We are all busy. It’s a fact of life in this day in age. Juggling school, work, family, and friends can be a struggle. So, when are you supposed to fit leisurely activities like reading into that hectic schedule? Reading is fundamental. It expands our imagination, helps us learn, can bring joy to our hearts, and helps improve our memory.
So when is the best time to read? The answer is typically unique to each individual but there are some common rules:
- Nonfiction books – the best time of day to read is 10 a.m.-12 a.m., because in the
mornings, our brain tend to be at their sharpest.
- Academic books the best time of day to read is 2 p.m.-6 p.m., because it’s the best
time for memory retention.
- Fiction books – the best time to read is right before bed, because fiction helps to calm
the mind and takes you away from your day-to-day life.
Researchers say that that the reason adults are better off reading non-fiction in the morning is that your body wants and needs to wake up and be stimulated. According to experts, reading in the morning has many benefits like:
- stress reduction
- increased creativity
- improved communication skills
- disease prevention
- improved focus and memory
- enhanced intelligence.
Reading is also great for exercising your mind and keeping your brain in tip-top
shape. Doing this in the morning allows you to prepare yourself for any communication you will be taking part in that day, whether at work, school, or just with family and friends.
Consistent reading habits will improve your attention span. These good habits will carry over to other aspects of your life as well, which makes it incredibly beneficial.
For some people, reading before bed helps them fall asleep. If you want to read to help you fall asleep, then this is a great tactic.
Reading a book is better than looking at your phone and catching up on your Twitter feed. The bright lights of a phone will keep you up and distract your brain, so reading an old-fashioned book is a better choice, especially if you have insomnia.
Overall, if you have trouble falling asleep at night or finding a nighttime routine that works for you, try reading a book. Reading fiction at night can help you escape your day-to-day life and relax your mind as you prepare yourself for sleep.
Now, remember, just because a study claims something to be true does not mean it will apply to you. It can depend on your personality, as well. Maybe you’re a night owl who works better at night. We all have different schedules that can vary our best time to read personally. In the end, it’s all about trying out reading at different times and seeing what works best for you.
Sources: The Productive Engineer
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