For a bookworm, there are few
things in life better than curling up with a good novel, and we’re lucky enough
to be able to access books by a whole manner of means: new from book stores, second hand from markets and
goodwill outlets, libraries, and even digitally on e-readers and tablet computers.
Yet, for those of you who are still to fall under the
spell of literature, perhaps you’d be more motivated if you knew exactly how beneficial
reading is as a pastime? From helping stress levels,
to providing education and a community of likeminded
readers, let’s explore the ways reading is good
for your mind, body and spirit…
Reading increases your
vocabulary
Some books can be quite
challenging in their content and syntax, so you may find it worthwhile to have
a dictionary close by when you sit down for a reading session. Particular
styles, authors or periods of writing may prove harder than others. If you’re
up for a real challenge, try anything written by James Joyce!
Don’t let this challenge put you
off though. A wider and more advanced
vocabulary has benefits beyond the world of literature; a better grasp on
language will help you communicate more effectively,
explain your point of view, and enhance your social and conversational skills.
The more books you read, the more words you’ll be exposed to, so what are you
waiting for?
Open a book, close down your
screens
These days, our eyes spend so
much time focused on backlit screens on devices such as laptops, cell phones,
tablets and TVs. Give your eyes a break,
and focus on something a little more natural, like a book.
Remember though, before you get
too lost in the pages of your next novel, that you’ll help your eyes even more
by taking frequent breaks to focus on objects in the distance: using both your
long and short sight.
Improve your sleep by reading
in bed
How do you usually wind down
before bedtime? Watching the 10 pm news and then checking your phone? Do you
collapse into the sheets just after cleaning up the dishes, then wonder why you
take so long to sink into slumber? Our
bodies and minds both need ample time to relax before sleep, so reading a book
before bedtime can be highly therapeutic.
Mind you, many book lovers would blame a compelling tale for their lack of
sleep — once you truly get hooked into
a book, it’s difficult to put it down!
Reading provides escapism
Travel writing is an extremely popular style of literature, as it
has the power to transport the reader to a new land through its evocative
descriptions and sense of place. Yet, a
reader can just as much feel the
sensation of ‘being there’ with a well-written Science Fiction novel based in
an imaginary dimension! The best authors will truly make you believe in the
characters and locations they are building; you’ll quickly and easily be
whisked away into a different world from your own.
Why is that good? Well, checking out of your everyday life for a short
while leaves you feeling more balanced emotionally and mentally.
Learn new things with fiction and non-fiction
Indeed, it’s not only reference
books and non-fiction books that provide education, you can also learn a great deal about culture, history, religion and many more through novels and poems.
Yet, if non-fiction is more your vibe, you’ll find there
are endless editions and publications to dive in to. Take a visit to your local bookstore and ask for a tour of
their non-fiction section — perhaps take a chance on a subject you’ve
never read about before. If you’re well-read on the arts, why not pick up an
astronomy guide? If you’re a history buff, why not try spirituality? Within the
world of spirituality there is much to
explore, this website displays a thorough list of topics in written and
audio form.
Reduce your stress with
reading
Countless studies have shown the
correlation between reading time and lower stress levels. So, whilst it may seem you’ve not got time in your
busy life to sit down with a book, if you made time for it you may find yourself feeling more capable to take on the challenges you face.
One study found that as little
as six minutes a day spent reading — and who doesn’t have that time, really? — reduces
stress levels by more than two thirds (68%). Comparatively, listening to music,
taking a walk and having a cup of coffee proved less effective for bringing down heart rate and relieving muscle
tension.
Books create bonds
You needn’t look far to find a
community of avid readers in your local area or online.
Readers have been meeting in Book Clubs for over five centuries now as the
enjoyment of reading is often amplified by the opportunity to share your
thoughts and bond over the stories. Indeed, books also make great gifts or
heirlooms — passing on a novel that has had significant
impact on your heart is a wonderful way
to educate, nurture and show love for your family and friends.
Furthermore, by tapping into the
existing bookworm community you may make
new friends and expand your social circle. Why not attend a ticketed book
launch, a reading circle or a literature discussion group? Whether you do this
in person or online, you’ll find conversation flowing smoothly as you discuss your book experiences.
Start reading today….
As with any new habit, creating
the time to sit down and read may take some effort. Nevertheless, the pay offs are sweeping, as we’ve seen. What’s
more, reading can be a wonderful social
activity for the family: you needn’t take yourself off to your room to read
alone. Instead of sitting down to watch a movie or a TV show after dinner, you
could all sit together on the couch and read. With reading improving knowledge,
emotional stability and social skills, there’s no reason not to.
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