The benefits of reading are not limited to entertainment. You can learn and improve skills that can add value to your life. Reading novels to pass the time is a great way to exercise the brain. Read every day and you will see changes in your vocabulary and writing skills.
Reading is a fundamental skill that every human should develop. You were forced to read when you were young, but you should continue to read during adulthood. Let us explore some benefits of reading.
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Benefits of Reading: Why is reading good for you?
You learn
Have you ever wondered why university students read for a degree? Reading is an activity that teaches us something that we don’t know. Whether you read educational or fictional novels, you will learn something.
You gain new knowledge when you read something outside of your field. You can improve your social skills with the wealth of knowledge gained from reading. Reading makes you interesting, and you can engage in conversations easily.
Improves memory
Reading is a mental stimulation exercise that will keep the brain active. It slows down your decline in mental power. Reading can preserve your memory in old age. Mental activities like reading can prevent Alzheimer’s. This is a type of dementia that causes memory problems. If you want to improve your memory, read at least one book per month.
Develop good analytical skills
If you are reading a novel, you will critique the author’s work. This is very common in literature class. Do not just limit this exercise to your literature class because this skill can be useful in life. You can relate some stories to real-life situations. Reading broadens your mind. You get to understand humans and life better. If you need an activity to improve your critical thinking skill, then reading is the answer.
Expand your vocabulary
You will be exposed to new words when you read novels, literacy work, or newspapers. You can express yourself better than the average person who does not read. You may not learn all the words at once. However, when you read often, you will see new words until you become familiar with them. You see how the words are used in a sentence, and you can use them properly. Keep your dictionary near you when you pick up a novel.
Improve writing skills
Practicing writing helps to improve your writing skills; however, reading gives you a blueprint. Reading shows you how to write so you can follow and develop your skills. If you know a great writer, you should read their works and try to emulate their writing style. Writing is an art, and you study it by reading.
Relaxation
Reading reduces stress and provides comfort. If you are facing problems in your life, you can escape reality by reading an interesting novel. Reading can make your imagination run wild and put you in your own world. It is your alone time where you can relax and forget about your troubles for a while. Sometimes you need a break from reality.
Improve concentration
You cannot control the chatter of people while you read on the bus or the blaring music coming from your neighbor’s house. You have to continue reading if you want to finish your novel. This requires focus and concentration. Reading strengthens your focus and concentration. Despite many distractions, you can focus on your primary task.
Inspiration
Reading inspirational books can contribute to your growth and development. Some inspirational books are positive and uplifting. If you feel down, you can be renewed spiritually by just reading an inspirational book.
Some inspirational books for the soul include Bird by Bird by Anna Lamott, The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion, and When Breath Become Air by Paul Kanthani.
You can spend quality time with your child
Reading bedtime stories is a great way to spend quality time with your child. During these bonding moments, you are teaching your child how to read. When your child learns to read, they will be able to read the stories to you. They can enjoy the benefits of reading and develop their cognitive skills.
Improve your language skills
If you are not good at English or Spanish, you can read novels or newspapers in the language you are trying to learn. You will learn how to express ideas and concepts in a foreign language. The spelling of words that you hear can be clarified through reading. You will master grammar and punctuation through consistent reading.
Wrapping up
Reading is not about entertainment as there are unseen benefits such as improved memory, focus, and concentration. Try to read one novel per month. If you can read more then that would be great.