores, assignments, laundry, kids… It transports you to another place; there is no limit to where a good book and your mind can take you.
Reading for pleasure relaxes you
Reading school books is work; your mind is operating differently. When you read for pleasure your mind changes gears, instantly relaxing you. After a stressful day, use a book to distract yourself and unwind. Sit still and be quiet Reading forces most people to sit and be still, something that doesn’t happen enough these days. Yes, some people can read while walking on a treadmill, but force yourself to be quiet and still for a short while every day. The phrase “curling up with a good book” makes you feel warm and cozy doesn’t it? It feels indulgent; unplug for just a few minutes every day – it’s good for the soul!
Improve your analytical thinking
People who read are better analytical thinkers, a key requirement in many health care careers. Reading can improve your general knowledge, but more importantly it can help you spot patterns quicker. If you can spot patterns quicker, your analytical skills receive a boost.
Increase your vocabulary
Communication skills, both verbal and written, are an important part of any health care profession, and good communicators need to have a good vocabulary. Reading increases your vocabulary and improves your spelling. It forces you to analyze words, to re-read things you’re not familiar with, and broaden the spectrum of terms you use. Knowing what other people are saying (being a good listener) and using the right words to communicate your response is critical to being a successful health care professional.
Reading makes you smarter
Reading helps your mind bend and flex mentally, and studies have shown that people who read typically have higher GPA’s, higher intelligence, and general knowledge than those that don’t. No matter what program you’re studying or what career you’re pursuing, you can’t do it without more knowledge. Reading is an excellent way to help you get where you want to go.
