10 Incredible Benefits of Reading Books With Research to Prove it!
When was the last time you read an actual book? Not an article on your phone, not a document on paper or on your computer, an actual book from front to back? There are some incredible benefits of reading books for adults and for children. Reading a proper book rather than an article or your social news feed is more important than you think.
People aren’t reading books anymore
The steady decline in the reading of books is becoming worrying. With the increased amount of technology in today’s world, reading an actual book is becoming less common.
Why read a book when you can have access to one electronically? Why waste the space in your home when you can just read on your phone or computer?
While reading a good book was once considered a form of entertainment, most people are content with scrolling through their phones and reading the latest gossip from online newspapers and magazines, or just their friends news feed.
And children are catching on.
If things continue to go on the way they are now, children won’t even know what a book is in years to come. Everything could soon become digitalised.
People are missing out on the benefits of reading books. Like real books. There are so many advantages to reading an actual book.
Below you can find 10 benefits of reading books with research to prove it!
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Benefits of Reading Books
“The more that you read, the more you will know. The more that you know, the more places you will go.” Dr Seuss
1. Reading books can boost your brain power
Yes you read that right, one of the biggest benefits of reading books is that it can boost your brain power.
Neuroscientists have discovered that reading a novel can improve brain function on a variety of levels. Researches at Emoroy University found that when you are engaged in a novel, it enhances connectivity in the brain. So, it seems reading can make you smarter!
2. Reading books increases vocabulary
As you read different books, you are being exposed to new and different vocabulary, perhaps vocabulary that you may not use on a daily basis. Having a large vocabulary has many advantages. It helps you understand the world around you.
3. Reading books can be beneficial to your memory
As you get older in age, many people start to experience memory loss. However, studies show that by reading books and stimulating your brain can actually improve your memory and slow down the decline in old age. There are also studies to show that those who read from an actual book, can recall more details than those who read from a screen.
4. Reading can improve concentration
Reading is essential for literacy development, but did you know that it can also improve a child’s (or adults) concentration level?
While watching television for example is a passive activity, reading books encourages you to relax, calm your mind, and concentrate on the words that are being absorbed. Reading an actual book, rather than a screen, allows the reader to absorb more of the words and concentrate better
5. Reading books can make you a better writer
Reading and writing skills go hand in hand. The more you read, the better your writing skills will be. This is because by reading books, you learn how to words flow and come together on paper. Reading books on a regular basis can improve your literacy skills and make you a better writer.
6. Reading books enhances imagination
Reading books gives you endless possibilities to use your imagination. By reading, you are stimulating the right side of your brain and letting your creativity run wild.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”
– Albert Einstein
Read more: Reading Quotes
7. Reading can make you more empathetic
Getting right into a good book can help you to be empathetic and understand the characters. Reading helps you with the ability to put yourself into someone else’s shoes, detect how they are feeling and experience it yourself.
Having empathy has many life advantages including being able to connect with others, communicate, and have understanding of different people, cultures, and situations.
8. Reading can be a great benefit to your sleep
If you are finding it difficult to unwind at the end of each day, or have a child that is still quite active at bedtime, reading a book could be a good fix. It doesn’t matter which type of book you read. Studies show that reading any type of book can help you relax and reduce your stress levels, helping you to fall asleep easier, and sleep better during the night.
9. Reading a book helps to reduce stress
According to research reading is the best way to relax and reduce your stress levels. It works even better than listening to music, or watching TV. Psychologists believe that reading a book for even just six minutes can distract you and ease tensions in your muscles and heart. Talk about magic!
10. A good book provides endless entertainment
One of the most popular benefits of reading books is that it is a form of entertainment. Every book is unique and can take you to a different place when reading. You can also take a book anywhere. Read on the beach while you relax, read on the couch on a rainy day, read before you go to bed.
Reading can provide endless opportunities to entertain no matter what your age or your interest, and perhaps this is greatest advantage of reading.
Where to buy books?
Book Depository – FREE Delivery worldwide
AMAZON
DIY Audio book maker
Recommended:
English books for Kids
Spanish books for Kids
Reading books has endless benefits
While you may be tempted to head straight to your phone next time you have a spare afternoon, or in those few hours before you go to bed, why not snuggle up with a good book! The benefits of reading books clearly speak for themselves.
Prof Sreelatha Mohan
Reading is a wonderful experience and a rejuvenating activity for all age groups. The benifits of reading are splendid and the most important aspect is , reading habit is a great , stress buster and provides us with good knowledge and vocabulary, thereby enhancing our communication skills.
Janna
Reading is a way of getting back to the old ways, before we had all these ubiquitous electronics. Even just a few decades ago, all we had were books and newspapers, etc. and people were very knowledgeable and children could actually form sentences and articulate!
If the grid ever fails, we will have our books and they will provide a wealth of necessary information. It is prudent to build a good library of different topics.
Lastly, reading is the best “sleeping pill” and has no side effects. It relaxes you and prepares you for a good night’s sleep.
There is nothing like a good book.
Faylinn Byrne
I agree with your statement saying that reading can help you fall asleep faster and easier, and to sleep better. I have always been an avid reader, and I enjoy it a lot. I am looking for new genres to read to entertain my mind and help relax after stressful days.
Sarah Packer
I’m getting older so I wanted some tips on keeping my brain strong! I didn’t know reading books could stimulate your brain, improving your memory and slows the decline in old age. I’ve always struggled reading books when I was younger, so I’ll look around for some reading content that would fit my tastes, thanks to this post!
Brooklyn Johnson
I like how you mentioned that reading books can increase your vocabulary. I used to read all the time, but with how busy I’ve been lately I haven’t been reading as much. After learning all of the many benefits of reading, I will definitely start doing it more often.
Taylor Bishop
I wanted to thank you for explaining why reading books can be beneficial. I hadn’t considered that it can help you be exposed to new and different vocabulary. This sounds really useful especially if you want to learn more words to describe your thoughts.
Steele Honda
I didn’t know that reading is the best way to relax and reduce your stress levels. I also think that reading books can help make your happiness level go up because you’re less stressed and you have a hobby you can look for too. Thanks for pointing out the benefits of reading books.
Eamon R.
I have to agree. Having books and reading them for a hobby is a great stress reliever!