5 Compelling Reasons Why Reading Is Worth Your Time

Are you someone who thinks that reading is a waste of time? Think again! Reading is a powerful activity that can have a positive impact on your life in numerous ways.

In fact, there are several reasons why reading is worth your time, and in this article, we’ll be sharing five of them. From improving your cognitive abilities to reducing stress and enhancing your creativity, the benefits of reading are truly endless.

So, if you’re curious about how reading can improve your life, keep reading to discover the top five reasons why reading is worth your time.

Common reasons why people avoid reading

For various reasons, many people find it difficult to sit down with a good book. Let’s go over some of the most common reasons for not reading:

Reading is boring

One of the most common reasons why people avoid reading is that they find it boring.

Reading requires you to sit still and concentrate on the text in front of you, which can feel tedious compared to more interactive activities like playing games or watching movies.

Some people also struggle to find books that hold their interest, leading them to give up on reading altogether.

Causes eye strain

Another reason why people may avoid reading is that it can cause eye strain.

When you spend a lot of time reading, your eyes have to work hard to focus on the text, which can lead to discomfort and fatigue.

While this is usually a temporary condition, it can make reading feel like a chore, especially for those who already spend a lot of time looking at screens.

Takes up space

Whether you prefer physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks, reading can take up space in your home or on your devices.

For some people, this can be a barrier to reading, especially if they live in small spaces or don’t have a lot of storage.

Additionally, managing and organizing books can be a daunting task, which causes some people to refrain from reading entirely.

Time waster

Many successful people have emphasized the importance of reading in achieving success.

Despite this, reading remains a less popular activity among many individuals.

One possible explanation for this is that reading requires a significant investment of time. It takes time to read and absorb the information in a book, whether it’s a physical book or an e-book.

In our fast-paced society, people often feel like they don’t have enough time to devote to reading. And they’d rather spend their time elsewhere.

Difficult or inaccessible material

Some people may avoid reading because they find the material too difficult or inaccessible.

This can be true for academic texts, but also for fiction or nonfiction books that use complex language or deal with challenging subject matter.

For those who struggle with reading comprehension or have difficulty accessing books due to factors like disability or language barriers, this can be a significant barrier.

Lack of motivation

Finally, some people may simply lack motivation to read. This could be due to a variety of factors, including mental health issues, burnout, or a general feeling of apathy.

When you don’t feel motivated to read, it can be hard to get started, even if you know that reading would be good for you.

Cost of reading

Cost is a significant factor that can discourage people from reading. Especially those who prefer physical books.

While the actual price of the book or ebook is one consideration, there are other costs associated with reading that may not be immediately apparent.

For example, according to Statista, the average time spent reading on weekdays is around 20 minutes.

If the average US hourly earnings for all employees is $11.22, this means that the cost of spending time reading for just 20 minutes a day is close to $1,400 per year.

If you read for two hours a day, the cost can rise to around $8,200 per year.

This cost may be prohibitive for some people, especially those who have limited disposable income. Or who prioritize other forms of entertainment over reading.

Is reading worth it?

Considering the cost of reading, the question arises: is it worth it to spend time and money on reading? The answer depends on your purpose for reading.

If you are reading to improve your skills or gain new ideas and inspiration, the cost of reading is undoubtedly worth it.

However, if you are forced to read something that does not interest you. Or just following the trend, then you are wasting your time and money.

Because reading books that don’t interest you will not add value to your overall development.

What about reading for pleasure?

Reading for entertainment, rest, or relaxation is also a valuable purpose of reading.

It may not be productive in the traditional sense, but it’s essential to relax and take a break from serious matters.

Is reading fiction worth it

The answer is yes. Reading fiction books can promote imagination, creativity, and open-mindedness. It can also develop a person’s empathy and emotional intelligence.

Whether it’s reading for pleasure or for personal development. Reading is a worthwhile investment of your time and money.

