Do You Find Reading Boring And A Waste Of Time? These Points Will Determine The Importance And Advantages Of Reading.
Ask yourself this question, when was the last time you had a book in your hand to read? What answer do you get?
You must have heard people advising you to pick up a book and read it if you realize the answer you got for the above question is that you do not remember. Or maybe it's been long ever since you had read a good book. You will especially get this from the book lovers whose passion is to read books.
With time, the habits of reading in people have been seriously deteriorating as per general opinions. Guaranteed, we spend more time with social media on our devices, and our reading includes Facebook and Instagram posts, gossip articles or instructions on a packet, etc. But there are also people who cannot separate themselves from a book. Those people are called, in general, bookworm or geek. Therefore, the condition of reading habits in people nowadays is a matter of debate.
So, if you are among those who are not much into reading, then you are seriously missing out pals. Reading does not only mean reading a book only, even though it is a major part of it. You can opt to read articles in a magazine or read blogs or even an informative piece of the case study or anything like that. However, you need to be careful as to not get confused and overwhelmed with loads of it on different platforms.
But reading books certainly topped it all. You cannot get enough of reading them once you get into the pace for it.
Reading is by far one of the great habits one can cultivate. Whatever you are going to read is going to add up to your knowledge. Your vocabulary is going to tremendously improve; you lower your stress levels and discover new things.
Why Is Reading So Important?
As per the World Literacy Foundation, a person becomes capable of educating themselves in any area of their like if they have a habit of reading. When in the era of immense information that is flowing, reading is essential, more specifically critical reading. It is the best way to rationalize the information.
And do not presume that reading is just for children. It is for everyone, irrespective of their demographics. Admittedly, watching a video or listening to a speaker is easier in terms of gaining information but still reading tops for comprehension and increasing your education.
Benefits Of Reading
Now that we have discussed why reading is important, we must know of the benefits it entails. Down below are the points that will help you see the brighter side of reading and come to the side of being a book lover.
Increase In Knowledge
It is the most obvious one. Your brain is going to store every information from the books you are going to read. And knowledge is the only power you need. With the more knowledge you possess, the more you will be able to prepare yourself well to tackle the challenges life will throw at you.
You must read in order to be a knowledgeable person who can give valuable input on various topics of discussion. I have observed this myself. The more someone reads, the more they are capable of holding a conversation. And what you read does not necessarily mean to be something too serious topic. Even a fun book can provide you with enough knowledge, and the information always comes in handy.
A well-read person is always an interesting one, more than people think or give them credit for it. And even if it does not come in handy to you, you will feel a sense of power in the knowledge that you know many things. Probably more than others.
And moreover, knowledge is the one thing that nobody can steal from you, and you are not going to lose knowledge of anything.
Reduction In Stress
A good book is the best way to unwind from the stress of the day. In fact, as per a study by the University of Sussex in 2009, even six minutes of reading in a day can reduce your stress level by 68%.
No matter whatever reason is causing you stress, be it about work, relationships, your personal life, financial situation, anything. Books are going to be the greatest source to help you de-stress. Especially if you chose to read good fiction, all the things worrying you will slip away from your consciousness. However, it also depends on what type of books you like to read.
But I am in favor of a fiction novel, though. You got to time-travel (metaphorically) to different realms through those stories. And practically lives the story along with the characters in the book.
Mental Stimulation
Keeping your brain active and engaged can prevent it from losing its power. Mental Stimulation can also help with preventing mental problems like Alzheimer's and dementia.
The brain is an extremely important part of our system. And just like any other muscles in our body need exercise, our brain does too. It keeps the brain strong and healthy. Some of the ways to do that are solving puzzles or playing strategic games like chess. It may not interest everyone, though. But books definitely are definitely a sure-shot option to keep your brain mentally stimulated. The more you make your mind think and exercise, the more it will keep it stimulated and increase cognitive functioning.
Expansion In Vocabulary
This is another one of the many benefits of reading a book. The more you read, the more new words you will be able to learn, and the more it will increase your vocabulary. I have experienced it firsthand. Reading certainly has a positive impact on my vocabulary. People are oftentimes amazed and impressed with my ability to speak new words. It also has increased my value in their thoughts. I appear more professional and confident in front of important people. It also boosts my self-esteem. And it has definitely helped me to choose the right career for myself.
