The Value of Reading
We consume a lot of media during an average day. Most of us watch tv, listen to music, read e-mails, or watch random videos on social media. We depend on it to inform and entertain us; however, we often do not think about varying our routine. Watching too much tv or staring at a computer screen all day has side effects. Sometimes we must look to an older way of doing things to improve our mental and physical health.
Books
Books have and will continue to be an essential part of our society. We use them to document history, to tell personal stories, and to broaden our imaginations. In a world where people can get all the information they need from video or audio media, reading can often take a back seat. We must remember to take a break from technology and to settle down and read from time to time. Reading is good for our brains and good for our eyes. Additionally, reading is something anyone can do for free and without technology. Cities and counties have public libraries where you can rent books for free if you return them in a timely manner. When the internet goes out or there is no power, a book can be our entertainment salvation. All you need is a source of light, and your eyes and brain can take over. Finally, a good hard back book can become a family heirloom or a piece of history that gets passed down from generation to generation. It is a collectable that may not always have a large value but can hold a lot of history.
Instructions
The importance of reading can be clearly seen by those who read directions and instruction manuals. Most products and services we purchase have some type of written direction and those who read them and follow its directions are always more satisfied with their purchase. Humans like to assume that they know everything and that they can save time by skipping directions. That almost always ends in failure. It does not matter if you are assembling an item, using a piece of equipment, or working on a work project. People who plan and spend time reading the information and directions provided always fair better than those who do not. These documents include details that get missed when someone watches an instructional video or learns from someone else. So even if you think you have a solid grasp on what you are doing, spend the extra time to read. Doing so will ensure you get everything done correctly and will ultimately save you time and a headache in the long run.
Imagination
One of the best parts of a human brain is its ability to imagine and dream. Books are essentially fuel for our imaginations. Television and movies can tell stories and provide detail, but something is lost when we rely solely on these forms of media. Novels and other print stories allow us to imagine the world described as we perceive it. A read takes the given information and paints a picture in their head to what is happening. That is why people are sometimes disappointed when they watch a movie based on their favorite book. Everyone’s idea of a novel’s setting varies and visual media interpretations of these can appease some but not every reader. A quality book is a great way to feed our imaginations and our creative side. Avid readers often express creativity through fan art and other ways of expression. A quality book allows its reader to create and experience a whole new world. So, next time you grow tired of flipping through television stations grab a book instead. Fuel your imagination and enjoy a change from the modern visual media norm.
Print media is the backbone of our society and we must spend some time to embrace it. Reading should be a part of our lives. We need to remember to turn off the technology from time to time and experience the simple pleasures of a good book or article. It will help calm us down, give our eyes a break, and will fuel our creative side. Finally, when in doubt use technology to figure out where to start. It is easy to find an in person or virtual book club if you look hard enough.