5 Reasons why reading is worth it

Reading is a valuable activity that offers many benefits. Here are 5 reasons why reading is worth your time and money.

1) Learning and Development

The purpose of reading is also its benefit. Because reading is a great way to acquire new knowledge and skills.

If your read for the purpose of learning something new, then definitely you will learn something new.

If your objective is to get new ideas, glean some insight from other people, or simply get facts, reading can give you that, too.

Whether you want to learn about history, improve your cooking, or pick up a new language, reading is a fantastic way to achieve your goals.

In addition, reading allows you to learn at your own pace and in your own time, making it a flexible and effective way to develop yourself.

2) It keeps the mind sharp

The brain is considered to be a muscle. And like a muscle, it needs to be exercised for it to function at its best. Without exercise, it will deteriorate and become more susceptible to Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the best prescriptions to exercise the brain would be a healthy dose of scheduled reading. A good read will sharpen the mind and keep it active.

3) Helps with focus

Social media use is constantly increasing and is also giving rise to the abuse of multitasking. People nowadays would often be doing 3 to 5 tasks at a time but nothing seems to get done.

This is because the attention is divided. Instead of giving your 100% focus on a single task, this will be divided into several tasks. Resulting in to decline in productivity or quality of work that is done.

With reading, especially if it is a physical book, you will be forced to just sit down and read. Regular reading will help improve your focus and concentration which can then be utilized in your career or personal life.

4) Helps manage stress

Problems and issues at work, financial concerns, strained relationships, or overloaded commitments are just some of the causes of stress in our life.

And although stress is a normal reaction and is designed to help humans cope with changes. Prolonged exposure to stress however is not healthy.

One way to manage stress is by reading. A relaxing time spent reading an interesting book will have a positive effect and will help alleviate stress.

5) Improves vocabulary and communication skills

You are bound to come upon new words every now and then through regular reading. Each new word that you will learn will be added to your vocabulary database.

A large database of words will come in handy during communication. It will also help speed up sentence construction because of the range of words to help get the message across.

Self-Development

You’ve heard of the saying, “Be the best version of yourself,” and reading can help you achieve that. Self-development is one of the most rewarding benefits of reading, and here’s why:

New Perspectives

Reading books allows you to gain new perspectives and insights that you may not have considered before.

This can help you see things from a different point of view, and broaden your understanding of the world around you. It can also help you empathize with others and understand their experiences.

Personal Growth

Reading can also help you grow as a person by teaching you new skills, strategies, and approaches to problems.

For example, reading books on time management can help you become more productive. While reading books on communication can help you become a better listener and speaker.

Mental Stimulation

Reading can also be a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. It can help you stay mentally sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age.

Studies have shown that reading can even increase your intelligence and improve your memory.

Goal-Setting

Reading can also help you set and achieve your goals. By reading books on self-help, personal development, and success. You can learn strategies and techniques for achieving your goals and fulfilling your potential.

Inspiration

Reading can also inspire you to take action and make positive changes in your life.

By reading stories of people who have overcome adversity, achieved success, or made a difference in the world. You can be motivated to pursue your own dreams and aspirations.

Continuous reading will lead to continuous learning, growth, and self-development.

Developing a Reading Habit: Simple Steps for Success

So with all the compelling reasons provided on why reading is worth the time and money. Now would be a good time as any for anyone to get into the habit of reading.

Here are some simple steps to help you get started.

Repetition and Simplicity

To make reading a habit, you need to repeat it regularly. Set aside a certain amount of time each day to dedicate to reading. Start with a small amount of time, like 10 or 15 minutes, and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.

To keep it simple, choose a time when you’re usually free, like before bed or in the morning. This way, you won’t have to make any major adjustments to your routine to incorporate reading.

Design your environment

According to James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, the design of your environment can have a big impact on the habits you develop.

So, to make it easier to get into the habit of reading, you can change your environment.

For example, if you plan to read before bed, place the book you want to read next to your bed. This way, you can just reach for it and start reading without having to make any extra effort.

