Do you HATE reading? 7 reasons why you should start today
Put your hand on your heart and tell me the truth, do you read regularly? I mean a paper book or an e-book that takes you through hundreds of pages following the convoluted life of a fictional character? Are you a bookworm and can’t see out of the sea of book piles to read or, on the contrary, is your passion for reading limited to browsing the latest news online and memorising your daily to-do list? If you’re in the second group and scratching your head trying to understand what makes it so enjoyable to spend days or weeks in the skin of a protagonist cast in a paperback: here are some highly subjective and completely objective, scientific explanations.
When two worlds meet
The process of reflecting on ourselves begins with the choice of what to read: our current emotional state, our life situation, all determine which piece we choose. We can get tips and ideas by dealing with the complications that need to be resolved, because as many stories and characters as there are solutions in the labyrinth of letters. The stories in a book inspire, make us think, give us hope and lift us when we are at our lowest. The characters become our friends, sometimes even family members, and it is very difficult to let them go after a happy ending or even a dramatic denouement. They can stay with us for a shorter or longer period, while we continue to weave the thread of events and join them in an adventure of our own making. A simple but powerful phrase that often appears in booktok (Tiktok) videos is: “Why do I love reading? Because I can experience an infinite number of lives!” And it’s so true! If we wish, we can fight for love as a 17th-century countess in a dangerous sea of intrigue or battle a supervillain threatening our home as a dragon rider. But if we want to, we can indulge in a light romantic adventure in the shade of an olive grove in a small Tuscan town. Which story would you exchange your current life for in the twinkling of an eye?
Meditation, yoga poses? Come on! Relax with books!
Reading can even be used as a stress-relieving technique: instead of drowning in the endless stream of current worries, we are given a lifejacket by the story and dissolve into the present, putting our body and mind in a relaxed state. Of course, in this case, the frame also screams out for a more pronounced role. How about a fragrant, hot bath with your book, while pampering your facial skin with an easy-to-use tool? If you like this idea, click here! But even a sunny afternoon in the garden can provide the perfect setting for a similarly stress-free session. Or maybe it’s the comfort of your room, or the warming flames of the fireplace, that invite you to a story-filled night out? The possibilities are endless.
Human relationships through the written wor(l)d
It seems strange at first glance, but it’s true — books can also give us real, deep human connections, and not just with our beloved fictional hero. Nowadays, there are plenty of book communities where we can share our opinions and experiences with like-minded book fans about a much-loved or deeply hated work. But it’s also a great way to share a reading experience with friends, siblings or colleagues.
Reading and concentration
In our information-driven world, we are constantly interacting, scanning emails, checking social media, phones ringing, reading the news on our small screens, and addicted to multitasking management. Our attention is shared, our focus is broken, and we need to be fully present in every field. Focusing will be much better if we read for at least 15–20 minutes a day because when we give our full attention to a story, it is a boost to our concentration. Consequently, you can cope better with the challenges of the day if you read a book more often.
The mental stimulation of stories
Numerous studies have proved that reading can slow down (or possibly prevent) the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia by activating areas of the brain to keep them moving. The brain works in the same way as any other muscle in the body, which means that with the right exercises, it can be kept active and healthy.
Be the black belt of communication
By expanding your vocabulary, you can express your thoughts and feelings more precisely, expressively and clearly. Frequent reading can improve your ability to learn new words and phrases. This habit can be your number one tool for learning to communicate better and more effectively.
Fun for a song
Reading is expensive! This statement is only partly true — if you regularly leave the bookstore with bestsellers hot off the press, you can run out of money. But there are plenty of free or very affordable alternatives if you’re keen to read.
For a nominal fee, you can borrow thousands of books in various genres, even in foreign languages, from libraries.
Second-hand bookshops, online book exchange programmes and online marketplaces can help you get your chosen books, often brand new, for a fraction of the original purchase price.
Many bookstores run stock sweeps at regular times when you can buy books you’ve been wanting for a long time at surprisingly low prices.
Suppose also you are craving some superpowers that are useful in everyday life. In that case, it’s worth dusting off some of your childhood favourites or experimenting with some of the more recently hyped novelties. Remember:
Reading
is a bond with other people;
makes the personality more organised;
helps us to stay mentally fresh in old age;
gives recharge, comfort, and hope;
reduces blood pressure and stress levels.
We can express and identify feelings more easily.
We become more accepting and open-minded.
We learn more about the world and expand our knowledge.
Last but not least research shows that regular readers live 23 months longer than non-readers.
Nothing left to do: prepare novels, poems, novellas and storybooks! Let’s read!
References:
Bavishi, A., Slade, M. D., & Levy, B. R. (2016). A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity. Social Science & Medicine, 164, 44–48.
https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books
https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/blogs/post/top-10-benefits-of-reading-for-all-ages/
https://www.cae.edu.au/news/7-proven-reasons-why-reading-is-good-for-you/
