Reading Books and the benefits that come with it
I always find the human mind quite intriguing. It is amazing that we can make a world of endless possibilities out of mere scribbling on pages, we can hear the words and then turn those words into thoughts and emotions.
Dating back to the 11th century, a Japanese woman named Murasaki Shikibu who wrote “The Tale of Genji,” a story of 54-chapters of courtly seduction which is believed to be the world’s first novel.
Now after 2,000 years , people around the world are still captivated by novels — even in an era where stories are constantly being steamed on screens and disappear.
Benefits of reading books are numerous, As the intellectual and psychological capacity increases. Every single book you read gives you endless opportunities of exploration & learning new things. While reading, you obtain information ,knowledge & have a plethora of other benefits as well.
“Reading is important, because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything”. — Tomie dePaola
When was the last time you read a book, or a magazine article? Don’t say that your daily reading habit counts as tweets, Facebook updates, or the directions on your instant ramen(Japanese noodle) packet?
If you’re one of countless people who don’t make a habit of reading regularly, you might be missing out.
“A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read.” — Mark Twain
What are the benefits of reading?
Today there are many devices available , that make reading easy or convenient such as handheld screens etc. But the Old School method of Reading books has been scientifically proven to bestow humans with various benefits, including enjoyment, knowledge, & pleasure. Book reading can improve your mental and physical condition. The benefits of book reading can start in childhood and last forever.
Because we know you’re intrigued in finding out about how your hobby will improve your life, you will read below detailed explanations about each separate benefit.
1: Reading helps you collect the thoughts and views of others & develop an educated opinion
One of the main advantages of reading books is that you are able to collect the thoughts and views of others which helps in making great decisions.
For example, if you wanted to learn about Medical science you wouldn’t just read one book and say “great, I’ve got it now.”
Rather, you’d read multiple books from different authors.
Just like Mortimer J. Adler addresses in his exemplary How To Read A Book, it is in the juxtaposition of different people’s ideas where you fully begin to understand a topic.
The point is to have a more extensive information about the topic.
By reading multiple texts on the same topic, you’ll be able to identify and fill your knowledge gaps.
As you start collecting the views and thoughts from different people, you will develop a more quality opinion than you would have had otherwise.
2: Reading improves memory
Reading daily improves memory .Reading is a neural workout that stimulates parts of your brain which are responsible for vision, language, and associative learning.
So, as you’re reading this article right now, you’re “stimulating parts of the brain that have evolved for other functions — such as vision, language, and associative learning — connect in a specific neural circuit for reading, which is very challenging,” says Ken Pugh, PhD, president and director of research of Haskins Laboratories.
So, it’s lot more than just looking at mere words on a page.
All this constant mental work and challenge makes one’s mind agile and flexes your memory muscle constantly.
Studies have even proven that mental challenges like reading or completing puzzels may help maintain brain’s health and shove off signs of Alzheimer’s in old age.
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” — Richard Steele
3: Reading helps you sleep
If you’re struggling to go to sleep , You will be amazed at what 10–15 minutes of reading can do.
The University of Sussex found that lower stress levels thanks to reading also helped to fight insomnia.
Furthermore, a nighttime routine that involves reading can help you sleep more and easily. Just see that you’re not reading on your phone or laptop, as the lights that are produced by devices are proven to suppress melatonin at night time.
4: Improves vocabulary
From as far as 1960, the researchers on reading have discussed what’s known as “the Matthew Effect,” a term that refers to biblical verse Matthew 13:12: “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”
Researchers have foundTrusted Source that students who read books regularly, beginning at a young age, gradually develop large vocabularies. And vocabulary size can influence many areas of your life, from scores on standardized tests to job opportunities.
A 2019 poll conducted by Cengage showed that 69% of employers are looking to hire people with “soft” skills, like the ability to communicate effectively. Reading books is the best way to increase your exposure to new words, learned in context.
5: Reading something is just about as good as experiencing it
Have you ever experienced being so into a book that it simply feels like you’re there?
If so, you’re not alone.
Studies have shown that the same neurological regions are stimulated when you read as to when you’re experiencing something.
This is because a book makes you feel a part of the story. It is your mind that is creating images, as you were watching a TV show, where you’re a clear observer to another person’s vision.You can experience the life of someone it opens your mind to a completely different world a escape from reality.
6: Reduces stress
A study by Sussex University showed that reading lowers blood pressure by as much as 68 percent.
As cognitive neuropsychologist David Lewis told The Telegraph, “It really doesn’t matter what book you read. By losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination.”
Reading spiritual texts can even lower blood pressure and come forth a great sense of peace.
7: Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills
Have you ever read an amazing mystery novel, and solved the mystery yourself before finishing the book? If so, you used critical and analytical thinking by taking notes of all the details given and sorting them out to determine “who did it?”.
The ability to analyze details also comes in handy when it comes to critiquing the plot; determining whether it was a well-written piece, if the characters were properly developed,etc.
If you ever have an opportunity to discuss the book with others, you’ll be able to state your opinions clearly, as you’ve taken the time to really consider all the aspects involved.
8: Increases imagination and creativity
Written words stimulate your mind to create images.
Researchers have found that visual imagery is simply programmed into the human brain.
We determine photos of objects a lot faster when we simply just read a sentence that described the look of an object.
Simply, when we read a sentence, our mind will automatically show images. Even without trying.
9: Reading helps with depression
According to studies by the University of Liverpool, reading helped patients suffering from depression with their social well-being.
Reading helped build self-confidence, lessening cultural isolation, building a sense of community and fostering increased communication skills.
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.” — Kofi Annan
10: May even help you live longer
A long-term health and retirement studyTrusted Source followed 3,635 adult participants for a time-period of 12 years, finding that those who read books survived 2 years longer than those who either didn’t read or who read magazines and other forms of media.
The study also concluded that people who read more than 3 1/2 hours every week were 23 percent likely to live longer than those who didn’t read at all.
What should you be reading?
So, what should you be reading? The short answer is: Whatever you can get your hands on.
There was a time when remote regions had to rely on librarians traversing the mountains with books stuffed in saddlebags. But that’s hardly the case today. Just about everyone can access libraries contained in cellphones and tablets.If you’re pressed for time, devote a few minutes daily to a blog on a topic. If you’re looking for an escape, fantasy or historical fiction can tget you out of your surroundings and into another world .
Don’t read solely on a device. Flip through print books, too.
Studies have shown repeatedly that people who read printed books score higher on comprehension tests and remember more of what they read than people who read the same material in a digital form.
That may be, because people tend to read print more slowly than they read digital content.
The takeaway
Reading if not necessary, is good for you. Research shows that regular reading:
- improves brain connectivity
- increases your vocabulary and comprehension
- aids in sleep readiness
- reduces stress
- lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- fights depression symptoms
- prevents cognitive decline as you age
- contributes to a longer life
- Increases imagination and creativity
- Stronger Analytical Thinking Skills
It’s important for children to read as much as possible because the effects of reading are endless. However, it’s never too late to begin taking advantage of the many physical and psychological benefits waiting for you in the pages of a great book.
