Why You Should Be a Reader: The Benefits of Reading

Reading is alive and kicking.

Do you know that adults are thriving to read more than ever? And do you also know that more children in Low Development Countries (LDC) do not know how to read even up to their teenage? Nonetheless, the encouraging part is that people are trying to make reading a habit due to how important and liberating it can be. Based on recent book reading statistics from friends and family, a whopping large amount people want to cultivate the habit of reading and they have expressed their plans to read more books in 2023 than they did in 2022.

Interestingly, the trend is consistent across all regions, indicating a widespread passion for literature. Whether this aspiration will translate into a higher number of books read in 2023 remains to be seen. However, it's clear that readers' passion for books is alive and well, and only time will tell if their goals are realized.

Whether you are an adult still looking for that reason to join the world of readers, here is a list of why you be a reader.

1.      Readers are Unique

Let's face the beat, when you spot most readers, you know that they are readers. They have a different mindset about things, their way of thinking is either out of this world or they are different. Their way of living and most readers live very fulfilled lives. They are intellectuals, they are focused, can be very empathic as well.

2.      Reading makes you question things

You know a reader will not just jump to conclusions or pass judgment without actually knowing the bottom of things right? You think critically of the other possibilities and those are some of the advantages of being a reader, one of such also is that it can get you to think critically. Reading exposes you to fresh concepts, viewpoints, and data that might contradict your preconceived notions or opinions. This can be uncomfortable, but it can also be very useful since it makes you question your assumptions and force you to think critically.

3.      You can enjoy your own company as a reader

This is a very difficult thing to do for a lot of people. Most people will not last being a room alone the whole day and still come out cheerful. We often want companionship and can easily get bored, but when you get to find solace in books, you will wish not to get disturbed by anything. People wonder how I can stay in my room the whole week without complaining of being bored or needing to go anywhere. The secret is that I have come to learn how to have fun with myself with the help of books. It may sound strange but when I read, I make it looks like I am conversing with the characters in the book.

Reading is a good companion for those moments you find yourself alone.

4.      You increase your knowledge and awareness

The largest source of knowledge is reading, the more you read, the more you know and the more you are aware of the environment around you. Books are like the food that nourishes your brain for better self-development.

5.      Most Readers are creative

Readers are like reservoirs for a lot of creative ideas. Reading can stimulate imagination and bring out a lot of creative ideas for your creative adventures like art, writing, and music. Why are readers creative? When you read, you discover so many worlds, you explore other lives and you get to create other things from what people have created already.

6.      If you want to be a good writer, you should be a good reader

Good readers are good writers. Just like creative people in the industry of music, arts, and writing, reading wide can turn you into a great writer, this is because, as a reader read more, they learn the style of great writers as such tend to produce great works as well. Not all readers can be good writers but most readers tend to be great writers.

7.      Reading is like a mental exercise

Just as you go to the gym to exercise your muscles and physical body, reading also serves as a mental exercise for the brain. When you read, you are just not arranging words; you are synthesizing, analysing, and engaging your brain.

Reading requires you to focus your attention, process information, and make connections between different ideas and concepts. This can help improve your memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills, all of which are important for overall cognitive health.

8.      Reading  increases your understanding level

Reading makes you think widely and increase your level of understanding. Reading exposes you to other perspectives, opinions, and ways of life of other people. When you read, you are exposed to different people with their culture, history, and traditions and as you learn this information about different people, you develop a more nuanced comprehension of complex things.

9.      It reduces stress

Reading helps you relax your tense muscles and makes you calm down. Reading helps you focus on one thing if you find your mind wandering and stressing about daily life activities. So next time you feel like you have a lot on your mind, pick a book, get a cosy place, and relax.

10.  It could help you find your path in life

Finding your way in life can be made easier with the aid of reading. You can learn important insights and knowledge that can aid in the exploration of your passions and interests by reading books, articles, and other materials on subjects that interest you.

You can discover your abilities and interests by reading about various career options, self-improvement techniques, and other subjects. This can aid in your development of a clearer sense of your life's purpose as well as a better understanding of your personal goals and values.

Final thoughts

Reading may not be the same for everyone which is fine, you do not have to force yourself to be a reader if that is not what you want. It is just like other adventurous things that I may not be interested in no matter what.

It is however a hobby and an activity that contains so many benefits regardless of age, background, and your career. The benefits of being a reader cannot be underestimated, so if you have the passion or you want to develop that habit, go ahead, find that book, and kick-start, reading is the new trend!!!

Check out my other post on how to cultivate the habit of reading here ….