They say, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… but the man who never reads lives only one.” This quote may sound superficial upon the first glance, but giving it a second read will make you realise how true it is, because reading as a habit is not just an activity for the eyes, but it is an exercise for the human mind.
If you are one of those people who find true happiness and solace in a library, or if being at a bookstore surrounded by thousands of books brings a wide smile on your face, then you, my friend, are opening the doors of deep relaxation and new knowledge that would enlighten your mind and help you discover new wavelengths of visual imagination, which even you did not know you were capable of. Reading is considered to be the pathway to heightened cognitive skills. Hence, listed below are a few of the most vital benefits of being an avid reader.
1. Reading enhances vocabulary – Everyone possesses a vocabulary, but when you read, your vocabulary automatically grows, and you tend to have an edge over the rest. And believe it or not, a good vocabulary is always impressive! When you read, you come across a plethora of words you have not read or even heard of before. That helps you acquire new words, phrases, and ways of expressing yourself in a much better way.
2. Reading improves comprehension skills – Everyone, especially children, who are exposed to vast reading tend to have a much better grasp at comprehension and develop smart thinking abilities while being increasingly receptive to creativity that surrounds them. As a result, they grow up to become fine and intelligent youngsters with an improved sense of awareness.
3. Reading improves memory and polishes critical thinking abilities - When you read a book, whether non-fiction, fiction or philosophical, you tend to get captivated by the story it is trying to tell. In the bargain, you are prompted to remember the backdrop, the characters, the sub plots and so much more in order to keep pace with the book, thereby unconsciously boosting your memorising skills.
Additionally, one of the most common benefits of reading books is the development of critical skills. Imagine you are reading a suspense thriller or a mystery novel. Once you are taken up by the plot, you involve yourself into it, and its every twist will sharpen your mind towards making your own conclusions.
4. Reading helps enhance analytical skills – When one reads an engrossing book, the ultimate objective is to figure out how it is going to conclude, and if you are able to do that in consonance with the thought of the author, it gives you a sense of victory for being able to analyse the story correctly. Hence, more and more reading over time allows your thinking abilities to develop further in a way that you become a lateral thinker.
5. Reading boosts confidence – We live in a world where there is cut throat competition in almost every aspect of life. Hence, what we need to survive today is confidence, which is the key to having a sparkling personality that enables one to stand out in a crowd. Thus, a person who is exposed to continuous and diverse reading will also be confident of himself in the long run.
6. Reading enhances writing – It is not just enough to read. One must read what is well written. That in turn affects your ability to become a good writer yourself. When you read, you introduce yourself to a world where ‘words’ become your weapons which you are free to utilise as you please. Therefore, everyone must be encouraged and motivated to inculcate the habit of reading books so that they can express themselves more candidly whenever the occasion arises.
7. Reading broadens your horizons and helps you socialise – when you read new things, you discover new things. Being a reader opens your eyes to new traditions, new cultures and basically gives you a sense of perspective, while also increasing your liking for socialization and becoming one who likes to share and interact among other things.
Apart from the above-mentioned advantages, some other vital benefits of reading also include improved concentration and focus, a heightened sense of empathy and emotion, and developing the gall to take charge in any situation you encounter. Remember, good readers are always good leaders. Hence, keep on reading for a healthier mind and a productive soul.