Books also help in learning new languages and also native or non-native lingos. It, in turn, improves writing efficiency.
Improvisation In Writing Skills
This further supports the above-mentioned point of increasing vocabulary. A well-written work has often got more exposure to be published. It also helps in conveying your thoughts or messages that you are trying to give out in your writing. The fluidity and writing styles of the authors you read books of will influence your own writing skills.
The more you read, specifically a well-written piece of writing, the more it will influence and improve your own writing abilities. Reading will give a voice to your writing. You won’t be able to become a writer if you do not read. So if you dream of being an author or have books published under your names, you need to get started on writing first.
Improving Concentration
We are surrounded by technology and the internet on a wide range. And since we are having so much to look through at once, obviously we are going to spend less and less time on each of the things. This has caused our attention span to drastically decrease. No matter how much we try, we are unable to concentrate on one thing after a time limit.
Reading requires time, patience, and concentration. It forces and enables you to use your brain more and more. As it requires focus to read, it increases your ability to focus on one thing. Without focus, you are not to know what is going on on the page you are reading. This could be the cure to the short attention span we have developed. I have observed that, in general, the people who read are also good listeners in comparison to those who don't read at all. So making time to read on a daily basis can immensely benefit you in order to get your focus and concentration on one thing.
Brain Workout
As it is stated in the above point, the brain needs exercise to keep it healthy like any other muscle in our body. Reading is a great exercise for your brain. You cannot open a book and can just stare at it to know what is written. But you can do that while a t.v. Your brain doesn’t require much to know what's running on it. The same goes for music. You don’t have to be super focused in order to enjoy it.
Reading is unlike both of these activities. Your brain is actively involved in it. When you read, you train your brain to focus and concentrate. This gives your brain a workout and mental stimulation. And we all know how much a muscle can be strong and get in shape when it is exercised much.
Open-Mindedness
Reading has the power and ability to change your point of view and perspectives on many things. You can get to know and understand the ideas and thoughts of other people. Whatever you want to know more about, you can have it known from reading books about it.
Reading makes you realize that there is always more than one way to achieve or look at things. There are multiple perspectives or views that change from person to person. You will have a deep understanding and knowledge of a person’s perspective and way of thinking about a matter. It will also influence and improve your own thought process. It fills the gap in your knowledge. This will further help you to develop a more solid and informed opinion yourself. And it will be difficult for others to shake you on that since you are speaking on the basis of facts or experiences of actual people who tried those things themselves.
Moreover, when you read fiction, you get to know other people's stories. The characters are inspired by real-life people, and the action they take in particular situations are also based on them. When you read about them in the stories, you will have a better understanding of their personality and behavior. Besides, it will also help you relate to them. It will help you also in understanding their situations, cultures, values, etc. It will be helpful in knowing and understanding people better.
May Help Increase Your Social Circle
Reading is a solitary activity. But it still can help in increasing your social circle. There will be a lot of people out there who will share your interest in book reading. Especially when you attend book clubs, book fairs, libraries, etc., you are going to find them more. You can always share your books with them, or exchanging books from them can help increase your knowledge, and you will also get to know them better. This way books can help you make friends and increase your social circle.
Entertainment
Like I said before when you read good fiction, you get transported to another world. You will get to live the stories along with the characters. It is as good as entertaining as watching a movie. And it will be at a very low price if you go to read in a library instead of purchasing them. Besides, we now have access to multiple online sources that provide books for free. You just need a good internet connection for your device. What more can you wish for!?
Can Help With Depression
As per the research of the University of Liverpool, reading habit has helped the patients that were suffering from depression. It had a positive effect on their social well-being. It helped in boosting their confidence, a sense of belonging, lessening their state of isolation, and increasing communication skills. It has reduced the impacts of depression overall.
Mental Health
As per the above statements, reading books helps with reducing depression and stress. It also helps with Alzheimer's and dementia when your brain gets exercised through reading.
