10 benefits of reading more books: Why you should make it a habit?

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 anymore 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)

To know more about mind control, read the following article

Can simple control over the mind be accomplished using these 3 ways?

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!

What did you think?

I’d love to hear what you think about this blog post.

Or maybe you have a question about something you read.

Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment below right now.