And since we are currently living in a world where information is readily available, it gives us more reason to ignore well published books.
Personally, I can't remember the first time I have read a book, may be because I use to play a lot when I was a child, like most little boys do.
But my dad is a wide reader, he collects books and magazines. And if I am not mistaken, he has a collection of old DC comics that was issued around 1950’s or 1960’s.
I can still recall the time my when Dad bought us our first encyclopedia. Weeks after, he bought us some other cool books, like Child Craft, World Atlas, and Sesame Street Books. And months after, he continued buying more books and included magazines for us to read and enjoy.
He really helped me to be a book enthusiast and form my reading habits.
Well, I am not a bookworm, that's for sure. As a child, I still go for a tour inside a toy store rather than a book shop or library. And even today, I spent more time reading articles in the Internet compared to actually opening a book.
So why is it reading important anyway? And what good does it gives us?
· It's a stress reliever
Study shows that reading helps us relax. It lets our brain set aside thinking about what makes us stressful. Since, while we tend to concentrate about what is written in the book, it helps us to lessen worries.
It's not a way to hide or to turn away from problems. In fact, once you feel relaxed, you can handle whatever is troubling you calmly.
· Keeps us knowledgeable
Reading helps us to be updated with current events, the latest trends, and expand our knowledge banks. And being knowledgeable gives you a better edge in your career, you can relate to much more set of people, and even improves your vocabulary because it will make you articulate.
The more knowledgeable you get, the more you know what you are saying, what is being discuss when you meet groups of people, and the next time you are face to face with your boss, you will have a lot of things to say or share instead of the normal, “Good Morning”.
In short, reading enhance your knowledge, thus, giving you much more confidence to talk about specific topics because whatever everyone knows, there is a chance that you either know more or better, and you can talk with more people around you.
· Reading has health benefits
It doesn't only provide knowledge to make us smarter; reading can actually help prevent disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, and Dementia, because it exercises our brain. Just like our body, if we exercise more, physically we grow stronger. Same goes with our brain. If we read more than the usual, it slows down the process of losing power when we age. Plus our memory will be better.
Well, these are just a few key benefits of reading. And most of what a regular reading habit can do to us is beneficial; it is really a great addition to our day to day lifestyle. My suggestion is that, you can start small by doing some half an hour reading before starting your day and before sleeping. And after a short while, you will notice great improvements.
Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Thanks for reading and until next time. J
References:
10 Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Read Every Day
Reading Changes Brain's Connectivity, Study Suggests
Benefits of Reading: Getting Smart, Thin, Healthy, Happy