According to the University of Liverpool, reading can also help with your mental well-being as it helps in concentration as well. It also helps in building enthusiasm in learning new things. Moreover, your thought process also improves with reading. So, you can say that reading can be a way to your mental well-being and health.
Enables You Empathise With Others
As per studies, when you read fiction, you develop the ability to empathize with people more. When you read about people who have lived in different times and circumstances, you can understand them better and also relate to them.
You get to understand their struggles and way of life by reading about them. Books open our world, and it is an eye-opener in a true sense. They have the power to change your outlook on anything and everything.
Better Understanding
Since reading helps in connecting and relating with other people, you get a better understanding of others. You know their struggles, know what makes them ticks, why they are the way they are. You also have a better understanding of other people’s culture and what has influenced them to shape the person they are today. It also provides you with insights into their lives when you read books on a person’s experiences and lives.
Increase In Intelligence
If you want to be more intelligent, there are two ways to do that. One is to travel, but it can be costly and not possible for everyone or anytime. But the other way is to read a book.
Reading increases your knowledge, stimulates your brain, expands your vocabularies, and all this makes us increase our intelligence. It also positively affects our personality and confidence level. It is beneficial for our better cognitive functioning and developing our intelligence quotient. Reading simply makes you smarter.
Increase Analytical Skills
Have you read a thriller or mystery novel and tried to guess what happens next in the story? And did you succeed in guessing what happens and solves the mystery? If your answer is yes, then it indicates that you were able to put analytical and critical thinking skills to work. This is because you were taking notes of the details in it and sorted it out to solve the mystery.
In a way, you acted like a detective yourself. These skills and abilities are just as useful in other fields and in your life too. The attention you pay to the details will help you better in making a good decision. It is also a pleasure to have these when you need to criticize the written piece and discuss it with others.
It Can Be Tranquil
Reading books can also bring tranquility to you in addition to bringing you peace. Reading something related to spiritual things can mentally calm you and bring down your blood pressure. Also, self-help books have notably helped people suffering from mood disorders and milder mental illness.
There will be a book to help you attain the inner state that you are seeking.
Better Communication
When you read a book, you expand your knowledge on different topics. This gives you enough material to keep on talking or using during a conversation to keep it interesting and flowing.
It is enough to give you topics to think about and discuss with others while having a conversation. I, too, experienced this when I started reading. I am now the smart one among my friends and family. You get endless means to explore with your friends, and it will result in a better, informative, and meaningful conversation.
Increase In Creativity
Reading enabled you to picture the words written in your mind. Humans are programmed for this kind of visual imagination. We are capable of drawing an image of the pictures in our mind that is described by the words written in the sentence. You try it or not, your brain is going to bring up the images of the words that you are reading.
Insightful
Irrespective of a book you have already read, there will always be something new you are going to find out reading it once again. After being reading for quite some time, you unknowingly develop the habit of being more insightful and reading between the lines. You will begin to find more and more hidden messages or ways in the book. And it will make the book more enjoyable every time you read it. Because now you will be finding more out of it than the things you missed the last time.
Enjoyable
Above everything, reading is a really enjoyable activity, and only a book lover can appreciate the fun in it to its fullest. Just curling up in your comforter with a hot mug of coffee in your hands and getting lost in the world of fiction. This image is the ultimate definition of heaven for a book lover. And it comes at a minimal cost. Truly heaven!
Conclusion
There are far more advantages than the ones listed here to read a book. It cannot be explained completely, but the bliss one gets by reading a good book can only be felt.
I know some people are terrified to dive into the sea of words and can be overwhelmed with the jungle of it in a book. But you will not know what you are missing out on unless you read a book.
If you are thinking of drawing benefits from reading, then it is only necessary to start reading soon enough. Reading can be similar to exercising, just you are training your brain. Reading is an activity that will have a lifetime impact and will stay with you forever.
It might be difficult for you to stick to a routine of reading a book. But it will be better if you could stick to it. You need to find time in your busy schedule to fit in reading into it. Even if it is for ten minutes per day, do it. And before you even know it, you will become capable of reading multiple pages in just an hour.
