When information is one Google search away and there’s millions of hours of entertainment found in games, movies, and TV, why read books? Well, there are many benefits to reading books, especially in 2020. Here are my top 10 favorite benefits of reading.
Relieves Stress
Reading for entertainment can be a great stress reliever in a way games and TV can’t be. Not only does it completely immerse you in the story, but it gives your eyes a break from the loud theatrics of video games and movies. A study even found that reading can relieve stress as much as yoga.
Creates Empathy
Empathy is something we all need a little more of these days. Because reading a story puts you literally in the shoes of someone else, it helps you build empathy and understand someone else’s point of view better. That’s one reason why it’s important to read stories by a diverse range of authors and it’s very beneficial for those who want to understand the world a little better.
Stimulates the Mind
Watching TV is a very passive experience. You simply absorb the contents. But reading is a bit more of a workout. It makes you picture what’s happening in the story in a way that stimulates the brain. The brain is a muscle that needs to be worked and reading is a fun way to give your brain some exercise.
Value Entertainment
The costs of games, movies, and TV add up. You can spend 30 dollars going to the movie theater for two hours of entertainment. Or you can sit through ads to watch free TV on Crackle and Popcornflix. Whether you decide to spend money or put up with ads, there’s a cost to entertainment.
While books cost money, you get a lot more entertainment for the same price. You can spend 15 dollars on a two-hour movie or a book that will give you at least 10 hours of entertainment. The value is even greater for those with library cards or those who like to browse Smashwords or thrift shops for bargains.
Helps You Live Longer
This is crazy to me, but it turns out reading might help people live longer. Studies suggest reading a few hours a week increases lifespans. Considering how reading can help alleviate stress, which wreaks havoc on our health, it’s no big surprise it can lead to a longer life.
Why do you like to read? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: the Smashwords link in this article is an affiliate link, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase a book through that link, but at no additional cost to you. I donate half of my affiliate earnings to Trees for the Future.