How many books have you read so far? Why should we be reading books,
instead of spending our free time doing something else? The winter
season is a perfect timing to read more books, as we have more time
available, but how many of us invest time for this relaxing activity? To
be honest, I have discovered more than 10 reasons why a habit of
reading books has been useful in every aspect of life, but we have a
list with only the most important benefits of reading books.
The importance of reading has been appreciated in many ways by most of us and, probably, the most important conclusion is that this activity makes us more human. According to recent researches, the act of reading is a beautiful yet unique experience that distinguish us from the animal kingdom. Moreover, it is a clear difference, though, between fictional or non-fictional books, but the power of reading is obviously an activity than doesn’t make us better, but human.
Here is a list of 10 important benefits of reading books:
The importance of reading has been appreciated in many ways by most of us and, probably, the most important conclusion is that this activity makes us more human. According to recent researches, the act of reading is a beautiful yet unique experience that distinguish us from the animal kingdom. Moreover, it is a clear difference, though, between fictional or non-fictional books, but the power of reading is obviously an activity than doesn’t make us better, but human.
Here is a list of 10 important benefits of reading books:
1. Reading makes you smarter
It is obviously the essential purpose of this post, right? Reading isn’t just a relaxing activity, but a great opportunity to discover new and interesting things from various domains. Therefore, you’ll enlarge your knowledge found in books, no matter the area. It keeps you open minded and sharp at any age and offers new ways to see the world. Moreover, a person can’t become a better human being or achieve greatness in life, unless he gathers more information from all kind of resources.2. It can help lower stress
I found this benefit to be extremely useful in a stressful period in our lives, as it is one of the most relaxing activity to help persons escape from their daily routine and enter in a new and exciting world. A research conducted by the consultancy firm Mindlab International at the University of Sussex has highlighted the idea that even six minutes of reading can be enough to reduce stress levels by 68 per percent. Moreover, it can help depressed or sad people to overcome easier difficult moments happening in their lives, as it is a true therapy for both mind and soul.3. Reading improves our imagination
I don’t know about you, but after finishing a new book, I end up seeing the world from a new perspective. It becomes easier for me to find better solutions for any problem, as well as generating new ideas. Needless to say that imagination has a special place in our life. Being the principal component of creativity, it stimulates our thinking, help us expand our understanding of different things and creates new ideas. Through imagination, we escape from an overwhelming reality to enter in a better world created within words chosen carefully to describe new places, phenomena or people.4. It improves also your memory
Sometimes I get angry because I have forgotten someone’s birthday or send a message to a friend. Books do have a great contribution to improve our memory, as they are an excellent tool to stimulate our brain activity and, thus, our memory. Unlike other relaxing activities (watching a movie or listen to a song), reading allows as more time to meditate, to have a special pause for analyzing what’s going on in our current life. The important benefit of reading books is also to increase the capacity to anticipate and build many hypotheses.5. It develops our communication skills
It’s no secret to anyone that a person who has a vast knowledge in many domains is also a better communicator. Considering these current new technologies that demand a high level of communication – both written and oral – reading does help us, because we learn new words to express how we feel and things in general. For instance, each time I read a new book I do a very useful exercise: note new words or expressions in my agenda. I encourage you to do the same, find the meaning of these words/expressions in a dictionary and then try to memorize them; even use them in a conversation with your friends.6. Reading improves personal relationships
When reading, many of us identify with one or two characters found in the book with their lifestyle, way of thinking or life experiences. We often compare these stories with ours and discover new perspectives of seeing or approaching a new problem. Therefore, we apply useful advice in our personal relationships, develop new techniques to interact with others. Our main goal is to have better relationships with our friends and family, so books are a great way to do it, as well as empathizing and socializing better.7. Reading is the perfect way to relax
We all feel a strong desire to escape sometimes from the quotidian and discover a new place. Besides traveling, reading creates the perfect gateway for quiet and relaxing moments. Probably the most important benefit of reading books is the disconnection from our reality for hiding in a better place with happy ends and memorable moments.8. Reading helps people to contribute for a better world
Readers are usually dreamers who imagine a better place on earth and are inclined to have artistic abilities, enjoying arts spectacles or different social and civic implications in various organizations. These persons are generally humble, idealist and willing to bring their contribution for a better world. Moreover, according to a study realized by National Endowment of Arts, people who read are more likely to get involved in charity acts or perform volunteer activities with better opportunities for a career growth and more financially rewarding jobs.9. It improves analytic skills
Another important benefit of reading books is to improve our analytic thinking with a better understanding of things and situations. Most of the times, books bring to our attention new subjects and ideas, challenging our brain’s components and boosting analytic skills. Thus, readers are able to identify better new patterns, make excellent connections and improve their knowledge.
