10 Benefits of reading - why you should read every day
Reading can be for pleasure or for becoming well-read. People have different reasons for reading. I read a tremendous lot and reading to me is more than just a pleasurable pastime. I share my reason for reading, do you relate to them?
I read this article, written by Dipti, a new member, in which the author described the advantages of reading. I read every day and have been doing so since my childhood days. I have an insatiable appetite for reading and an unending love for books. My home has a library, with all four walls, of a room, lined with book cupboards, stacked with books. Every room in my house has a bookcase, even the kitchen. That's my love for books, defined. 
Anyway, the article made me introspect – I questioned my love for reading; why I love books and how do I benefit from reading. I wasn't surprised by the answers my inner-self threw back at me.
Books and reading have substantial benefits. Let me walk you through them –Books provide mental stimulation
Reading is a wonderful stimulus for the brain that helps in activating its various applications. It keeps it alert and sharp and responsive. Books reduce stress
You'll always find a book on my bedside table. I sit on my bed at the end of each day and read a few chapters, before calling it a day. No matter how physically or emotionally draining my day is, just flipping through the pages of a book washes away all the stress. 
A good book can transfer the reader into different realms and distract from them from the here and now. It's a great way to relieve tension and just relax.Books enhance knowledge
Every book that I have read has sharpened my knowledge. My brain is chock-full, with bits of information and it is quite valuable and advantageous. I can make intelligent conversation and participate in discussions.
Knowledge equips you in/for life; you feel more confident. I am more aware than most about literary works and classics. I have acquired knowledge about scientific innovations and major global events, especially from the past. I am labelled 'well-read' because that's what the reading of books does, it makes you knowledgeable about a lot of things.Books improve vocabulary
Though I grew up speaking English, I owe my vocabulary to reading. It goes without saying that reading enriches the vocabulary. Reading exposes us to new words, which inevitably find their way into our vocabulary. Reading has made me articulate and eloquent and this aspect has helped me to channelize myself into different roles.
My vocabulary is a tremendous confidence booster, it gets me respect from various quarters. 
Non-native speakers of the language can enhance their vocabulary and improve upon their language skills, just through reading. Books boost memory
I have an excellent memory and I take pride in it, but I give credit for it to my habit of reading. Reading keeps me alert; I'll fail to enjoy books if I am not alert. To understand the plot, I have to remember everything that is described in a book – characters, their names and how they are connected, their behaviour and experiences and every little nuance, in addition to following the many subplots and the narrative arcs that interlace into the story at the turn of each page.
That's quite a reasonable bit of information to remember, right. But, the brain has an amazing capacity to retain information. Every piece of information can be transformed and stored in the brain as a memory, because neural pathways are created in the brain, as explained in the article. Books arouse analytical thinking
Each time I pick up a whodunit book, my brain starts sifting through the information, cataloguing everything, and attempts to solve the mystery, before the book ends. I use the details I have collected in solving the mystery and in doing so engage my analytical powers.
This whole exercise allows me to discuss and critique the book if the need arises. You see I spend time reading through the pages and form opinions. My analytical skills help determine whether the plot was well-written and if it ran smoothly or if the characters had personality etc. 
Books develop focus and concentration
I am proficient at multi-tasking. In fact, I multi-task for the most part of my day; working on ongoing projects, checking emails, making conference calls with clients, chatting with my loved ones, managing things on the house front and more.
I have too many irons in the fire, yet do not lose my focus. I can concentrate on individual tasks, without getting flustered. 
I believe this to be my forte, and I credit it to my reading habit. Reading a book requires attention; I get immersed in what I am reading and put everything else on standby. I transfer the same skill to the tasks I have at hand.Books better writing skills
I make a living writing; it pays for my expensive taste. Reading ameliorated my writing skills. I mentioned how it meliorated my vocabulary, but that's not all. I am constantly exposed to the literary works of noted authors, I savour different writing styles and somewhere it has had a noted effect on my own work. Books foster solace
I also use books for aesthetic purpose as decor pieces. And my library always gets the approval of anyone who walks into it. It's got a 'wow' factor. 
I am in a happy place when I walk into a bookstore. I am in a still happier place when I purchase a book. The smell and sight of books calm and soothe my nerves. Reading is not something that I do as a hobby or just to kill time; a good book relaxes me. I find tremendous solace and tranquillity, with a book in my hand.
Books are also said to be great mood enhancers, especially books with inspiring stories. These can motivate you and change you for good. Books are entertaining
I'd rather pick a book than sit through a movie. They offer the perfect entertainment for me. They make a leisurely read and I can carry them with me anywhere. From the bedroom to the sofa in the hall or the dining table or perhaps the balcony. They provide absolute entertainment, without disturbance.
Besides, there are so many genres. Though I prefer reading thrillers, mysteries and detective & crime fiction, I also read self-help books, biographies, classics and mythology, books on humour etc. Each genre of books provides entertainment of a different kind.
Books have always fascinated me and I have my mother to thank for being instrumental in encouraging my love of books. There was never a Christmas or a birthday when books weren't part of the presents.
Do you read? What kind of books and how do they help you?
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An excellent article on reading and its benefits.
I also have an interest in reading and due to my intense interest in books on different types of subjects, I understand their importance in our life. In fact, books not only increase our knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live but also are a great pass time for people having leisure time.
During my school days, I was living in a small remote town where there was not much exposure to the outer world. There was no TV, no mobile phone, no sports club and no modern fun and entertainment avenues. But, there was a Govt library full of Hindi and English books. As a default, I became a member of the library and started to bring books to home for reading. I did not know much English and so did not take those books.
One day I found that there are some Hindi translations of popular English books and due to the curiosity I started reading those books and then tried their English originals also. I was surprised to find that those books seemed more fascinating and exciting to read.
This went on for few years and one day I found that there are very few books left out that I had not read. At that time I took it as an ordinary thing but later when I moved to bigger cities for my higher education and joined my job and had the opportunity to take part in delivering lectures, group discussions etc, I found that I was able to manage all that very easily and many of my friends took my help or opinion when it came to writing something on some subject. I have no formal diploma or degree in creative writing or literature. I am basically from a pure science background.
But today whatever I am able to write or comment is all due to my reading habit that was inculcated during my school days.
So definitely, reading is a great habit.