HRUTUJA PATKAR
Do You Find Reading Boring And A Waste Of Time? These Points Will Determine The Importance And Advantages Of Reading.
Ask yourself this question, when was the last time you had a book in your hand to read? What answer do you get?
You must have heard people advising you to pick up a book and read it if you realize the answer you got for the above question is that you do not remember. Or maybe it's been long ever since you had read a good book. You will especially get this from the book lovers whose passion is to read books.
With time, the habits of reading in people have been seriously deteriorating as per general opinions. Guaranteed, we spend more time with social media on our devices, and our reading includes Facebook and Instagram posts, gossip articles or instructions on a packet, etc. But there are also people who cannot separate themselves from a book. Those people are called, in general, bookworm or geek. Therefore, the condition of reading habits in people nowadays is a matter of debate.
So, if you are among those who are not much into reading, then you are seriously missing out pals. Reading does not only mean reading a book only, even though it is a major part of it. You can opt to read articles in a magazine or read blogs or even an informative piece of the case study or anything like that. However, you need to be careful as to not get confused and overwhelmed with loads of it on different platforms.
But reading books certainly topped it all. You cannot get enough of reading them once you get into the pace for it.
Reading is by far one of the great habits one can cultivate. Whatever you are going to read is going to add up to your knowledge. Your vocabulary is going to tremendously improve; you lower your stress levels and discover new things.
Why Is Reading So Important?
As per the World Literacy Foundation, a person becomes capable of educating themselves in any area of their like if they have a habit of reading. When in the era of immense information that is flowing, reading is essential, more specifically critical reading. It is the best way to rationalize the information.
And do not presume that reading is just for children. It is for everyone, irrespective of their demographics. Admittedly, watching a video or listening to a speaker is easier in terms of gaining information but still reading tops for comprehension and increasing your education.
Benefits Of Reading
Now that we have discussed why reading is important, we must know of the benefits it entails. Down below are the points that will help you see the brighter side of reading and come to the side of being a book lover.
Increase In Knowledge
It is the most obvious one. Your brain is going to store every information from the books you are going to read. And knowledge is the only power you need. With the more knowledge you possess, the more you will be able to prepare yourself well to tackle the challenges life will throw at you.
You must read in order to be a knowledgeable person who can give valuable input on various topics of discussion. I have observed this myself. The more someone reads, the more they are capable of holding a conversation. And what you read does not necessarily mean to be something too serious topic. Even a fun book can provide you with enough knowledge, and the information always comes in handy.
A well-read person is always an interesting one, more than people think or give them credit for it. And even if it does not come in handy to you, you will feel a sense of power in the knowledge that you know many things. Probably more than others.
And moreover, knowledge is the one thing that nobody can steal from you, and you are not going to lose knowledge of anything.
Reduction In Stress
A good book is the best way to unwind from the stress of the day. In fact, as per a study by the University of Sussex in 2009, even six minutes of reading in a day can reduce your stress level by 68%.
No matter whatever reason is causing you stress, be it about work, relationships, your personal life, financial situation, anything. Books are going to be the greatest source to help you de-stress. Especially if you chose to read good fiction, all the things worrying you will slip away from your consciousness. However, it also depends on what type of books you like to read.
But I am in favor of a fiction novel, though. You got to time-travel (metaphorically) to different realms through those stories. And practically lives the story along with the characters in the book.
Mental Stimulation
Keeping your brain active and engaged can prevent it from losing its power. Mental Stimulation can also help with preventing mental problems like Alzheimer's and dementia.
The brain is an extremely important part of our system. And just like any other muscles in our body need exercise, our brain does too. It keeps the brain strong and healthy. Some of the ways to do that are solving puzzles or playing strategic games like chess. It may not interest everyone, though. But books definitely are definitely a sure-shot option to keep your brain mentally stimulated. The more you make your mind think and exercise, the more it will keep it stimulated and increase cognitive functioning.
Expansion In Vocabulary
This is another one of the many benefits of reading a book. The more you read, the more new words you will be able to learn, and the more it will increase your vocabulary. I have experienced it firsthand. Reading certainly has a positive impact on my vocabulary. People are oftentimes amazed and impressed with my ability to speak new words. It also has increased my value in their thoughts. I appear more professional and confident in front of important people. It also boosts my self-esteem. And it has definitely helped me to choose the right career for myself.
