Reading is to the mind, what exercise is to the body. This line has been often used to describe the importance of reading. But I would like to say, the joy of reading cannot be expressed in words. It’s something which can be understood only through experience. When you read, you encounter a new world created by the writer. A 2016 study revealed that people who read for atleast 30 minutes every day are more likely to enjoy a longer life.
Reading has many benefits, it teaches us new vocabulary, improves our focus and imagination, makes us smarter and most importantly improves memory. Those who are habitual in reading feel comforted with books. It soothes and relieves tension and loneliness. People often get tired in their daily routines. Most of us usually give preference to the need to relax our bodies, we always forget that our minds need rest too. To me reading is something that can make me forget other things that give me stress and gives my mind complete relaxation, just like yoga. It exposes me to a world of imagination where nothing is impossible.
But, here we are in the 21st century where everything is moving at rocket-speed. These days, people are so engaged in their social and professional lives that they rarely find time to read. Excessive use of the internet plays a key role, it has taken over books, newspapers and magazines. Social networking is holding us captive within a single electronic gadget. In order to improve reading habits amongst children particularly, motivation from parents and teachers is very necessary.
Eliminate distractions, set a daily page goal and start reading every day. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, it will all add up week by week. Always try to have a book handy somewhere to pull out when you’re standing in a queue or taking the bus. You can even keep a book by your bed, to read before you relax and fall asleep.
Books are no doubt very faithful friends of a reader. They never betray, always accompany. We must never let it die out.
- The reader is a student based in Dubai
