Reasons why you should be reading more

Upon taking part in the new Harry Potter Book club, I had a thought. I feel like not enough people read novels anymore, or at least openly admit that they do. This is something I can't understand because reading is amazing and has the ability to transport you into a story, as well as having countless other benefits.

As an avid book reader, I thought I would write up this blog post in an attempt to encourage people to keep the hobby I adore so much, alive. Here are some of the amazing benefits you get from reading regularly:

1. The first one is pretty obvious- reading widens your vocabulary and improves your general verbal ability.

When you read, your mind is taking in every word and absorbing it, meaning you will pick up new words and phrasing subconsciously. Without knowing, you'll end up stunning the people around you when you come out with big, fancy words (who doesn't want to sound like a smart ass?). All jokes aside, having good verbal ability is a very important skill to have. All in all, you'll have more vocab in your personal dictionary.

2. Believe it or not, reading contributes to a better memory!

Yes, that's right...regularly diving into a novel can help improve your memory and learning skills. I mean C'mon...who doesn't want a better memory for cramming all of that night-before revision in? How it works is pretty simple- when you read, you take breaks and are forced to remember which point in the plot you were up to, hence over time- your memory skills improve.

3. Reading improves your concentration span.

Again, this point is also pretty self explanatory. When you read, it takes time, patience and well...concentration so it's not surprising that daily doses of a book improves your capability to concentrate for longer periods of time. This is so helpful, especially in school/college/uni as it enables you to study and revise better.

4. Reading improves your imagination.

This one is a given. Being transported into fictional lands is bound to have a positive impact on your imagination. Plain and simple.

5. Another key one- reading helps you to relax and de-stress.

In modern day society- most people are stressed out in some shape or form. Whether it be due to financial reasons, school, exams, work...the list is endless. Reading offers an escapism, an outlet for relaxation and something to focus the mind on- away from all of the worries of daily life, readily helping to improve your mental state. I'm by no means saying that reading is a miracle cure for all your worries, but it is known to at least help in terms of relaxation. In simple terms... making you a little more 'zen' in times of stress.

6. Reading enhances your ability to analyse situations.

When delving into a story, you are constantly analysing characters, the plot and trying to solve puzzles within the book (I do this mostly when reading crime novels, you know..."who did it?" and all that jazz). This all basically stimulates the brain and improves the integral thinking skills.

7. Last but not least... reading is FUN.

I thought I'd end this post on a massively positive note. Reading is extremely fun and enjoyable. It's a great hobby to take up and has an equally as good entertainment value as your favourite Netflix show. So, go on...pick up a book!

Books I love and would recommend to get started with:

1. The Harry Potter series (obviously)

2. The Hunger Games trilogy

3. We were liars

4. Red Queen

5. The peculiar children series

6. The Divergent series

7. Paperweight

8. Into the wild

9. Lord of the flies

10. War horse

Thank you so much for reading this post. Make sure to let me know your thoughts on reading in the comments below.