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Reasons to Read Books
Even if you have read one good book in your life, you will know
what reading gives. It gives you incomparable pleasure. While there is no doubt
about the fact that reading is a priceless activity, it has been observed that
the habit of reading has declined of late. One of the main causes for this
decline is the growth of technology. However, what most people don’t know is
there is so much to benefit from reading. Here are 30 reasons of reading books:
1
Gives knowledge
One of the biggest reasons why we read books is to gain
knowledge. Books are a rich source of information. Reading books on varied
subjects imparts information and increases the depth about the subject as well.
Whenever you read a book, you learn a new information that otherwise would not
have known.
2
Improves your brain
Studies have shown that reading has strong positive effects on
the brain. By staying mentally stimulated, you can prevent dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease. This is because, keeping your brain active prevents it
from losing power. The brain is a muscle and like other muscles in the body,
exercise keeps it strong and healthy. Similar to solving puzzles, reading books
is a great way to exercise your brain and keep it healthy.
3
Reduces stress
Reading has a positive effect on the body as well. Reading a
book can relieve stress better than taking a walk or listening to music.
According to studies who read more tend to have lower stress lev
4
Improves memory
Every
time you read a book, you have to remember the setting of the book, the characters,
their backgrounds, their history, their personalities, the sub-plots and so
much more. As your brain learns to remember all this, your memory becomes
better. What’s more, with every new memory you create, you create new pathways
and this strengthens the existing ones.
5
Improves imagination
The more you read, the more imaginative you become. Whenever you
read a fiction book, it takes you another world. In the new world, your
imagination works at its best as you try to see things in your own mind.
6
Develops critical thinking skills
One of the primary benefits of reading books is its ability to
develop critical thinking skills. For example, reading a mystery novel sharpens
your mind. Critical thinking skills are crucial when it comes to making important
day to day decisions. Reading requires an individual to think and process
information in a way that watching television can’t. The more you read, the
deeper your understanding becomes about what you’re reading and its
application.
7
Builds vocabulary
Reading improves your vocabulary and command on the language. As
you read, you come across new words, idioms, new words, phrases and writing
styles.
8
Improves writing skills
Reading a well-written book affects your ability to become a better
writer. Just like artists influence others, so do writers. Many successful
authors gained their expertise by reading the works of others. So, if you want
to become a better writer, start by learning from previous masters.
9
Improves communication skills
Improving your vocabulary and writing skills goes hand in hand
with developing your communication skills. The more you read and write, the
better you communicate. Increasing your ability to communicate, improves your
relationships and even makes you a better employee or student.
10
Improves focus and concentration
In our busy lifestyles, our attention is drawn in different
directions each day as we try to multi-task through each day. For example, you
may find yourself dividing your time between working on a task, chatting with
people via Skype, checking email, keeping an eye on Facebook and interacting
with your colleagues. All this multi-tasking can lead to high stress level and
low productivity. When you read a book, all your attention is focused on what
you’re reading. Your eyes and thoughts are immersed in the details of the
story. This improves your concentration and focus. Read a book at least 20
minutes a day, and you will be amazed at how much more focused you will be.
11
A fruitful hobby
Reading books keep us occupied. It also leads to a fruitful use
of time. It not only helps us get rid of worries, but also diverts our mind
from monotony. Books are excellent sources of recreation. Someone who loves to
read can never get bored, as this is a perfect way to rid of boredom. As books
take you to another different world, you relax and rejuvenate.
12
Cheap entertainment
Compared to other forms of entertainment, books are quite cheap.
You will never get a movie ticket for R. 300 to 400. But, with this money, you
can buy yourself a book and be entertained for many hours.
13
Motivation
Life is full of challenges. As we move through different phases
in different, a little motivation can be of great help. Reading inspirational
books about life experiences can change our lives. Reading a good book, such an
autobiography keeps you encouraged and you also learn tips to help you achieve
your personal goals. Basically, you get inspired to become a better husband,
wife, daughter, son, mother, father or even employee.
14
Improves health
There are thousands, if not millions, of great self-help books.
Many of these books can actually help improve your health. Reading such books
reduces levels of depression. People with severe depression can benefit from
reading self-help books. Apart from this, such books offer important tips on
exercising, dieting and other healthy lifestyle tips. All this leads to
improved mental and physical health.
15
Makes you more empathetic
According to studies, losing yourself in books, especially
fiction, might increase your empathy. In a study conducted in the Netherlands,
researchers showed that people who were “emotionally transported” by a work of
fiction experienced a boost in empathy. By reading a book, you become part of
the story and feel the pain and other emotions of the characters. This in turn
allows your mind to become more aware of how different things affect other
people. Eventually, this improves your ability to emphasize with other people.
