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Better vocabulary -

According to research, children who grow up regularly reading books develop a bigger vocabulary in the long run. This can help them achieve academic success and develop their communication skills.

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Better communication skills -

As reading helps with your imagination and vocabulary, it gives you an upper hand when constructing simple and complex sentences for different conversations.

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Stress relief -

Diving into a great novel or article is a great way to distract yourself from daily tasks and issues. As you focus on what you're reading, tension will automatically drain away.

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Depression relief -

Depressed people often describe feeling isolated from others. Reading can minimize these feelings, as books can help you escape your own world.

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Health benefits -

Reading a great book can stimulate the brain's various functions. Not only does it reduce stress and depression, it also decreases heart rate and blood pressure.

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Slows age-related cognitive decline -

It's highly recommended by experts that you keep your mind active through reading as you age. It can help seniors maintain their cognitive function and prevent diseases like Alzheimer's.

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Makes you more tolerant -

As fictional stories deal with diverse topics, you can learn about them and become more tolerant towards other people and their experiences.

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Improves memory -

Fictional stories are filled with details that can train the brain to convert information into long-term memory. Research has even shown that reading will slow down memory decline as you get older.

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Makes it easier to empathize -

When reading the characters' thoughts and feelings, you develop the ability to understand or feel another person's experiences. Reading helps develop empathy, as you're put in their shoes.

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Makes you happier -

Reading is a healthy and relaxing activity. When you take the time to read your favorite magazine or book, it automatically lifts your mood.

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Improves imagination -

When you read a book, you picture the entire story, the characters, and the setting. This stimulates your imagination and your brain.

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Improves analytical skills -

While following the story’s plot or imagining the possible ending, you're indirectly training your analytical skills. You learn how to visualize, organize, and conceptualize information.

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Encourages inclusivity -

Books can open up your mind towards understanding life stories from different cultures and communities. It helps you become more open-minded and inclusive.

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Expands your thought process -

As reading activates analytical thinking, it helps you improve your thought process. When it comes to non-fiction, it allows you to better understand real-life concepts that can help you form your own opinions.

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Teaches you facts -

Especially when reading non-fiction, you actually learn concrete facts. Whether it's about history or finance, non-fiction allows you to learn across all kinds of topics.

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Helps you structure information better -

Non-fiction is usually structured differently than fiction. Therefore, you have to understand things like headings, subheadings, lists, and graphs. Developing how you structure information will be helpful in your day-to-day.

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Longer life expectancy -

Studies have shown that adults who actively read books were more likely to live two years longer than those who didn't. Do note that reading magazines and other means of media weren't as efficient as books.

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Improves focus -

Reading novels is important for literacy development. It can even help improve both a child’s and an adult’s ability to focus. This is great exercise for your brain.

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Healthy entertainment -

One of the best benefits of reading is that it's healthy entertainment. Basically, you'll be doing an activity that reduces stress levels and that stimulates your mind. This will lead to a better quality of life.

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Better sleep -

When you're fully immersed in a book, you enter a state of consciousness that is unaltered. As tension is removed, your body will prepare for sleep. This makes reading the perfect nighttime activity.

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Could prevent insomnia -

Caused by many factors, such as increased stress levels, insomnia makes it extremely difficult to sleep. However, as reading increases levels of serotonin and melatonin, it can help set the mood for slumber.

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Less stress -

When you're lost in a book, your heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension are lowered. Overall, you feel calmer and less stressed.

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How to become a better reader -

And now that you know all the great benefits of reading, you might wish to know how you can become a better reader. The first thing you need is something to read. To pick the right book, ask yourself what fits you at the moment. Do you want something for enjoyment or for knowledge? How about a bestseller?

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Make a plan -

Making a reading plan can be very helpful. It doesn't need to include a schedule, but it should include a goal to motivate you.

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Read more deeply -

Taking your time is important in order to read more deeply. Pay attention if you start to skim or skip sections. If so, backtrack. Also, actively reread and use a highlighter or sticky notes when needed.

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Read more critically -

When reading deeply and critically, you'll think more about the book you're reading. Ask yourself questions.

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Enhance your post-book experience -

Your journey with a book doesn't need to stop after the last page. You can still stay engaged with books, authors, and the subjects by keeping a reading journal or a reading log.

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Read more socially -

Reading is a mostly solitary activity. But once you're done with a book, you might want to talk to others about the things you liked or disliked. The best way to do so is by joining a book club.

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Always have books nearby -

Surrounding yourself with books will get you in the mood to read more. Always have one near you, as you never know when you'll have time to leaf through a couple of pages or several chapters.

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Don’t be afraid to stop reading a book you don’t like -

Most of us are trained to see it as a failure whenever we don’t finish reading a book. But if you don't like a book, it’s probably best if you just leave it. Instead, choose a different novel that you'll actually enjoy reading.

Sources: (The New York Times) (Basmo)

See also: Rediscovering the lost books of the Bible

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