“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home.”
Reading has been a constant since we were in first grade. The reading format has changed, from reading the alphabet to academic books to holding and reading stories that only last 24 hours. It’s a generally accepted fact that reading can be life-changing. However, non-readers frequently wonder, “How do books change lives?” The truth is that books do not transform our lives in an instant.
Benefits of Reading Books
Also, they won’t change the characteristics and habits we have accumulated over the years in a day or two. However, once we start reading frequently, minor changes will appear gradually over time. “It is the little things that count,” as the adage goes, we will work hard on those tiny things to transform them into something big. Here, we’ve compiled a list of benefits of reading so that readers can celebrate their accomplishments and non-readers can comprehend the value of reading and get started with doing so.
1. Reading and Knowledge – Enhancement
“If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.” – Roald Dahl
Because reading can teach us anything, many well-known people have prioritized reading. They have all accomplished so much by reading, whether it be Warren Buffet, who attributes all of his knowledge to books, Queen Elizabeth, who reads for two to three hours every day, or Bill Gates, who thinks that we don’t start to age until we stop reading.
Are you looking forward to stop procrastinating? Looking forward to starting a new business? How to master a course? The one-stop solution for everything is to read.
2. Reading and Empathy
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” – George R. R. Martin
The ability to imagine oneself in another person’s situation is known as empathy. There is no doubt that empathy has made the world a better place. Reading and empathy go hand in hand. By reading novels, we have the opportunity to get to know a variety of characters. From the strong-willed Jane from the famous classic Jane Eyre to Primrose Everdeen from the highly sensational “Hunger Games,” each character has much to offer. We could replicate the same in real life as we understand and empathize with these fictional characters. We also can learn more about inclusivity, accepting and understanding people as they are, irrespective of their backgrounds. In short, as we read books, we can read people too.
3. Reading: A Way of Getting Peace
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
How many days did we want to wake up and stay still? We are constantly on the run in the hustle and bustle of the everyday world. Though being active and productive is something to be cherished, it can also make us frustrated and overwhelmed. But in this busy world, we can’t just break our routines as we please. On the other hand, reading is a fantastic way to escape to other places when you’re physically curled up on a sofa or lying flat on a couch. It is quite calming on the inside. Reading helps us focus, which relaxes and lessens our anxiousness. Apart from this, it also serves as the best companion through days of solitude.
4. Reading and Writing
Writing and reading go hand in hand. Because both readers and writers yearn for a connection with each other. The connection between reading and writing is that as we read regularly, we learn new words and techniques that will eventually help us write. Here, writing is not confined to stories, poems, or blogs. Even when we write in our personal or professional lives, the knowledge we acquire through books will undoubtedly help us stand out by expressing our thoughts on paper even better.
5. Reading: A Way of Self-discovery
There is a famous saying, “You are what you eat.” But, the expression would be more appropriate if it was, “You are what you read.” Because reading shapes us as a person and brings out a better version of ourselves.
We can understand our tastes and preferences from the books we read. Because we don’t complete a book that somewhere doesn’t align with our thoughts. So, we can understand ourselves from a new perspective from the genres and themes we choose to read. We also discover or rediscover our beliefs, preferences, and ideologies. Once we master the art of self-discovery, things will change.
In a world of people searching for their lost identities, we can have a whole bookshelf that describes our personality.
6. Reading: Because It Is Entertainment
“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” – J. K. Rowling
Keeping aside all the serious points, reading can just be fun. All we need is a little distraction and entertainment while we are preoccupied with mundane tasks and daily routines. So, we spend hours playing Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, despite knowing that they give us nothing and they are purely for fun. But, when attempted, books can be more fun than mobile games and fun stuff. Also, reading is never dull. There are null chances that we end up with no books to read or a lack of books in any specific genre. Even if we outgrow a genre or get tired of it, a new one awaits us.
⭐ MUST READ: Best Books To Read If You Are New To Reading! 📚 💯
So, there is nothing wrong with a bit of entertainment, right?
Another significant benefit is that reading keeps us updated and costs much less. Since practically all cities have public and private libraries, a month’s reading fee would equal recharging any entertainment platform for the same duration. Even if there is no library, there are plenty of online platforms to read books for free. We can also find used books and digital copies of books online, at a discounted price than the original.
So, there should be no more excuses. At first, reading may seem tedious, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll pat yourself on the back for the habit. Happy Reading!