The same goes for reading in the morning. Keep the book next to your alarm clock so you can start reading as soon as you wake up.

The 3 Rs of Habit Formation: Reminder, Routine, and Reward

James Clear’s book also discusses the 3 Rs of habit formation: reminder, routine, and reward. The reminder is the trigger that prompts you to do the habit, the routine is the habit itself, and the reward is the benefit you get from doing the habit.

By placing the book in a prominent location, you are providing a visual reminder to read. The routine is the act of reading itself, and the reward is the feeling of accomplishment or enjoyment you get from reading.

Physical books vs Kindle

Physical books and e-readers like Kindle both have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to personal preference which format you choose to read from.

Benefits of physical books

One of the main advantages of physical books is the tactile experience. The feel of turning the pages, the smell of the paper, and the weight of the book in your hands can all add to the reading experience.

With physical books, you also have the freedom to lend them to others, display them on your bookshelf, or donate them to your local library or charity.

Disadvantages of physical books

On the other hand, physical books can take up a lot of space, and organizing them can be a hassle. They can also be heavy to carry around, especially if you like to read on the go.

Benefits of e-readers

E-readers like Kindle, on the other hand, are lightweight and portable. You can carry an entire library with you wherever you go, and you can adjust the font size and style to your liking.

E-readers also have built-in lighting, making it easy to read in low-light situations. And with the ability to purchase and download books instantly, you can start reading your next book right away.

Disadvantages of e-readers

One of the disadvantages of e-readers is the lack of tactile experience. You don’t get the same feel of turning the pages or the smell of the paper.

Some people also find it harder to concentrate while reading from a screen, especially if they are used to reading from physical books. And while e-readers are more environmentally friendly than physical books, they still require electricity to operate.

Personal preference

In the end, whether you choose to read physical books or use an e-reader will depend on personal preference. Some people prefer the physical experience of reading a book, while others prefer the convenience of an e-reader.

What’s important is that you are reading regularly and enjoying the experience, regardless of the format you choose.

Physical books or Audiobooks

The debate continues on whether reading a physical book or listening to an audiobook is more beneficial. While personal preference plays a significant role, there are some factors to consider in deciding which format is best for you.

The Benefits of Physical Books

For those who prefer physical books, it’s all about the experience. Holding the book, turning the pages, and immersing oneself in the story or information are some of the benefits.

Additionally, sitting down with a cup of coffee, and dedicating time to read can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. And this, if I may add, is a personal preference of mine.

The Advantages of Audiobooks

On the other hand, audiobooks offer convenience and flexibility. You can listen to a book while doing other tasks such as driving or exercising.

It’s also an excellent option for people who are not into reading but want to develop the habit. Audiobooks can make the learning process more accessible and enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Format

While both formats offer benefits, it’s essential to consider which one will work best for you.

If you are someone who values the tactile experience of reading and wants to immerse yourself in the story or information, then physical books are the way to go.

But if you are a multitasker who wants to learn while doing other activities, then audiobooks may be more your style.

Hitting the goal

In this digital age, the internet has made it possible for people to access a wealth of knowledge and information. Keeping up with the rapid pace of technological advancements makes continuous learning more important than ever.

Whether you choose to learn from physical or electronic books, or through listening with audiobooks, the end goal remains the same: learning.

To quote Eric Hoffer:

In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

To stay equipped and adaptable, it’s important to keep learning. And reading is a great way to achieve that goal.

Wrap-up: Reading is Worth your time

In summary, reading is a valuable investment of your time and money, regardless of the format. Whether you read for entertainment, relaxation, or to gain knowledge and personal growth, the benefits of reading are countless.

By making reading a habit, you can continuously learn and grow, keeping up with the fast pace of change in today’s world. So whether you prefer physical books or e-books, audiobooks or other forms of reading, the important thing is to keep reading.

Remember the words of Eric Hoffer, “In times of change learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” So keep learning, keep reading, and keep growing.