Reading is good for you.
I think few people would disagree with me on that. But have you ever wondered what exactly reading is good for? What are the mental, physical and social benefits of reading? Well, look no further (or, actually do look further, there are a lot more reasons than just these) because I here present you with 9 excellent reasons why you should be reading (even more)!
1. It's Cheap
We might as well begin with the most obvious. Because of libraries, reading is a cheap hobby! No expensive subscription fee required (looking at you, here, HBO!)
2. Improves Imagination
As you are reading, you brain in transported to all the amazing places you read about. You have to put faces on characters, see cities, you've never traveled to before, imagine smells, sounds and views you've never seen. Reading triggers your imagination and helps it grow.
3. Reduces Stress
Some studies show that, for some people, reading a book has the ability to relieve stress even better than listening to music or taking a walk. The same studies also reveal, that people who read are actually less likely to even become stressed, than people who don't read.
4. Helps You Fall Asleep
Reading before bedtime is one of the best ways to calm yourself down, which helps ensure an easier and less fretful sleep. Where TV, phones and computers disturb you brain with blue light, books have no light (aside from the one you experience in your heart) and are therefore a lot better for nighttime downtime.
5. Improves Memory
You probably already know this one. There's a lot to keep track of when reading - names, titles, places, plots, cultures, dates etc. Sure, the same things are true of, for instance, movies. But books take longer to get through than movies and therefore your memory is engaged for far longer. Especially when you're waiting for the next book in a series that isn't set to come out for another year or so (damn you Leigh Bardough!)...
6. Keeps Your Brain Healthy
When you are reading your brain is mentally stimulated, which can actually help prevent diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer. The brain is just like any other part of our body - it needs to be challenged, exercised and stimulated. There are of course many different ways to do that - sudoku, cross words, brain teasers etc. - but reading is an equally effective stimulus.
7. Makes You More Empathetic
A study in the Netherlands has found that people who read and who are emotionally transported by books experience a boost in empathy. When you read a book you get into the mindset of different characters, you feel their emotions, see their side of things and the effect of different situations on different characters.
8. Builds Your Vocabulary
Books contain thousands of words! So if you are looking to expand your vocabulary, books are a little rich source to dive into.
9. Gain Knowledge
There are literally millions of books out there with so many different topics and subject. I am absolutely certain that you will be able to find at least one book that can teach you something new.