Most of modern life takes place onscreen. Every day, we check our phones, watch TV, browse online, or share our day on social media. It seems like books have faded into the background. Why read in a world that has become so visual? Let me tell you!
1. Reading Makes You a Better Writer!
Not only does reading enhance your vocabulary and spelling, but it also improves your writing style. If you read a lot, you’ll soon notice that writing comes easier to you as you don’t struggle as much finding the right words or expressions.
2. Reading Helps You Develop Soft Skills!
Critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, emotional intelligence—these are just some of the skills you develop whilst reading. Books don’t speak for themselves, but it’s your job to connect plotlines, to make sense of metaphors, or to recognize underlying themes and motifs. Reading always also means thinking, analysing, interpreting.
3. Reading Improves Your Language Skills!
If you’re learning another language, you should definitely try find some books in that language. It doesn’t matter if that’s a children’s book or a classic. Reading in another language not only broadens your vocabulary, but also improves your writing, speaking and listening skills in the long run. The best advice I’d give to someone learning another language would definitely be: read as much as possible!
4. Reading Reduces Stress!
Have you ever read a book and become so immersed that you forgot where you are? If so, you’ve already experienced one of the great benefits of reading. It doesn’t matter how stressful your day has been, a good book will help you relax and forget your troubles for a moment. So make yourself a cup of tea, get on the couch, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket and start reading!
5. Reading is Fun!
Lastly, and most importantly, let’s not forget that reading is fun. It gives you the chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes, to explore another place, travel back in time, solve mysteries or go on an adventure. There are so many great genres and stories out there that I’m convinced that there’s a book for everyone!
All of this is not to say that you should stop watching TV or use your phones, but that there are still many reasons to read in a world that is (and continues to be) more and more technologised. So take that dusty book from your shelf and start reading it!
Why do YOU read? What’s your favourite book/genre? Let me know in the comment section below!
Pages and Papers 
Great post! I had a module at uni which was all about reading (think it was called Reading English if I remember properly), and all of these points came up. I definitely feel like reading is an underrated thing, it’s so good to unwind with a book and forget about the world.
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Thank you so much! That module sounds interesting, I wish it would also be offered in school! It seems like such an obvious thing but I guess many people, and especially children, don’t recognize how much they actually learn whilst reading. xx
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What a great post! Although I’m having trouble reading at the moment, I’ve always liked it. 🙂
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Thank you! I’m also struggling to find time to read during the term but a good book every once in a while is always a great escape. Quality over quantity! xx
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Absolutely! The problem is that I’m reading something I’m actually interested it and I still don’t feel like picking up the book and read!
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Love this post!!! I am a bookworm myself and I couldn’t agree more with everything you say. Great content, thanks for sharing (: https://angiewaves.com/
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Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
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Great list, Linda! Yeah, I think reading definitely helps reduce stress and I think we all have an abundance of that these days. Losing yourself in a story reminds you that there is more to life than just the bills, the job and that guy in front of you who doesn’t go at the green light. Haha. I love this post!
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Thank you so much! Very well said, I couldn’t agree more!
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I require 10 minutes of silent reading (paper not e-readers) at the beginning of class. There is a reluctance at first, but then students will complain if we don’t have time to read.
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That’s a great idea!
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Love this! My almost-9 year old is book obsessed and his little 5yo brother read 2 sentences in a proper book yesterday! I am beyond excited for them both at the world that is open to them in the pages of books.
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Thank you! I’m so happy your boys love reading! Sadly, children read less and less these days with all those phones and tablets around them so I think it’s even more important to introduce them to an offline world that can be as exciting! 🙂
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Large boy is slightly obsessed. If he finishes a book and doesn’t know what to read next he gets rather anxious. Small boy spends ages choosing what to hear read to him too.
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