Books also help in learning new languages and also native or non-native lingos. It, in turn, improves writing efficiency.
Improvisation In Writing Skills
This further supports the above-mentioned point of increasing vocabulary. A well-written work has often got more exposure to be published. It also helps in conveying your thoughts or messages that you are trying to give out in your writing. The fluidity and writing styles of the authors you read books of will influence your own writing skills.
The more you read, specifically a well-written piece of writing, the more it will influence and improve your own writing abilities. Reading will give a voice to your writing. You won’t be able to become a writer if you do not read. So if you dream of being an author or have books published under your names, you need to get started on writing first.
Improving Concentration
We are surrounded by technology and the internet on a wide range. And since we are having so much to look through at once, obviously we are going to spend less and less time on each of the things. This has caused our attention span to drastically decrease. No matter how much we try, we are unable to concentrate on one thing after a time limit.
Reading requires time, patience, and concentration. It forces and enables you to use your brain more and more. As it requires focus to read, it increases your ability to focus on one thing. Without focus, you are not to know what is going on on the page you are reading. This could be the cure to the short attention span we have developed. I have observed that, in general, the people who read are also good listeners in comparison to those who don't read at all. So making time to read on a daily basis can immensely benefit you in order to get your focus and concentration on one thing.
Brain Workout
As it is stated in the above point, the brain needs exercise to keep it healthy like any other muscle in our body. Reading is a great exercise for your brain. You cannot open a book and can just stare at it to know what is written. But you can do that while a t.v. Your brain doesn’t require much to know what's running on it. The same goes for music. You don’t have to be super focused in order to enjoy it.
Reading is unlike both of these activities. Your brain is actively involved in it. When you read, you train your brain to focus and concentrate. This gives your brain a workout and mental stimulation. And we all know how much a muscle can be strong and get in shape when it is exercised much.
Open-Mindedness
Reading has the power and ability to change your point of view and perspectives on many things. You can get to know and understand the ideas and thoughts of other people. Whatever you want to know more about, you can have it known from reading books about it.
Reading makes you realize that there is always more than one way to achieve or look at things. There are multiple perspectives or views that change from person to person. You will have a deep understanding and knowledge of a person’s perspective and way of thinking about a matter. It will also influence and improve your own thought process. It fills the gap in your knowledge. This will further help you to develop a more solid and informed opinion yourself. And it will be difficult for others to shake you on that since you are speaking on the basis of facts or experiences of actual people who tried those things themselves.
Moreover, when you read fiction, you get to know other people's stories. The characters are inspired by real-life people, and the action they take in particular situations are also based on them. When you read about them in the stories, you will have a better understanding of their personality and behavior. Besides, it will also help you relate to them. It will help you also in understanding their situations, cultures, values, etc. It will be helpful in knowing and understanding people better.
May Help Increase Your Social Circle
Reading is a solitary activity. But it still can help in increasing your social circle. There will be a lot of people out there who will share your interest in book reading. Especially when you attend book clubs, book fairs, libraries, etc., you are going to find them more. You can always share your books with them, or exchanging books from them can help increase your knowledge, and you will also get to know them better. This way books can help you make friends and increase your social circle.
Entertainment
Like I said before when you read good fiction, you get transported to another world. You will get to live the stories along with the characters. It is as good as entertaining as watching a movie. And it will be at a very low price if you go to read in a library instead of purchasing them. Besides, we now have access to multiple online sources that provide books for free. You just need a good internet connection for your device. What more can you wish for!?
Can Help With Depression
As per the research of the University of Liverpool, reading habit has helped the patients that were suffering from depression. It had a positive effect on their social well-being. It helped in boosting their confidence, a sense of belonging, lessening their state of isolation, and increasing communication skills. It has reduced the impacts of depression overall.
Mental Health
As per the above statements, reading books helps with reducing depression and stress. It also helps with Alzheimer's and dementia when your brain gets exercised through reading.
