What is your favorite book? How do you think it has impacted your life? We celebrate World Book Day on April 23rd of every year to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. Reading is good for people and time and again research has proved that people who read books are better informed than people who do not and are also better to hold the society. They are more able to assess their conduct and stand out amongst the others. It is also an exceptionally great pastime that adds to your happiness and well-being. Over the years, numerous studies have been carried out to assess the impact of reading books on people’s lives. The studies lay emphasis on several factors.

Reading books help people build a general sense of understanding towards each other and helps is the development of skills that are required for it. When people are carried away by the story of a book, they start developing the ability of empathy. They learn to see things better from other perspectives and care about others. The whole process improves our reflective thinking. In short, the skills that people develop through reading books are the keys to understand the world around them and contribute to it.  Do you know there is a strong link between reading and your health? Research has suggested that people who read are more than 25% more likely to be healthy than non-readers. Reading activities have a positive effect on the brain and its functioning.

Reading fiction allows you to temporarily escape your own reality and go into your imagination. Non-fiction self-help books teach you strategies for coping up with varied situations. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service has started up a Reading Well, where medical experts prescribe books to people specifically for certain conditions. In 2009, a group of researchers measured the effects of reading on stress levels of students in demanding health science programs. The study found that reading impacted lower blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress. 

So what should you be exactly teaching? The answer lies in whatever you can get your hands on. There was a time when remote areas had to rely on traveling librarians with books stuffed in bags. However, times have changed now and we have vast access to information and books on our fingers. If you are stressed, read a blog on niche topics or read fantasy or historical fiction. Books are your mentor guiding you through the journey of life.