Both reading and writing have many benefits which are, actually, interrelated. While reading allows shaping a better understanding of different topics and subjects, writing helps to appropriate that knowledge, integrate it into your worldview, and make use of it.

This assumption is aptly proved by the author of the famous novel Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut, “I believe that reading and writing are the most nourishing forms of meditation anyone has so far found. By reading the writings of the most interesting minds in history, we meditate with our own minds and theirs as well. This to me is a miracle.”

However, let us consider different aspects of these activities in more detail.

Benefits of Reading

It is generally considered, and researchers confirm that reading benefits your physical health as it strengthens the brain and prevents age-related cognitive decline.

This is due to the fact that reading increases connectivity in the brain, especially in the somatosensory cortex, the part of the brain that is responsible for detecting touch and temperature, the position of the body in space, and pain.

Moreover, reading reduces stress. As little as 30 minutes of reading can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological discomfort, which brings you in a more relaxed and tranquil condition.

Naturally, reading can prepare you for a good night’s sleep. However, you should choose a paper book as it is recommended to switch off all your gadgets for 1 hour or at least 30 minutes before bed. The reason for that is that, first, the blue light from the screen keeps your mind constantly engaged, and, second, it suppresses melatonin, as a result of which you can experience insomnia, making you feel irritated and tired the next day.

Besides, reading also benefits your mental health.

It improves your focus and concentration. In the modern world, people tend to multi-task 70% of their daytime, while reading helps to immerse yourself in the details of the book. This ability to stay focused can later be transferred to other spheres of your life and activities, for example, during studies or at work.

Additionally, reading develops your analytical skills as you contemplate on the plot, compare the current book with other books you have read, analyze characters and their deeds, etc. These skills come in handy when you discuss the book or try to substantiate your opinion.

There is another obvious advantage that reading brings, and it is vocabulary expansion. Sure, the more you read, the more words you are exposed to, letting them genuinely enter your vocabulary. It is a known fact that vocabulary size can influence many areas of your life; it allows scoring higher in tests and getting better job opportunities.

It is no secret that nowadays, the so-called ‘soft’ skills which, among others, include communication, critical and creative thinking are valued as high as ‘hard’ skills. And they can be developed through reading!

That is when we come to the benefits of writing, which can and should be improved consistently.

Benefits of Writing

Well-written works of other people have a remarkable effect on your style of writing, its contents, clarity, and fluidity. So, while improving your writing skills, you can always refer to essayservice.com for assistance. 

Reading more of well-organized and connected texts with concise and emphatic sentences, you can elaborate in writing. And it is what you should definitely invest in as writing benefits your thinking abilities and makes you feel good.

Linguist Walter Ong suggested that writing is highly needed to help the human mind achieve its full potential. Generally, writing allows concretizing abstract ideas and connecting different pieces of knowledge into a more holistic picture.

Writing is also good because, on the one hand, it helps to clear your mind and free yourself from all the grievances and hard feelings of the past. While journaling or writing a blog, you can even boost your emotional well-being.

Venting your thoughts and feelings, speaking out your mind, you can heal your wounds and become more objective. What is more, focused writing is known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, writing is an effective tool for stockpiling ideas. If you develop a habit of writing down all the ideas that occur to you now and then, you will make sure you do not lose them and can use them for future projects.

Writing also allows analyzing events and situations in your life from different perspectives, drawing parallels between them, and making conclusions that otherwise would have been impossible.

And last but not least is the fact that both reading and writing give you a sense of accomplishment. Having finished reading a book or write a story, a post, or an entry, you will feel relieved and satisfied. Isn’t it a reason to practice them often?

- Guest post by Raymond Thomson.