Increase your knowledge and understanding of the world
While gaining knowledge through first-hand experiences can be deeply enriching and valuable, there is a limit to how much you can learn this way. Reading gives you access to the adventures, ordeals, perspectives and rich inner world of another human being all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you are poring over a well-researched non-fiction book or losing yourself in a fascinating fictional tale, the unique insights you can get from any piece of writing will expose you to perspectives of those from different cultures, walks of life and time periods. The more you read, the more you expand your understanding of the world!
Expand your vocabulary and enhance your communication skills
As students, one straightforward benefit of reading is the growth of your vocabulary. The more you read, the more you will be exposed to words you have not come across before. While some choose to improve their vocabulary by memorising lists of “impressive” words and their given definitions, exposing yourself to new words through reading books will give you the upper hand. By being exposed to these words in the right context, your understanding of certain words and expressions will be a fuller one. For example, the words resentment and loathing can both be used to express anger but understanding the nuance between the two will help you use the right words in the right situation. Not only will this improve your reading comprehension and make you a better writer, it will enhance your communication skills overall as you will be able to access a bigger bank of words and phrases to express yourself.
Improve your emotional intelligence and empathy
Can reading make you a more empathetic person? Yes! As mentioned previously, reading takes you to other worlds and allows you to step into the shoes of others and experience the world through their eyes. The practice of taking the time to view the same situation through the lens of someone other than yourself is what develops cognitive empathy! Even if you are reading non-fiction, reading various perspectives on the same issues opens your eyes and your mind to how different the same world can be to people of different ages, races, income levels and other social groups. Along with the ability to intentionally empathise with others, your improved communication skills will give you the ability to express this empathy in productive, helpful ways. It can help you ask the right questions when listening to others, say the right things in response and navigate conversations and conflict with emotional intelligence. In this way, reading can help you form beautiful new relationships and strengthen your existing ones!
Boost your creativity and imagination
A work of fiction can be a fascinating display of its author’s creativity and a wonderful testament to the human imagination. But can readers boost their creativity through reading? Definitely! The more you read, the more you will be prompted to think beyond the boundaries of reality and let your mind wander beyond the constraints of your daily life and environment. All creative works are inspired by previous creations and reading creative writing goes a long way in developing your own creativity. Reading about fantasy worlds specifically stimulates your imagination as your brain works to paint an image of the things you read and think about all the possibilities. Even reading non-fiction can make you more creative. Reading about the structures of our world inspires new ideas and encourages innovative thinking. After all, is science fiction not based on science itself?
Stimulate your mind and improve cognitive function
Reading is like a mental workout for your brain! When you immerse yourself in a book, your mind becomes more active, processing new ideas, and making connections between the text and your own experiences. Your brain actively creates connections between what you read and what you already know, turning information into knowledge. Research has shown that reading regularly can improve cognitive functions, such as memory retention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. As such, reading keeps your brain engaged and helps stave off cognitive decline as you age.