The art of relaxing to read a good book is in danger of becoming lost to the mists of time. Can you imagine, decades from now, when such a pastime is studied by historians much as we look at some of the weird and wonderful things our ancestors did? The idea that future humans will smile and shake their heads at our strange fascination with ink on dead trees is something that fills me with dread.
So let’s not lose this art. Let’s not forget the printed word in amongst our TV screens, tablets, smartphones and e-Readers. Let’s remember why reading is good for us, and keep on doing it.
- With reading, the more you do it the better you get. This means that even the most reluctant of readers will have a light bulb moment and discover that, actually, reading is a pretty incredible thing. You just have to stick with it.
- Reading is great exercise for our brains. It may seem simple, but it’s actually really rather complex, and stimulates our brains in a good way, unlike watching TV which is a much more passive pastime. Reading even builds new connections within the brain – it literally makes us more clever.
- Finding it hard to concentrate at work or school? Read more. Reading improves our levels of concentration, and reading regularly gives us the ability to concentrate for longer and longer.
- Reading teaches us stuff. Whether you enjoy fiction or non-fiction, there is always something to learn within the pages of a book. You can find out more about other people, places, religions, traditions, politics, and much, much more.
- Reading also improves our vocabulary. Every time you read you are strengthening your ability to remember new words, and soon you’ll be using them in context without even thinking about it.
- Imagination is essential no matter what age you are. It helps you to create more in life, and could even get your career progression moving faster. Reading is all about imagination. After all, you’re basically creating everything for yourself – the words won’t do that by themselves.
- When you run out of battery or haven’t got a signal you’ll be glad of a good old fashioned paperback. It’s probably the cheapest form of entertainment (if you break it down hour by hour) around. Plus it’s totally portable. Bonus.
- Reading relaxes the body and mind. It helps us have some quiet time. Most of our lives are taken up with bright screens, flashing lights, and loud noises. And that takes its toll on us – it’s a stressful situation to be in on a permanent basis. That’s why taking the time to read each day can calm us down and put us in a better frame of mind.
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