Reading has lots of benefits. Not only can it transform you into the best version of yourself, but it can also make you feel mentally stronger by reducing stress and enhancing your problem-solving skills. Once reading becomes part of your life, opportunities will welcome you from the other side.

Below are the five advantages that a person will get when reading becomes a habit. Additionally, I will provide tips to make reading enjoyable for beginners.

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Become Humble and Polite

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Humanity usually recognizes us by the ways we behave. So, becoming humble and polite is more than important. Additionally, it is an ongoing process of self-awareness, empathy, and development. So, how can you be well-mannered?

According to our ancestors’ sayings, “Friends can turn us into whatever version they are. If they are bad, they will turn you into bad. If they are good, they will turn you into good!”

Similarly, books are our friends. But depending on the ones you choose to read, the influence of the book varies. For example, on one hand, Hinduism and Buddhism’s scriptures admonish readers to be an obsequious person, on the other hand, some fan-fiction has a strong likelihood of making you rude because of the usage of the words in the novel.

So, consider reading as our friends which change us for the better in speaking, behaviour and many more.

Take the Quiz: Which Literary Fiction Should You Read Next?

Jump into the world of literary fiction with the one of these novels based on your existing favourites.

Develop Empathy and Sympathy

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As a human being, having empathy and sympathy is vital. The two words, empathy and sympathy, may look the same, but their definitions are slightly different.

Sympathy is an ability to absolutely understand other people's feelings and be sorry for them.

On the other hand, empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is like walking in other shoes for a mile!

So, reading books can teach you all of them. The most obvious way is, in novels and fiction, readers have to step in the various shoes of characters. So, they have to see how the characters feel, their experiences, and difficulties.

Develop Mental Health

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Mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Mental health and physical health are closely linked, which means when you do beneficial things like “reading” physically, you will be stronger, kinder, and happier. Moreover, reading can be an excellent way for you to relax and restart as it helps you escape from stressful and demanding reality. So, you might have a calming effect; it could reduce social anxiety and depression.

Expand Vocabulary Skills

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Needless to say, reading can teach you oodles of advanced words to make you look smarter. Although it might be a children's book, there is still a likelihood of seeing new vocabulary. As a non-native speaker like me, when we learn English, our teachers always tell us to read more for better usage of grammar, vocabulary, and writing. So, if you are an English learner and are interested in gaining lots of new words, reading is an ideal activity.

No Boring Conversation Anymore

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Personally, I find that reading significantly enhances my speaking skills. It is obvious that after reading some scriptures, I gain more confidence in communication, and people always come and compliment me, saying that they are fun and motivated after talking with me. So, once you have knowledge, you will find it easier to have a conversation with people, and you will leave them wondering, “Why are you so smart?” and “How do you know all of them?” etc, etc.

When you gain knowledge, it strengthens your ability to communicate and relate to others. It makes conversations flow naturally because you're equipped with insights and vocabulary that allow you to contribute meaningfully. People notice this, which is why they ask questions like, “How do you know all this?” It's the result of reading and learning, which empowers you to speak with confidence and leave a lasting impression on those around you.

Tips

For tips, I decided to provide them for beginners. As for me, I tried the following tips to make reading a regular habit.

Set Daily Goal

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Setting a daily goal is an effective way to build new habits. I believe you have already heard, “Start small and gradually!” Like the quote says, you don’t need to start with 1 hour of reading time every day. Instead, you have to start with 15 minutes a day and increase the time when you have reading stamina.

Make a List of Books

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Making a list of books is also a great idea. In order to do that, you have to know which genre you love, though. There are non-fiction and fiction. People I know usually start reading fiction such as novels and stories first, since non-fiction could be a bit boring and annoying for some beginners.

Find a Comfortable (Enough) Spot

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Having your own personal space to read is excellent. Personally, I also find one that makes me feel comfortable. But make sure it is not too comfortable, unless you fall asleep.

For the spot, it can be in your living room, bed room, or even in your garden. Mine is my study room!

So, the above facts are the benefits that I guarantee you will get, once you read every day this summer. Since I suggested some tips for reading as well, I don’t think you might find it difficult to start! Read regularly and grow your knowledge!