Why is Reading Important?

by Renea Linsom

We live in a world where accessibility and ease rule our lives. Even reading books are done on tablets, computers and smartphones. At times we limit our reading to just emails, posts and comments.

I used to commonly hear that slogan, Reading is fundamental. Everyday the books that we read are turning into movies, miniseries or even documentaries.

So in this technological age, do you believe Reading is important? We will talk about some of the benefits that reading provides.

Reading vs Watching tv

It's easy to turn on the television aka the boob tube and be fed information. It doesn't require anything outside of watching. Reading however stimulates your brain. There have been a plethora of books that demonstrate this, I recommend reading Catcher in the Rye, which is an amazing coming of age story. In reading your mindset is challenged and you see the world through new lenses.

Reading is a form of Self Care. When you read, the stress of life can fade away and you get lost in the words of powerful literature. Also keep in mind reading will expand your vocabulary and increase your knowledge. So many times when you read it's an escape of reality, distant lands and time travel are other ways that make reading beneficial. Kindred by Octavia Butler is a must read that takes you on a mental time travel, but will you return?

For all the writers out there, reading helps your writing. A book that will help you with your writing is You Are a Writer ( So Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins. Reading will give you different lessons that other authors have done. You get to see what worked and what didn't.

On the flip side, let's see the benefits of watching television. It does relieve stress, it's known to reduce cortisol which is the stress hormone.

This is the only benefit of watching television.

Here's a tip: Did you know that there is a certain part of your brain that you don't use?

When we learn something new our brain is firing but after we learn everything becomes repetitive. Reading and critical thinking keep your brain firing and keeps you sharp.

What Books Should I Start With?

Now that you know and understand how much reading is beneficial to you. Let's talk about some excellent books you can start with.

1. The Diary of Anne Frank. This book was actually ranked on the list of books people should read at least once in their lifetime.

2. The Color Purple, Alice Walker. Both of these books both tackle stereotypes and racism.

3. The Great Gatsby, F.Scott Fitzgerald.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.

We see various commercials that tell us how we need to look, various ways we should be taking care of ourselves and the progression we should take. Reading is the same thing, it will provide the same result as other methods of self care. Continue to exercise your mind. Open a book.