4 Benefits Of Being A Bookworm

I have always had an overwhelming love for books. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading to me, and I am forever grateful to them for this.  The presence of stories and storytelling in my life at such an early age really helped to spark my imagination. 

Now, here I am at 22 and I'm completely obsessed with reading. I will pretty much use any free time I have to read a book. Obviously, there's no true downside to constantly reading, but every now and then people will make a remark about how I always have my nose in a book or that I should put down the book and join the rest of the world. But I disagree with them. 

Reading a book is, in a way, how I am a part of the world. Through stories, we can constantly learn and understand other people's perspectives and opinions; this can help us function in the real world.

Maybe you're a bookworm like me, or maybe it's just not your thing. Either one is totally fine. 

However, there are a ton of perks to being an avid reader:

1. You'll Always Be Entertained

I think one of my favorite things about reading is that I always have a way to entertain myself. Having a book handy is one of the easiest ways to alleviate boredom.

If you're stuck at the airport because of delays, you have a book. 

You're waiting for the train or bus, you have a book. 

It's a convenient, fun way to keep yourself busy.

2. You're Constantly Learning

Whether the book is fiction, fantasy or historical, you are always learning. The beauty of stories is that you are presented with a different plot, conflict and characters almost every time and it provides a great deal of insight. 

Instead of texting or mindlessly searching the Internet (even though it's incredibly entertaining) reading is a much more productive use of your time. Social media induces so much FOMO, but reading just generates a new way of thinking and understanding. There's really no down side.

3. You Can Get In Touch With Your Creative Side

   
   

Reading is an awesome way to get in touch with your creative side. I'm always complaining about how I wish I was artistic, my art skills are pretty pitiful, but this is a great alternative to being creative. 

You can completely immerse yourself in the character's shoes and understand their story from a perspective you may have never thought of. Rather than being physically creative, this is a way to be mentally creative. 

Who knows, maybe this could even encourage you to create your own book or stories.

4. You Understand People

   
   

Remember what I said about being able to place yourself in the character's shoes? This really gives you a better sense of other people's lives, decisions and feelings. Of course, you don't physically know the character but you definitely form a mental connection and this provides insight into another person's world. 

Just because they're a character in a book, does not mean that this same person does not exist elsewhere in the physical world. The stories you come to understand are ones that people all over the world have probably experienced. Take these stories to heart because it will end up helping you.

The more you come to learn and see, the better you understand the world around you. Of course we might always not agree with someone's behaviors or choices but being exposed to the stories allows us to comprehend the diversity of humans.

5. It's Relaxing

   
   

I have also used reading as a way to relax. I've found it really helpful for the times when falling asleep is difficult or if I'm feeling a little anxious. There's something really soothing about curling up in your bed with a good book. I believe that reading takes your mind off any stress or problems you're experiencing in your life and helps you focus on something more positive. 

It's almost a way of just being present and enjoying the moment because all you're thinking about is the story. You're so caught up in what's happening to the character that it's pretty hard to think about things bothering you at work, or in your social life.