In regard to reading people tend to think of it as entertainment and at the same time, it has been one of the activities that can be of very useful for self development. It is a pastime, of course, it is also a door to another world, the development of ideas, the improvement of the emotional IQ, and the general becoming of one as a person of wisdom. With information flow being as fast as it is today, and yes even placing emphasis on reading can be so beneficial to an individual in as much as self development is concerned.
Informative Value
Perhaps the greatest value of reading is informative, as a person gains new information. Books are sources of knowledge, which present different themes to the readers: different stuffs that may not be witnessed in daily life. Regardless of whether one is reading an historical account, a scientific textbook, philosophers, or literature, every book gives new insight, and helps the reader grow in their scope of knowledge. This gathered knowledge does not only makes a person wise but also enables people to make wise choices, analyze and argue convincingly.
Improved Cognitive Skills
Notably, reading also has an important function in acquiring improved cognitive skills. Contrary to the opinion of some people, complex stories and ideas cause a person's brain to work harder and thus be more attentive, curious, and logical. The exercise that the brain goes through when following a plot or analysing complex ideas helps in developing the brain just as physical exercise as on the physical muscles. Research has also revealed that reading habits help in enhancing one's memory and may also delay the effects of Alzheimer's disease hence the importance of reading even in old age.
Emotional Intelligence
Besides, there are positive psychosocial effects associated with the act of reading, and most important of all is on the emotional intelligences. Literature familiarizes the reader to a myriad of experiences and feelings with people making them more considerate. In a way readers are allowed to 'empathize' with different characters and thus there feelings and behaviours are to a certain extent understandable. It also has the effect of strengthening the ability to have interpersonal relationships since the persons feel, care and are sensitive to the feelings of other people.
Broadened Outlook and Improved Personality
However, it is needed to note that for people, comprehending the texts helps to broaden the outlook and improve the personality. Some books, especially of the self help or the ponderous philosophical type, will help the reader revisit their thought processes, worldview, and decisions. It can lead to improved levels of self-reflection and, as a result, one is likely to develop a better understanding of what he or she wants to achieve in life. In this way, reason, which reading brings into people's minds, can act as a tool for change and persuade people to engage in personal transformation actively.
Stress Reduction
There is also one more and very important advantage that people often do not mention – reading helps to decrease stress. Stress is one of the modern diseases which act on the physical and psychological angles in the contemporary world. In reading, people are able to find relief from the day's stress and hustle by getting lost in a different world than their own for sometime. Indeed, studies have found that reading also leads to the reduction of pulse rates, muscular tension and alleviation of anxiety, and is therefore perfect for use as a stress busting technique. Thus, an introduction of reading to the daily practice allows developing the proper experience and nurturing the necessary principles of people's life.
Fostering Lifelong Learning
Reading also fosters the spirit of learning which is a virtue that is in the lifetime Bain and Last (2009). The oftener one reads, the stronger is proved the fact that there is still so much which remains to be read. These realizations create curiosity as well as the appetite to keep on learning, all through the lifespan. Lifelong learners are more receptive to change and innovation and are better placed to address the challenges of the society. This is the kind of mentality that is fostered by reading and such a practice should therefore be embraced to the letter by anybody who is keen on developing himself.
Improved Communication Skills
In addition, reading also has a dec dec effect on communication skills it can improve. Different writing techniques, punctuation and word use makes one's language skills, be it writing or oral better. Thus, a reader is far much superior to a non-reader and can easily express him/herself in a better way and with more conviction. These communication skills prove to be most useful in one's interpersonal relationships as well as in their career because mastery of it results into more chances and accomplishments.
Enhanced Creativity and Imagination
Last but not the least; it enhances the creativity and imaginative faculty of the reader. Fiction in particular is balanced in enabling the reader to sample realities which are averse from the actual reality, or dream up of farfetched realities. This kind of counting is not only fun but also assists in developing the problem-solving skills and creativity of a person. The opportunity to engage regularly with creative prose means that readers can foster their imagination and, therefore, can used it as a tool in almost any sphere of life, be it art or business.
Conclusion
All in all, the advantages of reading for the personal change are numerous and may encompass a large area of an individual's life. It is a pattern of behavior that enhances the individual's intellect, his/her emotional health, and well-being, and which translates into a passion or love for learning throughout the life cycle. In essence, reading affords one values that are precious in self change processes, which makes the activity a necessity in the lives of people who want to attain their potential.
