Make 2020 your year to read more

Reading is one of the original, and most profoundly effective, methods of self-care. It makes us feel accomplished, smarter, relaxed, and happier. So why don’t we treat ourselves with a good book more often?

The team here at Scribd, the world’s largest digital library, wants you to join us: take the pledge to read more in 2020! Whether you’re trying to read one book or 100, we can help you achieve your goal.

Why read more? Because at Scribd, we believe that words have the power to change lives — and the world. Books give us access to bold ideas, building blocks for learning, and bridges to new worlds.

Plus, 79% of Americans agree there is no better feeling than learning something new from a book. (And we’re definitely in that group!)

Goals are easier to achieve when you have support. Join our global community and share your pledge to read more in 2020!

• 70% of Americans think reading could have a positive impact on their careers.
• 69% of Americans feel accomplished after reading.
• It only takes 15 minutes of reading for most people to feel accomplished.
• People who read books for 30 minutes a day live an average of 23 months longer.**
• Reading can help prevent Alzheimer’s.***
• Readers are 21% less likely to report feelings of depression.*
• Stress can be reduced by up to 68% after only six minutes of reading.*

1. Make a list. What have you been meaning to read? Writing down your goals helps you accomplish them.
2. Bring your books with you. You never know when a perfect time to read will strike! Hint: your phone can hold your digital library.
3. Start small. Aim for 15 minutes a day and build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be blazing through your reading list.
4. Listen to your books. Audiobooks make it easy to read during chores, while commuting, or wherever else you can squeeze in a few minutes.
5. Share what you’re reading. Whether you join a book club or share your progress online, networks are proven to help people achieve goals.
6. Reading is its own reward, but: You should still treat yourself when you finish a book! Positive reinforcement keeps you on track.

* Psychologies.com. “Reading books can make you happy”

** Christina DesMarais, Inc,.“Why Reading Books Should Be Your Priority, According to Science”

*** Sadie Trombetta, Bustle. “6 Scientific Reasons Reading Is Amazing For Your Health”

Other data points come from an original Scribd survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact remih@scribd.com.