Due to the Covid-19 situation, like most of you, I am at home these days. During times like these, when people have confined themselves to their homes, a good book can be an interesting companion. Me? I love reading books. While some add to our knowledge, some take us on a journey with them. Not only are they a source of entertainment, but books are also beneficial to us in many different ways. Here are some of the ways, in which reading a good book can benefit us.

Stimulates brain cells
Your brain, like any other muscle in your body, needs regular exercise to keep it healthy and functioning. Reading a book keeps your mind actively engaged. Studies have shown that reading can keep your mind cognitively stimulated and can slow the progress of Dementia and Alzheimer’s. So the phrase “use it or lose it” is also applicable when it comes to our mind.  
 
Reduces stress
Stress may enter our mind, while at work, from personal relationships, or any other issue that we face in our life. Books are ‘Stress Busters’ and are known to be a great way of reducing stress. An interesting book can transport you to a different place. When you read a book, the writer takes you to a journey with him and you start creating visuals while reading the book. These visuals create a garden of imaginations around your mind, which keeps the stress away.

Adds to our Knowledge
Everything that we read is stored in our mind as bits of information. We all know that ‘Knowledge is power’. The more knowledge we have, the more confident we become. A good reader easily shines through when it comes to discussions. Whenever a well-read person speaks, he will speak with facts and examples. This is because he has accumulated all the knowledge extensively from the books that he has read over a period of time. Things like possessions, money and health come and go, but your knowledge is something that will always stay with you.
 
Expansion of vocabulary
When you read a book outside your curriculum, it helps you improve your vocabulary. However, don’t expect this to happen overnight. You need to be doing it consistently. When you read on a consistent basis, you get exposed to new words and phrases time and again. It is only then that your brain becomes familiar with those words and you start using them in your day to day conversations unknowingly. More you expose yourself to new books, the more you will learn about new words. These words will slowly become a permanent part of your vocabulary. Being able to use proper words to articulate your thoughts can be very helpful in any profession. Being able to speak confidently with your higher-ups in your profession can be a great boost to your self-confidence. It can also help your career grow, as those who are well-read and knowledgeable, are in a better position to be promoted. Having a better vocabulary is also beneficial in public speaking, where you often find people struggling with words and vocabulary once they are on the stage.

Improves Concentration
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s often difficult for us to concentrate on one thing. With the internet and our gadgets pulling our thoughts and attention in various directions at one time, it is becoming more and more difficult for us to concentrate on the task at hand. This behaviour causes the stress level to rise and affects our productivity adversely. When you read a book, your entire attention is on the plot, and the mind shuts the door to the outside world. Make a habit of reading a book for some time, on your way to work. This can be a good post-workout for your brain before reaching the office. You will find yourself more focused on your work, once you get to the office.