Reading books: a beneficial habit

 

Reading books: a beneficial habit

 

 

Reading is beneficial to people. Reading books in particular. Repeatedly, research has shown that people who read books:

·           are better informed than people who do not read and are therefore better able to stand better in society

·           they are more aware of their environment, which enables them not to be able to judge 'from their own experience', but to imagine themselves more easily in other people's shoes

·           acquire a wide range of skills that also make them stand out in the workplace

·           are helped in their health because they are better informed about issues such as health risks, and because reading books has a positive effect on the brain

·           in any case, of course, they experience an extremely enjoyable activity, reading books, which increases happiness and a sense of well-being 

 

Numerous studies have been carried out over the years on the effects of reading books from various scientific fields. The combination of a large number of such studies together provides a clear overview of the effects of reading books. Analysis of the available data continues to reveal four key issues:

 

1. Integration into the society

It is important to society that people behave as good citizens and shoulder their fair share of the burden. Tolerant people, who allow others' opinions to be heard, make for a more harmonious and therefore happier society. The skills developed or enhanced by people who read benefit the way they understand the world around them and the way they themselves contribute to it.

 

2. Employment skills

The skills needed for the labour market are subject to change. For example, digitisation and related developments require innovative, competitive and flexible workers. These are skills that can be improved by reading. The more one reads, the more easily one understands information and is able to process it.

 

Basic skills acquired through reading books are physical:

·      the development of language skills

·      the development of cognitive skills

·      the development of higher general intelligence on average compared to people who read less

·      the development of a general world view

·      a positive effect on brain functions, as has been clinically demonstrated by research on less literate people

 

3. Health

Research has shown that people who read are more than 25% more likely to be healthy than those who do not read. This is due to the ability to process information relevant to the world of health and healthcare. In fact, the term "health literacy" is often used, which is nothing more than the ability to be able to find information about health and illness, process it and take action based on it.

 

There is also a lot of evidence that reading books:

·      especially for loners, leads to a significantly lower risk of mortality

·      as a cognitive stimulating activity, leads to a reduced risk of dementia

·      acts as a stimulus for the brain and a healthier brain contributes to longevity

 

4. Well-being

Perhaps the most important thing about reading: enjoyment. It adds something to our lives, in a pleasant and meaningful way.

 

Those who read usually speak of a journey into another world away from the worries and problems of everyday life.

 

Research has also shown that reading books has a positive effect on people's imaginative and empathic abilities, which in turn benefits their personal sense of well-being and happiness.

 

Reading leads to satisfaction in a very direct way: it provides positive experiences. Relaxation, the ability to manage emotions and stress, higher emotional intelligence and positive self-image are all elements that benefit personal well-being.