From the moment we’re taught language, we have been urged to read, read, read. And while this may frustrate and prompt some to avoid it (because rebellion, I know), in this case, our upbringing on this account is correctly motivated.

Reading for some is a slog — a chore that becomes tedious. And no matter how hard you try to stay focused, inevitably distraction calls. However, all the preaching on the importance of reading holds fundamental truths. The act of reading provides essential benefits, even if you don’t like to be reminded.

So here I will be going over some of, but not limited to, the main benefits that reading serves us.

Empathy Development

This may be the winner of all of them — just for the sake of humanity. The point of view (first person, third person) set up that narratives frequently follow takes us deep into the mind and internal conflict of the characters.

Spending so much time in another person’s mind undoubtedly has an empathetic effect on those who follow their story. It’s a first person, intimate look into the workings of our fellow human’s (even fictional) thought patterns, justifications, and, most importantly, emotions.

This exposure naturally develops a stronger sense of empathy, something that everyone can benefit from.

Vocab and Communication Skills

Yes, yada yada, big words, yada yada. But I’m serious, better vocabulary ensures that you are better understood. The consumption of words — complicated ones, scary ones – automatically builds your communicative range, and effectively expands your vocabulary. Therefore, your conversational and communicative skills will never suffer.

Communication consists of the spoken and written word, so you better believe it strengthens your writing skills. Experiencing other’s writing patterns, and exposure to sophisticated punctuation and sentence structure, allows you a better understanding of the writing craft that you can apply to your own works.

Reduces Stress
Here’s the banger. Losing yourself in a story, a crazy adventure that sucks your attention, it’s a kind of therapy that most other mediums can’t offer. It serves as a distraction from your daily, reality-infused life. 

It may be for the sake of pure entertainment, and good for you, you’re doing something that makes you happy. But for some, including me, it’s a coping mechanism for the times life decides to show up at your door and sock you in the stomach. There’s a sense of support from the fictional world that allows me to release my consciousness into adventure, romance, any escape that I need in the moment.

It’s a fail-safe drug with only one side effect — free-range imagination.