What Are The Benefits Of Reading Books? 5 Benefits To Know

When was the last time you read a physical book? I’m not talking about an ebook from your phone or an article on your social media feed. Reading information online is fine, but what are the benefits of reading books? Well, there are many benefits to them that are often overlooked. 

In this post, I’m going to spend some time going over some benefits of reading. Some of them are well-known, while others may not have been thought of as much.

The importance of reading books

Unfortunately, it seems that people are reading less often these days. As mentioned earlier, we’re now in the age of the internet and social media. 

With that, the more likely we’re inclined to read short posts, memes, and visual stimulations (i.e. infographics). It’s also easier to access this kind of information instantly through our fingertips. 

Therefore, the less reliable we become in reading physical books. I’ll admit it’s one of the downsides of the internet today. 

Things seem easier by reading things online. Even though we’re now in the digital age, reading is still relevant regardless of how advanced the internet is today.

Books aren’t a thing of the past yet, as new books keep coming out and remain relevant. Here are some of the benefits of reading books.

1. Improves concentration and focus
2. Expands vocabulary and knowledge
3. Improves your writing skills
4. Enhances your imagination
5. Improves memory

Improves concentration and focus

In a world of constant distractions, the ability to concentrate for long periods of time is crucial. When reading books, you are subject to staying focused on the words you read. 

When your brain is subject to reading, it’s getting its exercise and stimulation in. Think of the brain as a muscle: if it’s not getting exercise, it’s going to become stale.

Reading is an excellent activity that can help improve concentration. Unlike with visual components on the internet (ads, banners, social media pictures), you aren’t easily distracted while reading a book.

In a way, your mind will stay focused for the most part. More so, being able to stay focused can help you get more things done.

How reading helps me stay focused

I haven’t done a ton of reading lately; however, I tend to be more focused when I read on a regular basis. Lately, when reading other things on the internet, I’m always bombarded with information that I don’t need to see.

It can be annoying and very distracting, not to mention waste time if I end up clicking on an ad or a picture.

Moving forward, I’m going to start reading for the sake of improving my concentration skills. It’s a skill that is necessary to master these days, and essential for long-term success.

Expands vocabulary and knowledge

As you read more books, the likelihood you will come across new concepts and terms. It’s important for expanding your vocabulary, as it can help open up the world around you. There may be terms that are used in other parts of the world you weren’t aware of, so that can be very beneficial. 

On another note, learning new vocabulary can help expand your knowledge. They say that “knowledge is power”, so continuing to obtain knowledge through reading will certainly pay off down the road.

My vocabulary expansion

In the reading I’ve done, there are some terms I’ve learned that’s helped expand my knowledge. When I write articles, I’ll use different words that most people wouldn’t use. But these are terms that I would include so that my readers can apply them as well. 

Improves writing skills

The more you read, the better you become as a writer. By reading books, you’ll learn how words flow and come together on paper.

For instance, transitioning words into a new sentence or paragraph are common with writing (i.e. therefore, moreover, on another note, etc.). The more you read, the more likely you’ll apply the same terms when you write on your own.

How reading has improved my writing

I can relate to this matter after being exposed to works from some of the best writers. Like most people, I read some of Shakespeare’s works. Though I’m not a fan of his works, I’m glad to still use some terms when I write my own content. 

Even reading the works of some contemporary writers has helped improve my writing as well. Some of the transition terms I discover, for the most part, I’ll apply in the content I write.

So I try to differentiate myself when writing good blog posts here and now. I always strive to be a better writer than I was the day before.

Enhances imagination

We may not think about it as often, but reading can help with our imaginations. When we’re reading words, the right side of our brain triggers the creativity component.

We’re thinking of the scenarios, characters, and what might happen next in the story plot. In other words, reading regularly can help boost our creativity. 

As Albert Einstein once said about imagination,

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”

How reading helps my creativity

I always thought reading would make it more difficult for me to be creative. Now that I think about it, I’m more likely to think of new ideas when I’m into a good book.

Whether that’s thinking about the next scene or thinking of something totally unrelated, my imagination can take into different types of scenarios.

When I read more often, I feel relaxed

Whenever I find myself reading more often, I notice I’m not as stressed out as usual. I find listening to music, or meditation to be beneficial, but reading is surprisingly an interesting factor. 

It may be underappreciated, but it should be taken more seriously if it helps bring down stress levels. Moreover, I’ll continue reading more often if it means less stress.

Improves memory

There are a bunch of things to remember when reading a book. It can be the plot, characters, backgrounds, history, and so forth. 

Keeping all of that in mind, some of those things need to be referred back to while reading a book. So it’ll help keep your memories refreshed when you come back to the next chapter. 

Also, it’ll be less frustrating having to recall some details from a book you’ve read for some time.

How it helps me retain memory

When I read books, I know I’m given the challenge to remember some of the details. Even remembering some of the small things can be important later on in a book. 

If it’s a book I’m really into, I make sure not to put off reading the book. If I do, I’ll forget what happened and get frustrated with the memory loss. 

So my challenge to others is to make sure you finish a book in a short time frame. If you put off finishing books, you’ll probably have to start over to refresh your memories.

Final Words

Overall, there are many benefits to reading books today. Now that we’re two decades into the 21st century, new books are still published and continue to be read by other people.

The benefits laid out earlier are ones to improve physical and mental health. Most importantly, improving concentration and reducing stress levels are greatly beneficial to better health.

They’re some of the best benefits I’ll continue to keep in mind. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of reading in general.

Maybe you’ll consider setting more time to reading over mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds. I know how that feels, and I’ve strayed away from those types of distractions. 

If you feel convinced that these benefits are helpful, make some commitments to start reading today. Dust off your bookshelf and pull out a good book to read!

Your Turn: Do you find reading books to be beneficial?

I would like to get your thoughts on this topic. What are your thoughts about reading in general? Are you willing to take on the challenge to read daily?

Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. I look forward to reading your responses, and I’ll gladly respond promptly.

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Eric is a content writer and the site owner of notimekillers.com. He takes great pride in helping people manage their time and grow their businesses. Eric is a firm believer in time freedom, as he believes in taking ownership of time. 

“Time is your most important asset. It can be your best friend or worst enemy. How you use your time can shape the future you desire to have.” In his leisure time, Eric loves to write and read whenever possible. He enjoys going for long walks outdoors while doing in-home workout videos every week. You can follow Eric on LinkedIn.