Whether you’re trying to build healthier habits or find a new hobby, reading is a fantastic way to spend your time. The benefits of reading are innumerable, and it’s an activity you can thoroughly enjoy throughout your entire life. Books are just as diverse and multifaceted as the authors who create them, so you’ll never get bored or run out of material to read!
Becoming a book lover is a lifechanging experience, and here are the top 10 reasons why…
10. Opens your mind.
Books make it easy for you to find out about alternative perspectives and discover new viewpoints you’ve never considered before. Hearing somebody else tell their story or part of their history will help you become a more understanding, empathetic, and knowledgeable person. Reading improves the brain’s plasticity, meaning that your mind actually grows and changes when you feed it with new knowledge and information.
9. Easy escapism.
When life feels boring or disappointing, you can get lost in a fantasy world, try to solve murder mysteries, slay mythical creatures, or indulge in a sweet love story. Reading is a healthy form of escapism that can help you feel better after a bad day.
8. Encourages you to get offline.
From countless emails to social media notifications to streaming movies, the amount of time you spend online probably isn’t the best for your mental health. Psychologists recommend taking regular breaks from the endless stream of online activity once in a while to enjoy simpler activities like taking a walk outdoors or reading a book.
7. Decreases loneliness.
Reading is often thought of as a solitary activity, but you can find entire communities of people who create groups centered around their love of reading or their favorite books. There are even virtual book clubs you can join to make some new friends and discuss the most recent novels you’ve read! You can visit your local library to ask about book clubs to join or search for groups on Facebook to widen your social circle.
6. Experience new things.
Books can take you anywhere, from the summit of Mount Everest to the white Caribbean beaches, without requiring you to get off the couch. You can get a good sense of different regions around the world before you ever travel there yourself, or you can experience entirely imagined fantasy worlds. There are a broad range of genres suitable for all your interests, giving you the ability to satisfy your curiosity.
5. Gives you new conversation starters.
If you struggle with small talk, talking about things you recently read about can be a great icebreaker! You can share fun facts about the topic you’re learning about, describe one of your favorite chapters, or ask the person you’re with if they have ever read the book before. It’s an easy way to learn more about someone without asking too many questions.
4. Improves your writing skills.
All great writers were prolific readers, and they strongly encouraged others to read more as well. As you read, you can pick up on the ways authors grab your attention, increase suspense, or inject humor into their work. Without studying the work of other writers, your own writing skills will likely remain the same.
3. Reduces stress.
Instead of being bombarded with different photos and posts from hundreds of people on social media, you just have to focus on one story. The singular focus, combined with a cozy reading environment, can help you relax and reduce tension at any time of day.
2. Improves your memory and concentration.
According to the National Institute on Aging, reading books is a great way to help your mind stay active as you grow older. Studies have found that people who actively read, solve puzzles, and engage in other highly cognitive activities are less likely to develop symptoms of dementia. The earlier you create a reading habit in your life, the better!
1. It’s free!
Reading is one of the few activities left that’s completely free to enjoy. Thanks to libraries, eBook lending services like OverDrive, and JustKindleBooks, it’s simple to find thousands of books in all your favorite genres. Just go to the free books page, select your favorite genre, and you’ll be instantly directed to the latest books that can be downloaded for free from the Kindle store!