May is Get Caught Reading Month and we thought it was the perfect time to share all of the reasons reading is not only important for everyday life but for your health and wellness as well. Yes, reading can benefit your health and wellness and here is how:

• Reading books may increase your lifespan. A 2016 study from Social Science and Medicine revealed book readers had a 20% lower mortality rate over the following 12 years than readers who only read newspapers and magazines.
• Reading increases memory span and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• It also reduces physical and mental illness and stress and anxiety.
• Reading enhances sleep quality, language skills, world knowledge and creativity.
• Reading books increases empathy and people perception.

As you can see, the benefits of reading far outweigh the lack of interest in reading. But we’ve found that finding the joy of reading is all about finding the right book and subject to fit our interests. To get started reading, stop by your local library or bookstore and ask an employee to direct you to books about your favorite interests. Then, set aside at least 30 minutes a day to dive into a good book.