25 reasons to read more books

1. Reading is an active mental processUnlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter.

2. It is a fundamental skill builder Everyone needs books to help explain stuff. They help clarify difficult subjects and provide information that goes beyond classroom discussion.

3. Improves your vocabulary We all know reading expands your vocabulary of words, just like how teachers in primary school told you to read more to improve your English.

4. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places Reading about a place is the next best thing to going there yourself. No money to travel? Then borrow a book.

5. Improves concentration and focusReading can be exercise for the brain. It also allows you to take your mind off other things for just a moment.

6. Builds self-esteemBecoming an expert in a topic you've been reading up about makes you feel good, especially when this makes others sit up and take notice when you speak.

7. Improves memoryReading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way, requiring you to rememb details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters.

8. The book is usually better than the movieMore often than not, a book provides more colour and detail than a two and half-hour visual feast can.

9. Learn anywhere Books are portable. You can take them almost anywhere. As such, you can learn almost anywhere too.

10. Improves creativity Reading books exposes yourself to new and more complete information, you will also be able to come up with more creative ideas.

11. Gives you something to talk aboutHave you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, wife or husband? This can be uncomfortable. Reading gives you topics to discuss, plots to share, etc. The possibilities are endless.

12. Books are inexpensive entertainment Visit your neighbourhood libraries to get hours of entertainment, for free. Compared to the price of a movie ticket these days, it's a steal.

13. You can learn at your own pace There are no teachers hanging over your head, no classes to rush to. You can read and learn on the bus, train, basically anywhere.

14. New mental associationsReading expands your depth and breadth of knowledge and your ability to form new associations you never knew existed.

15. Improves your reasoning skills Books for professionals contain arguments for or against the actions. Seeing both sides of the argument will improve your ability to dissect an issue and form an unbiased opinion.

16. Builds your expertiseCanadian self-help author Brian Tracy has said one way to become an expert in your chosen field is to read 100 books on the subject. He also said by continuing the same for 5 years you’ll become an international expert. With the Internet and blogs, you could hone that time down to 2-3 years if you follow through.

17. Saves moneyApart from saving money on entertainment, reading allows you to learn from others' sometimes painful (and expensive) mistakes. As the saying goes, hindsight is always 60/60.

18. Decreases mistakesSee point 17. With the wisdom that books can provide, you are less likely to make mistakes.

19. You'll discover surprises Books can surprise you with information you never knew. It's nice when something can make you open your eyes in wonder, and fill you with excitement that you can't wait to share that knowledge with someone else.

20. Decreased boredomNothing to do on the train? Read. Waiting for a bus? Read. Twiddling your thumbs while waiting for your date? Ditto. Enough said.

21. Can change your lifeInformation learnt from books can be useful, some pleasantly surprising. Some information can be so impactful that they may change how you view the world, forever. It's no wonder so many people hold their favourite books dear to their heart.

22. Can help break a slump If you're a writer, it's called writer's block. Books can be a brilliant source of inspiration to lift you out of that slump! Just as long as you pick the right book.

23. Reduces stressMany avid readers unwind by reading. If all it does for you is put you to sleep at the end of a stressful day, well, that works too.

24. Gets you away from digital distractionsBooks are good form of 'traditional' entertainment. Sometimes, nothing beats getting away from the computer or your mobile, and curling up in bed with a good book in hand.

25. You can make more moneyReading can increase your expertise in an area, and lead to better pay and opportunities. As they say, knowledge is power.

26. If you have been reading till now, you probably have the potential to be a good reader!