Are you falling under the category of people who read only social media posts, constantly checking their contact WhatsApp status, Tweets trends and bants, Instagram stories – but no substantial book reading?

In this information age, your attention can be split on too many platforms, and that can not only cause anxiety but may also cripple your reading habit.

Do you know there are major benefits of reading books and other long-form articles every day? One of the key benefits of reading is that it promotes mental health.

Research suggests that people who keep their brains active by reading are 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who spend their downtime on less stimulating activities.

Ask yourself a very sincere question this moment; when was the last time you read a book or a substantial article like this?

Reading up a good book can transport you to the magic of other worlds away from immediate worries, and help you to reduce stress. If you’re among the countless people who don’t make a habit of reading regularly, you might be missing out.

Reading has a significant number of benefits, and here’re 50 benefits of reading to get you started:

 1. Books help you to feel more confident.

2. Books help you to travel around the world in the cheapest way.

3. Books develop your personality.

4. Books provide food for thought.

5. Books make you laugh and think.

6. Books draw you towards perfection.

7. Books stimulate creativity.

8. Books bring out writing talent.

9. Books help you in communicating.

10. Books clear your vision.

11. Books satisfy your curiosity.

12. Books help you make better choices.

13. Books help you build literary talent.

14. Books do not require any special device to teach.

15. Books increase your attention span.

16. Books are fruitful pastime.

17. Books can be used anytime, anywhere.

18. Books provide entertainment when others fail.

19. Books make you powerful.

20. Books help you know the ‘Whys’ and ‘Hows’ of everything.

21. Books help you to create and spread the fun.

22. Books help you travel across time intelligently.

23. Books keep you updated with facts and figures.

24. Books spread love, affection and knowledge.

25. Books make the best of friends.

26. Books take you to the intellectual environment.

27. Books help you feel the world around you.

28. Books entertain your mind.

29. Books broaden your horizon.

30. Books bring nature to your doorstep.

31. Books bring about a ‘personality change’.

32. Books increase comprehension.

33. Books do not require company.

34. Books are stress-busters.

35. Books develop a sense of belonging to people around you.

36. Books provide mental and physical relaxation.

37. Books act as a communication tool.

38. Books are intellectually satisfying activity.

39. Books provide spiritual experience.

40. Books provide emotional strength.

41. Books build your self-esteem.

42. Books help and encourage your imagination to soar.

43. Books make you smarter and wiser.

44. Books help you grow.

45. Books take you to a ‘world of dreams’.

46. Books can change your life and vision.

47. Books help you in achieving your ‘life goals’.

48. Books develop wonderful experience.

49. Books transform lives.

50. Books inspire, motivate and build nations.

Reading is an underrated activity. But it is becoming more important in today’s society.

Step away from your computer or your mobile device for a little while. It’s never too late to start taking advantage of the many physical and psychological benefits waiting for you in the pages of a good book.

Article by: Onyei Charles