WhyWhy You Should Be Reading 15 Pages a Day via Mental Floss

Why You Should Be Reading 15 Pages a Day

Mental Floss: 7.11.2019 by Jake Rossen

Everyone understands the benefits of reading—a more substantial knowledge base, a better vocabulary, exploring new worlds in fiction or nonfiction—but not everyone believes they have time to spare to tackle a book. Work duties, personal obligations, and family time can all discourage people from reaching for that volume on the nightstand, too afraid to start something they don’t think they can finish

Fortunately, even a little reading can go a long way.

According to Naomi S. Baron, Ph.D., a professor of linguistics at American University in Washington, D.C., setting a goal of reading just 15 pages a day accomplishes a number of things. It requires only a modest time commitment—most people can likely finish reading 15 pages in 30 minutes or less—which can make the idea of tackling a book less imposing. More importantly, it creates a habit. Like exercise or practicing a musical instrument, consistency counts.

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Equally important to committing to daily reading is placing an emphasis on pages—actual physical pages, not digital text. Holding an analog book ensures that you’re making the most of your allotted time, concentrating fully on the substance of the material.

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There’s another benefit to holding a book: a sense of accomplishment. Pinching 15 pages between your fingers lets you know what the goal is and charts your progress. You can see a physical manifestation of the commitment, both in the pages you've passed and the ones you have ahead.

Take the pledge, and share what you hope to accomplish with your 15 pages a day. It’s a small commitment that can pay off big time in the end.

Share your pledge to read #15PagesADay

Whether you're teaching students, reading with kids, or hard at work learning new skills, share what you hope to accomplish with your 15 pages a day.  READ MORE >>

1. READING CAN BOOST INTELLIGENCE.

2. READING HELPS INCREASE EMPATHY.

3. READING CAN LOWER STRESS.

4. READING MAY CHANGE YOUR BRAIN.

5. READING IS AN EXCUSE TO PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY AT NIGHT.

6. READING HELPS FAMILIES BOND.