Picture yourself tucked in bed, a cup of hot tea by the nightstand, and a book you’ve been longing to get your hands on. Did the thought make you smile? The actual act of reading makes you happy and brings down your stress levels. You are transported from your world and problems, into someone else’s. And although for a few moments, this distracts you from “real life”. You can lose yourself watching a movie, or listening to music. But reading a book, specifically, has a lot of advantages. Read on to find out how and why you should become a better reader.

Start small

Like most habits that you try to inculcate, the key is to start small. You don’t have to complete 5 books a month. Read 10 pages every day. You will finish a book or two each month. Which is 10-12 books a year. And that is a pretty good figure to achieve!

You become a better human being!

Reading gives you an insight into how people think differently. You understand different perspectives. Sometimes we even love the villain. We identify with them and support what they do. If you can empathize with people, you will be likable. People will choose to talk to you. They will ask for your guidance, or just a listening ear. You are better equipped to deal with your relationships and life feels easier. Think of books as life manuals. Everything that we face is already in there. We need to delve into the pages to find what we love and apply what we can to our own lives.

A defined roadmap

Most successful people publish their stories. They write about their experiences— hardships faced, opportunities taken, chances missed, regrets, and joys. Their books serve as a blueprint for success. Undoubtedly, no two people have the same journey. You can learn by observing the similarities between these success stories. You become well-rounded and better informed about the path you need to take.

Better social skills

Even if you prefer staying in every weekend, away from the bright lights and loud music, you need to work on developing your social skills. You do not need to put yourself out there and mingle if you don’t feel like it. But speaking well and sounding confident is a skill that is useful in many spheres of life. Reading helps develop this— the more you read, the better you will be able to communicate. Your vocabulary will improve. You will have a better grasp of the language. People will feel good talking to you. Articulating what you mean will help at your job and career, as well as with friends and family.

Relax!

It is important to wind down every day. You deserve to let go and relax. Curling up with a book is a good way to do so. “Getting lost” in a book, experts claim, is the best way to let your mind relax.

Growth mindset

You will likely feel good about it when you read and learn. You will end up reading more, and learning more. You will sleep better (oh we can’t stress this enough) and will wake up feeling refreshed. In a way, you develop a “growth mindset” and will start looking for other productive habits to develop.

Get accountable

It helps to join a book club, or borrow books from a library (especially when you have a due date by which they need to be returned!). You could set a reading goal with your friend: 2 books a month, or lesser. And discuss the books you are reading with each other. You will feel accountable to complete at least a few pages each day.

We hope you’re not feeling overwhelmed, it is about taking it one page at a time. Pick up books across different genres and understand what you like. Read more of the books you enjoy. You will feel like you have a friend who is always there no matter what!