Despite the rise in TV technology and instant entertainment, a lot of people are still reading. There are plenty of great reasons to read, aside from all of the great stories out there waiting to be told. Reading is good for you in so many ways. Whether you prefer e-books or are a traditionalist who prefers a physical book, as long as you are reading more than you are watching TV, you are on the right path.

Reading is Brain Fuel

Just like your body needs exercise to be healthy, so does your brain. Reading improves connectivity and increases blood flow in the brain, and it does make you smarter. Plus, it improves your problem solving skills and analytical thinking abilities. Reading also gives you a chance to increase your knowledge of history, other cultures, and so many different areas of interest. Even reading fiction, you will learn something.

Stress Relief

Reading a good story means getting sucked into the plot and leaving the real world behind. This can be a great way to relieve stress and get your mind to a quiet place. For many avid readers, this is like a mini-vacation they can take whenever they get the chance to pick up a book. Letting your brain wander away from reality is healthy, and essential in today’s high-stress society.

Skill Building

If you are interested in improving a skill or learning a new one, reading is the way to go. You can get factual information about a field of interest, see what other people have done before you, and find out how to become more involved in a hobby or interest that you have. There are so many great skills you can learn from reading, and there is something to interest just about everyone.

Inspiration and Imagination

Reading inspires you, regardless of what type of book it is. Well written stories will compel you to want to read more, or perhaps even to write your own stories. You might even improve things about yourself just from what you’ve read. Your imagination needs challenged, too, as it helps you build successful skills you can translate into everyday life. When you allow your brain to go beyond the page and really get into the story, you are putting your imagination to work in a whole new way.