Source: Dig Jamaica-http://digjamaica.com/m/blog/the-many-benefits-of-reading/
Reading is generally acknowledged as a very beneficial activity that people should engage in for their own self development and enlightenment. But somehow, many of us still find that we do not make the time to actually READ. So here’s a reminder of some of the good that reading does for you, which will hopefully motivate you to renew your efforts to grab and book and get reading.
- Reading exercises the brain.
The brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the human body. It is the command centre for all the functions your body needs to stay alive. We think that deserves some attention. The brain needs exercise, just like the rest of the body. Reading is one very easy way to do that. Reading is like push-ups and jumping jacks for your brain.
- Reading improves concentration.
You learn to focus by focusing. And reading makes you focus on one particular concept, and task. It directs your mind to think on one idea at a time. This doesn’t just teach you literacy. It also builds the discipline of concentration in you.
- Reading teaches children about the world around them.
That’s why books are such an essential part of any education system. Reading about different people, places, animals and things expands out children’s minds and teaches them about their world.
- Reading develops the imagination.
This is the unique function of stories. They stimulate the imagination, enabling you to think creatively about a variety of situations, envision new possibilities, and see the world from a totally different perspective.
- Reading improves vocabulary and language skills.
Where do you learn new words? Where do you learn how to use language? Mainly from observing other persons’ use of language. Nowhere is this better done than in reading. When you read, your brain absorbs more than the ideas being presented. It also picks up on the style and tone of writing, the words that are being used … Consistent reading means consistent development in your language and vocabulary.
- Reading increases empathy and emotional intelligence.
You learn about your world through reading. And you also learn about the lives – the cultures, perspectives and experiences of others. This helps you to develop a greater understanding of the issues being faced by people globally. This understanding can birth in you a sense of shared meaning with these people, giving rise to empathy.
- Reading provides stress relief.
It is a great way to relax. When you read, you take time to indulge the ideas being presented to you by the author. For that moment, your own troubles are forgotten and suspended as you allow yourself to just breathe and read and relax …
- Reading improves intelligence, general knowledge and smarts.
You gain information from what you read. This increases your general knowledge. If you know more, you can understand more about your world and explain it to others.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book and get to it!
