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Reading is an activity that would cause some people to groan in pain while others would skip in joy at the prospect of it. But, usually, it is the first group of people you’ll notice using an essay proofreader service for their assignments the most. So, how can the benefits of reading surprise you lets look ahead deep into the article
However, there’s no doubt that this activity is something that you have to partake in throughout your life. It can be through reading the newspaper, the latest bestseller, a comic or official documents. In fact, this is such an everyday activity that most people seem to forget that there are some benefits attached to reading.
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How Can You Benefit From Reading?
In a fast-paced world where people have become used to taking shortcuts to complete their tasks at every turn, the practice of reading a book has become obsolete. In the last 20 years, the number of adults in the US who read books has dropped by 7%.
There are various reasons behind this, but the most significant is that people have lost the patience to sit and read anything. In addition, those who used to read for entertainment have shifted to watch YouTube videos or Netflix during their free time. As a result, reading as a form of relaxation is slowly dying out.
However, if you’re planning to give this activity a chance, you’ll be surprised by the number of benefits that you can reap.
1. Helps to reduce stress
A 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that reading books showed a 68% decrease in stress. When you lose yourself in the world of literature, all the worries that plague you every day take a back seat. Therefore, you can give all your attention to reading, letting the tension off your shoulders.
2. It makes you more empathetic
The world is vast and filled with people of different cultures and backgrounds. You can’t understand their pain and suffering unless you experience it yourself. However, through books, you can read about their lives and experiences, making you empathise with their situation.
It is impossible to imagine a situation where you have to walk hours to collect water or eat one meal a day during a famine when you live in a first-world country. Books allow you to learn about such lives and empathise with them.
3. Improves your knowledge
Knowledge is the biggest strength that you can use to your advantage in any situation. A well-rounded human being should have basic general knowledge and the ability to hold up intellectual conversations. Moreover, you can gain small bits of knowledge from any book, regardless of the theme. For example, it is quite possible to find random information about fishing in a detective book.
4. Boosts your mental health
The human brain is a muscle that requires work out to function at its best. Therefore, the only way to keep your brain active and engaged is to read. Many medical reports show that older people can stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia by reading books frequently. Other mentally engaging activities are working with puzzles, playing chess, etc.
5. Helps to develop your analytical skills
Most students are used to finding quick, easy solutions in the blink of an eye. For example, you can quickly find out the length of your essay by using a word counter tool. But when you read a detective novel, there’s no shortcut. Instead, you would have to use your critical thinking ability to understand how the crime took place.
Many such books can make you think deeply and work your brain to find the solution, thereby sharpening your analytical skills.
6. Improves your writing skills
Reading well-written books has a significant influence on your writing style. When you observe the way authors use intricate stylistic choices in their writing, their rich vocabulary and cadence, you can pick up the information and incorporate it into your work. This can help you improve the quality of your writing immensely.
7. Gives a boost to your memory
Reading goes hand-in-hand with remembering multiple characters, situations, histories, plots, sub-plots and thousands of other pieces of information. Thus, it’s the perfect activity to improve your memory.
The human brain is a fascinating organ that can hold such a vast amount of data with ease. So, when you read, your brain gets the workout it needs to keep your memory sharp.
8. Helps in improving your concentration
Most people in the 21st century have short attention spans. Multi-tasking has become the norm, and you’ll rarely find someone who can concentrate on something for more than a few minutes. In such a situation, reading is the only exercise that can help you improve your focus and concentration.
When you read a book, your surroundings fade away, and you can dive into another world. Try to take some time out of your hectic schedule to read for 10-15 minutes every day, and you’ll see a vast improvement in your overall concentration.
9. Provides an ice-breaker opportunity
First meetings can always be slightly awkward. But reading a variety of books provides you with the opportunity to find common ground. In addition, an appreciation for a familiar subject can direct the conversation into other areas, making the first meeting more exciting.
10. Improves your sleep
If you’re in the habit of reading before going to bed, many times, you’ll find yourself waking up with a book in hand. Studies prove that reading has a calming effect on the nerves, which leads to you experiencing a good night’s sleep.
How Can You Improve Your Reading Habit?
Even if people want to read, developing a consistent reading habit out of the blue can be challenging. However, it’s not impossible. You have to remember that it’s a practice that can only develop with time and effort.
Let’s look at some simple tips that can help you in this process.
1. List out what you’d like to read
Having a list of books you’d like to read saves time worrying about the question- “What should I read next?” You can make your list from anything you’ve always wanted to read or even the bestsellers.
2. Find a quiet place
Reading is best done in a peaceful location where you won’t have a million distractions to steal away your attention. It’s always best to find a comfortable position- either on your bed or sofa – to dive into a new book.
3. Take time out of your schedule to read daily
The common reason that most people give up on reading is- “I just couldn’t find the time.” However, you don’t need to dedicate an hour to reading every day. Taking out at least fifteen minutes is enough. You can even keep a book with you and read it during your daily commute.
4. Replace other forms of entertainment with reading
Try to replace the time you spend online streaming or playing video games with reading. This simple change in habit can help you immensely in improving your reading habit.
Summing it up
Various scientific studies show that reading has an overall positive impact on every aspect of your life. It’s a hassle-free activity and provides you with multiple benefits that can improve your quality of life. As long as you stay focused on improving your reading habit, you can achieve success quickly.
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