So, go ahead and read that story, a world with more empathetic people would
definitely be a better place!
16
Improves Skills
Reading is a fundamental skill builder. For every good course on
earth, there is a matching book to go with it. Books provide important
information on various subjects and topics. The best thing about reading is
that you can go deeper that what learn in a classroom discussion. Whether it’s
cooking, dancing, or even cleaning, you can always improve your skills by reading
books.
17
Build self-esteem
By reading many books, you communicate better and become more
informed on various areas of life. All this translates into a higher
self-esteem. Since you have confidence in yourself and your ability to deliver,
you become more productive and overall a much better person.
18
Portable entertainment
Books are portable and light in weight. They are not like bulky
computers and games that take too much space. With a book, you can pack it in
your handbag and easily carry it everywhere. You can read anywhere, in a plane
as you travel, in your bed before you sleep, under a shade as you relax, or
even during your holiday.
19
Helps you sleep better
Poor sleep leads to low productivity. This is why so many
experts recommend that you establish regular de-stressing routine before you
sleep to help calm your mind and therefore sleep better. Reading a book is one
of the best ways to calm yourself before you go to bed. Instead of watching
television or spending too much time on your smartphone while in bed, take some
time to read. The bright lights from the electronic devices will only affect
your sleep. On the other hand, a book will help you sleep better.
20
Learn about another world
The world of fiction allows you to travel to another world, where
everything is different. By reading books, you get a glimpse of other cultures
and places. Books expand your horizons, letting you see other countries, other
people and so many other things you have never seen or imagined. It’s the
perfect way to visit a strange country in your mind.
21
Socialization
We can always share whatever we have read with our family,
friends and colleagues. All this increases our ability to socialize. Humans are
social beings and in the world of smartphones, we are losing our ability to
socialize. However, reading had led to the formation of book clubs and other
forums where we get a chance to share and interact with others.
22
Improves creativity
The biggest difference between reading and watching television
is that reading gives you the scope to unleash your creativity. The more you
read, the more you learn new things. New thoughts always stretch our minds to
rediscover life in new and better ways. We start to see the world in a
different way and this way we find new creative solutions.
23
Learn at your own pace
Another benefit of reading a book is that you learn at your own
pace. Since you have the book all the time, you can always go back to a section
you feel you don’t understand. You can re-read a chapter as many times as you
wish, without worry that you will miss out a section. If it’s a self-help book,
you can tackle one issue at a time. Once you handle one problem, then you can
move to the next issue whenever you feel you’re ready. Everything is done at
your own pace and most importantly, your mind is free to interpret things the
way you feel.
24
Lots of choices to choose from
There are so many great books to read that you will never finish
them all in a lifetime. Books have been written for centuries, right now,
someone is writing a book, and in the future, books will still be written.
Whether you’re looking for something to inspire you, something to make you
laugh, romance or even gaining a new skill, there are countless books for that.
All you need is to take some time and pick which one to read. There will never
be a shortage of great books.
25
Improves morals
Books help us better discern good ideas from bad ideas. Reading
a book allows us to learn about different approaches to life and the problems
we face. By doing this, you get an opportunity to discern what has worked in
the past and what has not worked. Basically, you learn to make better decisions
in life.
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Learn about your history
History plays an important role is who we are today. By reading
books, we get a better understanding of the past and how it continues to affect
us. With books, you get a chance to learn about your country, family and the
world in general. It’s a great way to revisit your past and appreciate the
present.
27
Save money
Apart from being inexpensive, you will also save a lot of money
by reading books. Books don’t require electricity; neither do they need any
form of maintenance. When you read a book on a certain skill, such as cooking,
woodwork, or simple DIY tasks, you save yourself the money you would have used
to hire a contractor. You not only learn new skills, but also save yourself a
lot of expenses.
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No side effects of the digital world
Spending too much time watching television or playing video
games can affect your eye health in the long run. On the other hand, books are
safe and easy. No one has ever gone blind from reading too many books. There
are no known side effects or dangers of reading great books. All there is are
benefits.
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Makes you smarter
With so much to learn from books, people who read regularly tend
to be smarter than those who don’t. They tend to have an open mind and are more
aware of their surroundings.
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Books are better than movies
So many movies have been adapted from books. But, if you read a
book and then watch its movie, you will agree that the book is 100 times better
than the movie.
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