According to the University of Liverpool, reading can also help with your mental well-being as it helps in concentration as well. It also helps in building enthusiasm in learning new things. Moreover, your thought process also improves with reading. So, you can say that reading can be a way to your mental well-being and health.
Enables You Empathise With Others
As per studies, when you read fiction, you develop the ability to empathize with people more. When you read about people who have lived in different times and circumstances, you can understand them better and also relate to them.
You get to understand their struggles and way of life by reading about them. Books open our world, and it is an eye-opener in a true sense. They have the power to change your outlook on anything and everything.
Better Understanding
Since reading helps in connecting and relating with other people, you get a better understanding of others. You know their struggles, know what makes them ticks, why they are the way they are. You also have a better understanding of other people’s culture and what has influenced them to shape the person they are today. It also provides you with insights into their lives when you read books on a person’s experiences and lives.
Increase In Intelligence
If you want to be more intelligent, there are two ways to do that. One is to travel, but it can be costly and not possible for everyone or anytime. But the other way is to read a book.
Reading increases your knowledge, stimulates your brain, expands your vocabularies, and all this makes us increase our intelligence. It also positively affects our personality and confidence level. It is beneficial for our better cognitive functioning and developing our intelligence quotient. Reading simply makes you smarter.
Increase Analytical Skills
Have you read a thriller or mystery novel and tried to guess what happens next in the story? And did you succeed in guessing what happens and solves the mystery? If your answer is yes, then it indicates that you were able to put analytical and critical thinking skills to work. This is because you were taking notes of the details in it and sorted it out to solve the mystery.
In a way, you acted like a detective yourself. These skills and abilities are just as useful in other fields and in your life too. The attention you pay to the details will help you better in making a good decision. It is also a pleasure to have these when you need to criticize the written piece and discuss it with others.
It Can Be Tranquil
Reading books can also bring tranquility to you in addition to bringing you peace. Reading something related to spiritual things can mentally calm you and bring down your blood pressure. Also, self-help books have notably helped people suffering from mood disorders and milder mental illness.
There will be a book to help you attain the inner state that you are seeking.
Better Communication
When you read a book, you expand your knowledge on different topics. This gives you enough material to keep on talking or using during a conversation to keep it interesting and flowing.
It is enough to give you topics to think about and discuss with others while having a conversation. I, too, experienced this when I started reading. I am now the smart one among my friends and family. You get endless means to explore with your friends, and it will result in a better, informative, and meaningful conversation.
Increase In Creativity
Reading enabled you to picture the words written in your mind. Humans are programmed for this kind of visual imagination. We are capable of drawing an image of the pictures in our mind that is described by the words written in the sentence. You try it or not, your brain is going to bring up the images of the words that you are reading.
Insightful
Irrespective of a book you have already read, there will always be something new you are going to find out reading it once again. After being reading for quite some time, you unknowingly develop the habit of being more insightful and reading between the lines. You will begin to find more and more hidden messages or ways in the book. And it will make the book more enjoyable every time you read it. Because now you will be finding more out of it than the things you missed the last time.
Enjoyable
Above everything, reading is a really enjoyable activity, and only a book lover can appreciate the fun in it to its fullest. Just curling up in your comforter with a hot mug of coffee in your hands and getting lost in the world of fiction. This image is the ultimate definition of heaven for a book lover. And it comes at a minimal cost. Truly heaven!
Conclusion
There are far more advantages than the ones listed here to read a book. It cannot be explained completely, but the bliss one gets by reading a good book can only be felt.
I know some people are terrified to dive into the sea of words and can be overwhelmed with the jungle of it in a book. But you will not know what you are missing out on unless you read a book.
If you are thinking of drawing benefits from reading, then it is only necessary to start reading soon enough. Reading can be similar to exercising, just you are training your brain. Reading is an activity that will have a lifetime impact and will stay with you forever.
It might be difficult for you to stick to a routine of reading a book. But it will be better if you could stick to it. You need to find time in your busy schedule to fit in reading into it. Even if it is for ten minutes per day, do it. And before you even know it, you will become capable of reading multiple pages in just an hour.