Reading books
When was the last time you read a book? Have your reading sessions been limited down to your friend's status updates? The importance of reading books is undeniable and there are a lot of benefits of reading. You will find out that looking at symbols does a lot more than just take you to far-off exotic places: it stimulates your brain, your imagination, and much, much more.
Benefits of reading books
1. Mental stimulation
2. Stress reduction
3. Vocabulary expansion
4. Improved memory
5. heightened analytical thinking
6. Better focus
7. Free entertainment
8. Stronger bonds
What Is the Importance of Reading Books - All the Best Reasons to Start Reading a Book as Soon as Possible
So, what is the importance of reading books? What makes this activity so special? Here are a few good reasons for you:
1. Mental stimulation
When it comes to reading books, mental stimulation is the first benefit people think about. According to the studies conducted in the field, reading can slow down (or even prevent) Dementia and Alzheimer's. If you keep your brain busy, it won't lose its power. Think of the brain as a regular muscle in the body. If you exercise, it will stay strong and fit. For sure you have heard the phrase "use it or lose it". Some other activities you could engage in include playing games, such as chess, and doing puzzles. Whichever activity you choose, you should never forget about the importance of reading books.
Mental exercise
When we think about reading books, the last word that would come to our mind is stimulation. Because we are sitting still, or lying down, and doing nothing but using our mind. But the mind is a powerful tool of imagination that is stimulated by random thoughts strung together along through the story. Our mind is fueled by imagination; imagination is not just for children. Even just sitting somewhere and reading is the same and exercise for your mind. There is nothing more helpful for the soul than a good book to help bring out your creative side. Someone who reads a lot of books is more intellectually stimulated than those who are not. Book-readers are also a dying breed.
2. Reducing stress
Some people start jogging or practice yoga to reduce stress in their lives. Regardless of the amount of pressure you might be under, there is nothing a good story can't solve. The importance of book reading is given by the fact that it can take you to lands far away to a time you never dreamed about. Long articles work the same way. A well-written article will distract you and grab you from the everyday reality. This way the tension will simply melt from your body and you will be able to finally relax.
Spiritual activity
A great way to let off some steam is to just grab a book and sit outside in the shade. The atmosphere and scenery and fresh air will allow your mind more freedom to become immersed in the book rather than just reading at the library. Take into account all the factors of what makes reading a spiritual activity and you can use your reading time much like meditation for your soul.
3. Expanding your vocabulary
In case you read an article on importance of reading books, for sure you will find this benefit. The mechanism is quite simple: the more frequently you encounter some words, the sooner you will introduce them in your vocabulary. Expressing yourself clearly will help you both in your personal and professional life not to mention that it will give you a boost of self-confidence. As you may have guessed, being well-spoken will help you get a promotion faster and you will gain knowledge as well. If you are thinking about learning a new language, reading will help you see words in context, making learning the language easier.
Language acquisition
The value of reading gives us vocabulary practice through repetition. The same advanced words over and over again will make us advanced speakers of whatever language we are reading. Books are perhaps the best way to become fluent in a new language. If you choose enjoyable books, I would say it's an even better alternative to textbooks and study.
4. Improving your memory
The people wondering about the importance of reading books in our life might be concerned about their memory. For sure you don't want to become senile when you get old, so your memory is crucial. When you read a book you have to remember a range of characters, their ambitions, history, nuances, and backgrounds along with sub-plots. This is a lot, if you come to think of it, but the brain has amazing powers when it comes to remembering even vast amounts of information. Every new memory creates new synapses and strengthens the existing ones, improving short-term memory.
Books give us time to reflect
The importance of books give us a sense of knowing what's lurking around the corner of every cliffhanger. We start to become masters of figuring out things before they happen. Book reading turns us into real-life detectives capable of problem solving and critical thinking. The correct way to read books would be to finish a chapter and then take some time to reflect upon what you just read. This will help focus your mind before moving onto the next chapter.
5. Analytic thinking
In many cases people need analytic thinking for their work and this is another reason for which reading books is important. As interesting as it may sound, reading can improve analytic thinking. Did you ever read a mystery novel and sorted out who done it before the book ended? This proves you have good skills. You can exercise the same neurons if you analyze the plot of a novel. Was it a well-written one? Were the characters properly developed? If you have friends who like reading as well, you could start a club and discuss the books you read. Aside from exercising your brain, you could also squeeze in some social activities too.
6. Improving concentration and focus
It is a known fact that in our days people have a very short attention span. In a matter of minutes they work, check tweets, chat with people, check their emails, and check their smartphones. This is where the importance of reading and writing comes into the picture. The ADD-like behavior only makes us more stressful and less productive. When you start reading, you have only one thing to focus on. You should try reading for 20-30 minutes before going to work and you will realize that you will be able to focus for longer periods of time.
Sit still and do some reading
Over time books importance can actually improve our concentration, since it's required in order to pay attention to the little details that a story includes. The more books we read, the less likely we are to be distracted by things outside of our control. People who cannot sit still can be cured of their anxiety through reading a good book for at least one hour every day. The effects of book-reading can have on our body and mind can be quite miraculous. It's an alternative therapeutic cure for our troubles.
7. Entertainment for free
In our days everything costs, so people are looking for free stuff. One of the best things about reading is that it offers free entertainment. Once you buy the book, you can read it as many times as you'd like. There is also the option of reading books online. There are free digital and some that you need a paid membership for. Here you will find millions of books only one click away. You can keep yourself up to date with the latest bestsellers or with the most well-known literary pieces of them all.
Books are valuable
In the long term, buying many books and reading through them at your earliest convenience will save you money on that time you would have spent playing games or going out at night. Book reading is about as productive of an activity as you can get, because your mind is growing after each finished book. The value of reading can't only be measured by money, as there are many more factors to consider.
8. Why to read to your children?
If you are thinking about reading, you should also think about the importance of reading to children. Children can also benefit from this activity in many different ways. Reading will help you develop a stronger bond with them, they will gain basic speech skills, and academic excellence can also be a "byproduct" of reading. The children the parents read to and those who read on their own have better communication skills, are thinking more logically, and they embrace new experiences. They are able to concentrate for longer periods of time and they have discipline. It is best for children to learn at a young age that reading is fun.
Is reading a boring waste of time?
Some people might think that reading is boring and a waste of time, but you can be sure that these people never read a good book. They would be amazed by what a good book can do and they have absolutely no idea on what they are missing.
