Benefits of Book-Reading

My 80+ year old granddad is one busy man. You'll always see him reading newspapers and writing journals and notes and GOD knows what. But if you talk to him, you'll realize he knows more than he shows. 

Wise old people always suggest you to read. Books. Newspapers. Novels. There's no specific category. To just read. 

I've always been a book reader myself and I've always considered it an individual hobby, never really thought about why I do it and what benefits it will bring me in the long term. But as I grew older I realized a lot of advantages I got from something I just enjoyed doing.
I'm going to share some with you. 

• Escape from reality

Reading a good book can quickly ,and completely, deviate your mind from whatever is going on around you. When you get too many reality checks a day and you feel overwhelmed by life itself, a book is a beautiful and quick escape.  Also, depending on what kind of book you're reading, your mood changes as well. For me, all stressful routines and bad days should end with a good read. 
And ice cream.

• Convenience 

Some hobbies require a number of tools and essentials. Book reading,however, is the simplest, most convenient way of passing your time while enjoying it. Whether you're at a park, the waiting room, in a train or bus or waiting for a friend somewhere. Pull a book out of your bag and you're all set !

• Increases knowledge

Books are not just words. They are more than just sentences. It doesn't matter if it's a newspaper, magazine,novel or a travel guide. Everything you read is going to teach you something.

• Broadens the mind

Reading books opens up your vision and let's you think outside the box. It enhances your creative side and let's you explore the endless possibilities in life and the universe.

• Language learning

If you want to learn or improve a language ,or excel at any, just read books. It'll do wonders to your language skills and vocabulary.

• Educational benefits

If you have developed a habit of book reading in general, reading textbooks and learning through visual techniques will be less daunting. Being habitual of reading gives you a command over skimming, scanning and filtering what information is necessary and what isn't. This helps a lot during exam studies or quick recaps before tests and exams. 

• Mental benefits

Being friends with books can have surprising benefits on your mentality. Think about it. Good books give you positive energy, motivate you, and even inspire you. A good book can refresh your mind and make you feel calm and relaxed by distracting you from whatever stress you're in. 
Book reading has been known to have great benefits in fighting depression and anxiety disorders and I have experienced it myself. I highly recommend it to anyone facing any mental health issues.

• Older age

I've observed my granddad and concluded that being a habitual book reader since a young age can save you from a lot of common problems associated with aging. For example, it keeps your mind (and body, to some extent) active , saving you from a lot of mental problems; Being indulged in reading and books can prevent you from getting bored or lonely and saves you from the commonly found depression disorders in older individuals and all the pathologies associated with it,and many many more such advantages.

Reading books, in my opinion, is one of the best hobbies you can adopt. I know everybody says this but I can guarantee you - all the hype is for all the right reasons.