Why you should read daily? | Benefits of reading.

In this post, we will explore the benefits of reading, be it fiction or non-fiction:

A book is like a friend which never betrays. Each time you will reach out to it, it will take you to a remarkable, unforgettable journey. It feels like exploring a new yet years old, known to many yet hidden world. As you will keep on reading, with each book piling upon another, every addition will produce and secure a significant place of its own in your heart.

Literature have greatly evolved since the Epic of Gilgamesh; the poem written on clay in ancient Mesopotamia, which is often regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature and after the Pyramid Texts, the second oldest religious text Since then, over the years writing technologies have advance greatly, from writing on clay to payrus, to animals skin, to paper and now e-paper. 

Although, just like today's e-paper, the paper also lowered the cost of literature in the past. "A tale of Genji, was the first novel written by hand on paper. 

With the digital revolution, as people adapted and became more globalized, the literature was never left behind. It produced more and more genres as people came forward with their creativity and interests.

Where the digital revolution and globalization have made literature more approachable, unlike in the past, the book lovers still prefer reading hard copies by physically holding them in their hands, instead of the soft copies. Well, it can be debate of another time. 

 

But even if you are not a biggest fan of books, it is still okay! The love for books may take time for some people in its development. Even if you were not introduced to books since your childhood, it is always a good choice and habit to adapt in every age. But before getting further, let's discover why it is good for you?

Why reading is important?

You may have found yourself wondering multiple times, what's this excitement all about? Why people obsess over books? It's just a boring book. Right? But you may be missing the main point here. It is not just a source of hollow entertainment. This hobby is packed with several benefits of its own. From improving your vocabulary mood, creativity to enhancing your focus and memory; it is an all rounder!

Following are the benefits of reading, which you can gain without any effort.

Also, if you are a game lover, so for better understanding you can see here the comparison of the two.

 

1. Cognitive exercise

"Thank you", she says, when I put the coffee cup on her desk."You look a little tired" 

She nods. "I imagine I look a lot older when I get tired."

"Not at all. You look wonderful, as always."

She smiles. "For someone so young, you certainly know how to flatter a woman." 

My face reddens. Miss Saeki points to a chair. 

The same chair as yesterday, in the exactly same position, I take a seat.

This is a part of conversation between 15 years old boy, Kafka Tamura and Miss Saeki from novel, Kafka on the shore.

 

Reading is literally an exercise for your brain. Just like muscles grow with exercise, our brain also grows as we read. As you read, something fascinating happens in your neurological system. New, different and unique patterns are developed over time, varying to the type of literature. It builds up your brain and improves its many functions. 

Reading is ,indeed, a complex task. You have to actively read, take grasp of abstract ideas and visualize the given explanation while keeping in mind the given context_ which can be multiple in case of multiple character narrated story- and thus makes sense of the text, all of this within a few seconds. This is definitely a lot to take in and perform at the same time. But this all seem huge when you recall them like this, but when in action mode, you just do it without even realizing the bulk of tasks. 

2. Vocabulary builder

"And in effect, the sultry darkness into which the students now followed him was visible and crimson, like the darkness of closed eyes on the summer's afternoon. The bulging flanks of row on receding row and tier above tier of bottles glinted with innumerable rubies and among rubies moved the din red specters of men and women..." - Brave New world

With every flipped page, you may discover a new word, which you may have never heard before. Thus, forcing you to consult modern dictionary- google. In the meantime, you will learn a new word! At the end, you won't even realize how much you have learned unless you subconsciously apply them somewhere. Now, another question can arise your mind, I can learn vocabulary on my as well, so what's so special about learning it this way? Well, when you are reading, there is a proper context, developed circumstances, meanwhile, when you learn a new word this way, you will not only learn it's meaning but you will also understand its application and the ways in which it can be expressed. As we all know, one word can be used in multiple contexts. Thereby, it is more reliable way than solely cramming its meaning.

The Classic novels have always been famous for their difficult vocabulary, complex plots and rich literature. But even through modern literature, you can learn a lot of new words, which you may not know otherwise because some words are not common but very important when it comes to literature (or simply writing). 

3. Focus and creativity booster 

“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn

You have to stay put, not physically but mentally, to grasp the context and understand the meaning of written text. If speaking logically, words themselves have no meaning. It is all about what you associate with them. You give them meanings. You imagine the whole picture and define the word and make the story. For this, you have to keep track of each characters' history, their emotional and physical state, and all the other things which could be supporting the certain plot. In short, you have to stay active and this activity trains your brain, which eventually, improves your focus. Besides focus, it also boost your creativity. As the author creates his own imaginary world, which is meaningless on its own unless you associate your imagination with it- thus author's creativity allows your mind to wander around and reach the distant places and in case of fiction, even creates a new superficial world. The author is like a magician to a reader, who holds his hand and keep him away with him, to a new and magical world, and when you return from it, you are magically and effortlessly, a new and improved version of yourself.

4. Empathy

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies and the man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

Books allows you to be in other characters' shoes ,in case of fiction, and in author's mind in case of non-fiction. You not only read the book, you live it! You feel the character's throughout their experiences, explore the world through their perspective and understand how certain things can influence peoples' personality. You feel love, loneliness, happiness, trauma and even, death. Another weird but true fact is, you live in the head of fictional character which came from the head of the author. 

Reading cross-cultural books can allow you explore others' faith and understand their priorities, it makes you able to understand other human beings, which is the best trait to have. It is the best leadership characteristic. 

"The functions of intellect are insufficient without courage, love, friendship,compassion and empathy." - Dean Krootz

Empathy is basically the ability to see the world through another person's eyes and realize his position to understand him better. And reading, literally, forces you to do this and thus, fiction teaches us the greatest lessons. 

5. You will have your own private world

You will have your own private world, which is share by millions. Ironic, right? Well, that's true. Ask any reader and they will tell you how much they love and adore their books, and they would never share their books with others (fictional books), they think of it as their little world, which is only their to own and it makes them feel happy. Although, some people prefer to trade books or sell old books for the sake of getting new ones, but know that the real obsessed reader would never do such thing!

6. Stress reliever

If you have been feeling very anxious or overwhelmed with your daily routine, then you could try reading some book. It can help you calm your nerves down. It works as a distraction, and take your mind away from all your worries and allows you to calm down while enjoying the story or learning new things. It works as a meditation. So if you have been feeling stressed lately, then give it a try and who knows, you may find your newfound passion for books?

7. Sleep soundly and live mindfully

Just like exercise, which helps your body to relax and makes your sleep better, reading also helps you release all your stress, and thus, enables you to sleep peacefully at night. Over the years, studies have found that people who read live more mindfully and contented life than those who do not. And as a proof, you can try reading for a week and see if you feel any difference in yourself.

Conclusion 

Concluding it, I hope you are now able to point out the benefits of reading and realize its importance and impact in one's life. And even if you are still doubtful, give it a try and challenge yourself to read daily for one week and analyze yourself during this phase. You will feel a change in your thought process and it will amaze you! 

Meanwhile, if we consider all of it, so we can say that it is worth all the hype ;) 

I hope you found this article helpful. Let me know your views about it in the comments. 

Do you agree with all of this?

And I would be more than glad if you could share other benefits, which I may have missed here!

In the meantime, take care and be grateful!