Skip to main content

Importance of reading

The Underrated Joy of Reading: Why It is a Skill and Habit Worth Cultivating

This article first published on 01/09/2009 17:58

Reading is more than just a pastime; it’s a gateway to knowledge, creativity, and personal growth. In a world saturated with screens, it’s crucial to understand why this age-old habit still matters. From improving IQ and linguistic abilities to nurturing emotional intelligence, reading offers immense benefits. Here’s how this simple activity can change lives and why it’s worth your time.

The Underrated Joy of Reading: Why It is a Skill and Habit Worth Cultivating

Why should you make reading a daily ritual?

When I was younger, books were my ultimate companions—silent yet endlessly talkative. A well-thumbed paperback transported me to new worlds, sparked my imagination, and often gave me the words I needed when reality failed.

In today's world of streaming and scrolling, fewer young people embrace this quiet joy. Did you know a study by the National Literacy Trust found that children who enjoy reading are three times more likely to have above-average literacy skills? It is not just about words; it’s about thinking sharper, dreaming bigger, and connecting better with the world around you.

Also read: The price of trust: Tyla’s journey through love and loss

Is reading really better than watching?

Ever noticed how a good book makes time slip away? Unlike binge-watching TV shows, reading demands focus and imagination. Neuroscientists suggest that reading improves brain connectivity, enhances empathy, and stimulates cognitive functions. When you read, you actively create the scenes in your head—a skill that sharpens your mind in a way passive screen-watching simply can’t.

And here is an anecdote for you: J.K. Rowling famously said she thought of Harry Potter while reading a book on a delayed train journey. Inspiration doesn’t just strike; it often brews quietly, in the pages of a book.

Editor's pick: Unhealed Trauma: Is it holding you back from the life you deserve?

How does reading shape intelligence and creativity?

I once stumbled upon a study that revealed teenagers who read daily score 15% higher on IQ tests than their peers who don’t. Reading enriches vocabulary, enhances memory, and strengthens analytical thinking. It is no coincidence that many creative geniuses—from Einstein to Steve Jobs—were voracious readers.

Even better? Reading aloud to children boosts their phonetic awareness, making it easier for them to master languages. It is a simple yet transformative habit.

Must read: Stop suffering in silence: Is kindness worth the cost?

Can reading help with social and emotional growth?

Absolutely. I remember reading To Kill a Mockingbird as a teenager and learning about empathy in a way life hadn’t yet taught me. Books are windows into human nature, offering insights into emotions, relationships, and cultures. Studies show that regular readers exhibit greater emotional intelligence and adaptability in social situations.

Think of reading as a conversation starter. Ever quoted an inspiring line or anecdote in a group? Books make you not just smarter but more engaging.

What’s the link between reading and success?

Bill Gates reads 50 books a year. Elon Musk credits science fiction for inspiring him to explore space. If the world's most influential people prioritise reading, it’s time we take a leaf from their books—literally. Regular readers tend to outperform their peers academically, professionally, and personally.

Reading provides a deep well of ideas, and the more you read, the more spontaneous and articulate you become.

Why should parents encourage reading?

As a parent, you can play a pivotal role in nurturing the reading habit early. Encourage bedtime stories, gift exciting books, or even make library visits a family ritual. Kids who develop a love for reading early often excel in linguistic skills and overall academics. Plus, it is a shared experience that deepens family bonds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reading

  1. How can I develop a reading habit?
    Start small—10 minutes a day. Choose books on topics you love, and set a goal to finish one book a month.

  2. What are the best books for beginners?
    Try The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

  3. Does reading fiction really help in real life?
    Yes! Fiction enhances empathy, creativity, and understanding of human behaviour, making you a better communicator and problem solver.

  4. Can reading improve my focus?
    Absolutely. Regular reading builds concentration and helps reduce stress.

  5. What is the best time to read?
    Anytime! Morning readings sharpen focus, while night readings help you relax.


Reading isn’t just a skill—it is a superpower. It shapes minds, sharpens hearts, and enriches lives. Whether it’s a thrilling novel, a self-help book, or an enlightening biography, pick something that speaks to you.

Note: For more inspiring insights, subscribe to the YouTube Channel at Tushar Mangl.

Tushar Mangl is the author of Ardika and The Avenging Act. He writes about books, personal finance, energy healing, and the art of living a balanced, green life.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Also read

Spill the Tea: Ira and the quiet exhaustion of being watched

Ira comes for tea and slowly reveals a life shaped by emotional surveillance. Loved, watched, and quietly evaluated by her parents, she lives under constant explanation. Through food and confession, she names the exhaustion of being known too well and finds nourishment not just in eating, but in finally being heard. Ira arrived  five minutes early and apologized for it. The way people do when they are used to taking responsibility for time itself. She said it lightly, as if time itself had offended her. She wore a white A-line shirtdress, clean and careful, the kind that looks chosen for comfort but ends up signaling restraint. When she sat down, she folded herself into the chair unconsciously. One leg rested on the floor, the other tucked underneath her, knees visible. It was not a pose meant to be seen. It slipped out before her body remembered how to protect itself. I noticed the brief softness of it, the quiet vulnerability, before she settled and forgot. I was still pouring t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...
1 comment
Read more

The Art of Selling by Lefteris Papageorgiou: Unlocking the secrets of persuasion

Summary If you think sales is about smooth talk and flashy presentations, The Art of Selling by Lefteris Papageorgiou will change your perspective. Packed with 300 pages of practical wisdom from a seasoned entrepreneur, this 2024 release by Fingerprint Publishing is your guide to mastering the nuanced art of persuasion and deal-making. With actionable insights tailored to real-world challenges, it is a must-read for anyone in the start up arena looking to unlock their sales potential. What makes this book stand out? When I first picked up Lefteris Papageorgiou’s The Art of Selling , I thought I knew a thing or two about sales. Boy, was I wrong! This book isn’t just another generic “how-to” guide; it is a masterclass from a man who has built 17 successful ventures across five countries. Papageorgiou doesn’t just teach you how to sell—he transforms the way you think about communication, persuasion, and entrepreneurship itself. Whether you are an ambitious startup founder or someone just...
1 comment
Read more