Reading has different benefits and advantages for different people. Here are 5 reasons why we, at The Bluestockings think you should pick up a book and read.
Exercise for the brain
Studies have shown that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. The more you read, the more those networks get stronger and more developed. Just as we exercise our bodies to stay healthy, we should also exercise our minds.
Improves your literacy and communication skills.
Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. In a 2011 study, researchers found that people who begin reading at a young age develop a larger vocabulary as they grow.
Communication skills are one of the top skills required by employers. With South Africa’s literacy rate sitting at 87%, having declined by 7% improving our literacy skills would go a long way.
Increases general knowledge, history, and culture.
Books help you increase your general knowledge, history, and culture because they are filled with interesting facts be it fiction or non-fiction. They give you information we would’ve otherwise known. Also, because you are immersed in the character’s shoes, it’s easier for you to remember facts about history, general knowledge, and culture because they are set in the context of the story.
Books help you reduce stress and improve your mental health.
Studies have shown that 30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress as much as yoga and humor did. This is probably because reading can transport you to another world.
In addition, reading a book can help improve your mental health, helps prevent age-related cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s and dementia and helps alleviate depression symptoms.
In fact, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) started a book prescription program and the act of using books as therapy is called “bibliotherapy.”
It is a form of entertainment that challenges your imagination and can inspire you.
Reading and books offer some of the best entertainment. Most of today’s popular movies and TV shows are based on books. Just think about a series or movie you have found yourself binging like Game of Thrones with its first novel written in 1996, The Harry Potter series, and even Bridgertons. All of them are based on books.
Bringing it closer to home we can think of Happiness is a Four-letter word, Hlomu the wife, and the award-winning film Tsotsi to name but a few.
The benefit of picking up a book instead of merely watching the show or movies is that books put you in the characters’ shoes and require you to imagine the details described in the book. Although books may be time-consuming, movies tend to leave out crucial details from the book that make the story that much more interesting.
You can see how the character gets through the most challenging times, by putting yourself in their shoes as they navigate their world and the challenges they encounter, You observe their inspiring actions, passion, and desire to live a better life.
All in all, reading can make your life better so why not pick up a book today.
Check out our catalog of books to start or continue your reading journey.
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