Having grown in a world where reading was the only escape from absurd rules, it is only natural that I spent a significant amount of time immersed in books, first as a child, later as a teenager and young adult. Childhood habits are hard to remove, be they healthy or harmful, therefore even as an adult a great deal of my free time is dedicated to reading. However, it is easy for me to grasp that for a digital native there are multiple stimuli and opportunities for entertainment that will push reading further down the list of priorities, if included on such a list at all. Therefore I feel compelled to bring to light some hidden benefits of reading, in the hope that it may motivate teenagers to choose to read for leisure, not only for exams.
While not easily visible, reading fiction for pleasure will lead to a boost of your emotional intelligence and, let’s be honest, who among us feels they have a high enough EQ? As a reader you are exposed to the emotional experiences of diverse characters of different ages, coming from a variety of backgrounds. Each character will have needs, fears, anxieties, moments of glory and pain, deeper or more superficial concerns, in a word each will reflect human nature. Not only can you not come in contact first-hand with such a wide range of personalities in real life (unless you are a teacher, of course, on a humorous note), but it is also difficult for lack of time or habit to dissect the people that you meet in order to learn to understand complex emotions and perspectives. Reading provides a safe environment for exploring human nature as, through characters’ interactions, readers develop a better grasp of social dynamics and non-verbal communication, which improves interpersonal skills in real life.
Another lesser-known advantage of reading is that it forces the reader to have a flexible mind. The older and more experienced one gets, the easier it becomes to fall into very specific beliefs formed based on previous decisions or choices. When confronted with a not entirely new situation that has many things in common with instances from our lives, we tend to go to our bank of preconceived conclusions or long-held assumptions rather than take the time and the patience to understand the context and formulate a new opinion. When reading on complex topics, you are exposed to various cultures and ideologies, therefore you are encouraged to consider and evaluate different points of view, thus enhancing cognitive flexibility by teaching your brain to approach problems or ideas from multiple angles. The intricate details of a book, whether fiction or non-fiction, face the brain with the issue of constantly adapting to new information, processing it and organizing it in new ways or integrating it in an already shaped system.
Last but not least, human are social animals and need to interact with and reflect in other humans in order to keep their sanity. As one advances through the years, one loses the ability to connect with others easily, especially when leading a busy life and juggling career and family duties. Joining a reading club means meeting like-minded people, from all walks of life, all reunited by a love for books or the joy of reading. It creates a sense of community and belonging, especially if you are looking to connect with others outside the work environment or family circle. Moreover, reading clubs encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and approach books you would not normally choose, thus broadening your literary horizons.
All in all, apart from the obvious benefits of high grades in exams, reading provides an opportunity for personal growth, social interaction, and intellectual engagement. It is safe to say that reading is the least costly and the most rewarding experience for anyone who wants to enrich their life.