Why reading is important in our life: 12 reasons to buy and read more books this year
Introverts love to read; it’s a fact. But so do extroverts. Reading is for everyone, no matter who you are, where you are, or your personality type. But do we really know the role that reading plays in our world, and can we survive without it?
As an ambivert (or extroverted introvert), I took some time last year to reflect on why reading is my favorite hobby and why it's important to read more books by indie, notable, and lesser-known authors.
In this post, I’ll be sharing 12 great reasons to read more books than you normally would this year, and here they are:
1. Reading a book is good for your mental health.
Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress, improve memory, enhance empathy, and even prevent cognitive decline. Reading can also boost your mood and help you relax by transporting you to another world or perspective.
2. Buying books puts food on somebody else’s table
It’s how you support authors, and it's sometimes cheaper than that espresso. When you buy a book, you are not only investing in your own enjoyment and education but also in the livelihood of the author and the publishing industry.
You are also supporting the local economy and culture by buying from independent bookstores or libraries. And let's face it, sometimes a book can give you more satisfaction and lasting value than a cup of coffee.
3. Reading helps us cope with life’s ebbs and flows
Life is full of ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, joys, and sorrows. Reading can help us navigate these changes by providing us with insights, inspiration, guidance, and comfort.
Reading can also help us appreciate the beauty and complexity of life, and can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles or achievements.
4. For writers, reading is the quickest way to learn the craft of writing
If you want to be a better writer, you need to be a voracious reader. Reading exposes you to different styles, genres, techniques, and voices that can enrich your own writing.
Reading can also help you develop your critical skills and discernment, as you learn to appreciate what makes a book engaging, original, and impactful.
5. Reading breeds innovation
Reading shows you what’s already been done (or overdone) so you can add to it with your creativity. Reading can spark your imagination and stimulate your curiosity, as you encounter new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.
Reading can also challenge your assumptions and beliefs, as you confront different opinions, arguments, and evidence, inspiring you to think outside the box and create something new or improve something that exists.
6. Reading can help you assess and assert your feelings about important subjects critically
Critical thinking for the win! Reading can expose you to diverse viewpoints and experiences that can broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of complex issues.
Reading can also help you develop your analytical and reasoning skills as you evaluate the validity, relevance, and implications of what you read.
Reading can empower you to form your own opinions and express them confidently and respectfully.
7. There’s a book about everything you want to know
Whether you want to learn a new skill, explore a new topic, or satisfy a curiosity, there is probably a book that can help you do that.
Reading can expand your knowledge and satisfy your thirst for learning. Reading can also introduce you to new passions and interests that can enrich your life.
8. It’s never a waste of time to buy books. In fact, reading books can save you time
Let me explain. Whether you buy books or read online, reading about other people’s experiences teaches you valuable lessons and it can save you time and energy by giving you shortcuts or tips that can help you achieve your goals faster or easier.
Reading can also be a great source of wisdom and advice, as you learn from the successes and failures of others.
9. Reading gives you something to look forward to at a certain time of day—it’s a date!
Reading can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity that can enrich your daily routine. Reading can also be a way of treating yourself or pampering yourself after a long day or a stressful week.
Reading can be a date with yourself or with your favorite characters or authors.
10. Reading can take your mind away from your problems, and that’s always a good thing
Reading can be a form of escapism or distraction that can help you cope with stress or anxiety. Reading can also be a form of therapy or healing that can help you process your emotions or overcome your challenges.
Reading can offer you hope or solace when you need it most.
11. Reading in public can help an introvert ward off unwanted interactions with people
If you are an introvert who prefers solitude or quietness over socializing or noise, reading in public can be a useful strategy to avoid unwanted conversations or attention from strangers or acquaintances.
Reading in public can signal that you are busy or not interested in talking to anyone. Reading in public can also give you something to do or focus on when you feel awkward or uncomfortable in social situations.
12. Reading can help you build a strong community of like-minded individuals
There are people out there who share the same passion for reading as you, and these people love to read and discuss books in groups also known as book clubs.
Book clubs are groups of people who meet regularly to discuss books they have read or plan to read. Book clubs are great ways to meet new friends, exchange ideas, discover new books, and have fun.
Book clubs can also enrich your reading experience by exposing you to different interpretations, opinions, and perspectives.
Closing thoughts
Reasons why you should read and buy more books are many because the benefits of reading a book are infinite. From reduced stress levels to enhanced communication skills, reading every day can improve your life significantly.
I like reading because it gives me something to look forward to each day, and learning through stories and examples from the most successful people in my niche is my favorite way to learn new concepts or better understand old ones.
Your reasons might differ from mine, but the benefits of reading are undeniable.
If you enjoyed reading this post or have ideas of your own that you’d like to share with me, please subscribe to my email list, where interesting discussions happen every two weeks. Yep, you guessed it — I reply to all my readers' emails!
References:
- Bibliotherapy - Wikipedia
About the author:
Priscille B. Fatuma is a social media specialist, writer, editor, and digital marketer. She can be found making sense on LinkedIn.
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