None of us would deny that reading books is a productive habit, yet very few of us do it. Most people defend themselves by saying “I don’t have enough time”. Well, you do! How do I know?
"According to BBC, the average amount of time people
spend watching TV is almost 2 hours per day."
This is why you don’t have time. You waste time watching TV
and many other non-productive activities.
Speaking of “wasting time”. Let’s not waste any more of your
time and jump onto the benefits of reading more books.
1. Acquire “complete” knowledge
Humans are the only species that can transfer knowledge
through generations. The more you read the better equipped you will be. Even if
you lose every physical possession, no one can ever snatch your knowledge away
from you.
I know many of you will condemn me with this phrase. “Dude,
I can acquire knowledge by watching YouTube videos. It’s even quicker 😏”.
You are correct my friend but that will be incomplete knowledge unless you
watch every video YouTube has to offer on that particular topic. That will
surely take more time than reading a book.
And as we all know “Having incomplete knowledge is more
dangerous than having no knowledge”. While reading a book gives you a
360-degree view of every topic.
2. Improve Memory
Whenever you read a book, you have to remember the names of
certain characters, objects, places. Not to mention the scenarios that weave
their way through the story. This helps you build better memory cells and
connections between them.
While advancing through chapters, you also need to recall
your memory to understand the subplots and correspondence. You learn how to
create memory maps in your mind which you can later apply in life to learn
something new.
Memory maps come in very handy for students and working professionals. If you successfully master it, you can even create your own mind palace. (Sherlock fans flood the comments section)
3. Strengthen critical and analytical thinking
Have you ever read a mystery novel and solved the mystery
before even finishing the novel?
If yes, Congratulations! You just sharpened your analytical
skills to the next level.
Solving mysteries require clear critical thinking. To
analyze the facts and conclude a result. These skills come in handy when Google
is down. Just kidding.
Critical thinking helps in academic success and taking
calculated decisions in the corporate world. It develops a clear thought
process in tough times.
Developing critical thinking at an early age can provide you
an unfair advantage over others. Not only will you do well academically but
also in making personal decisions
4. Improve concentration and Gain motivation
In this age of multitasking, it is crucial to have a
streamlined vision for achieving success.
When you read a book you devote 100% of your attention
otherwise, you either don't understand the meaning or miss out on something
important. Reading at least 20 minutes a day helps you improve your
concentration and focus.
Biographies are not written just to applaud the great feats
achieved by the legends. Reading such novels can help you deal with problems
ad-hoc(whenever presented to you). This is because you will have an idea of how
the greats handled the situation.
They become the primary source of motivation to carry on, to
take one step further.
5. Make a new friend who helps reduce stress and anxiety
As cliché as it sounds “books are your best friends”. They
neither complain nor demand. Surprisingly, a non-living thing can provide you
comfort when you don’t have anyone else. Reading your favorite genre can take
you to a safer place, relieving you of your grief.
“The greatest mistake that the physicians make is that they
attempt to cure the body without attempting to cure the mind; yet the mind and
body are one and should not be treated
separately" -
Plato
During your childhood, you might have to go through many
situations. Changing schools is one of them. During such times, you can try
reading books which have interesting characters. Bonding with such characters
can prevent you from loneliness.
6. Increase lifespan
“Based on a study of 3,635 people aged 50 or older, those
who spent time buried in a book survived almost two years longer on average
than those who didn't.”
Yes! Reading helps in generating better connectivity of
brain cells which lowers the risk of neural diseases like dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have shown that many diseases can be cured by just
keeping the mind busy. But oldies don’t really have much work to keep
themselves busy. Hence reading emerges as a blessing in disguise, by keeping
ailments at bay for older people.
7. Sleep better
Sleep is as underrated as eggs with sauce. But your daytime
efficiency depends on your nighttime rest.
If you stare at your mobile screens minutes just before
going to sleep, chances are you won’t be able to sleep at least for another
hour.
Putting a mind to sleep is like handling sheep. You have to
calm them down to drive them in one direction otherwise, they will scatter in
different directions. Reading just before sleep soothes the mind, giving you
the power to guide it to sleep.
8. Improve conversation skills
Most people like talking to others while a few find their
comfort in being quiet. But having good conversation skills come with a hamper
of opportunities.
Studies have shown that well-spoken people tend to get
promotions more quickly compared to those with smaller vocabularies.
Reading storybooks or novels will give you the knowledge to
spark a conversation or even taking them a step further.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a start or a speaker
who is looking to enhance his abilities in speaking, novels have got your back.
Good conversations can generate an ample amount of opportunities.
9. Stimulate imagination
“For it is in the mind we see, and in the mind we live,
whether we know it or no”
Imagination power is a precious asset for any artist. When
people say phrases like “think out of the box”, “be different!” I think of only
one follow-up question “How?”. They show us the destination but forget to guide
us.
Reading about people’s views can help you imagine what is
possible. Imagination will help you manifest new ideas and scenarios that can
get you trying new experiences.
Having a good imagination ability can help you distract your
mind from a disturbing situation.
10. Writing skills
It is just a coincidence that this benefit is at the end😂.
Penning a thought down gives you clarity.
A fact about writing things down:
Read a problem.
- First
approach: Try thinking about the steps for the solution. And
try to come up with a solution only utilizing your thoughts. Chances are
high that you will fail to get the correct answer. Or even worse you won't
even come up with an answer.
- Second
approach: Write the steps for the solution. Now evaluation
will be a cakewalk.
Reading successful authors’ works can have a massive effect
on improving your style of writing. So if you want to get better at writing
start by learning from previous maestros. They can introduce you to different
dimensions of thinking.
So what are you waiting for? Go pick up your pens!