Did you know that reading doesn’t just transport you to new worlds? It also sharpens your memory, improves focus, and helps relieve stress. This simple habit comes with a long list of benefits, especially for children during their critical years of brain development.
But the benefits of reading aren’t just for kids. For adults, reading remains a powerful way to keep learning, broaden perspectives, and maintain mental well-being amidst the busyness of daily life.
In this article, @america dives deeper into why reading matters and how it can make a difference in your life. Let’s take a closer look.
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Why Reading Books Is Good for You
Reading isn’t just enjoyable. It actively strengthens your brain. Here are some of the most important benefits of making reading a regular habit:
1. Improves Focus
In today’s digital age, distractions are everywhere, social media, streaming content, constant notifications, and all of this makes it harder to concentrate. That constant shifting of attention can also chip away at our interest in deep, meaningful reading.
Pauline Dewan (2019) explains this as a culture of “continuous partial attention,” where we’re always somewhat engaged but rarely fully focused.
That’s why researchers suggest that the more you read, the better your focus becomes. Think of reading like a mental workout. If you don’t exercise your concentration muscles, they weaken over time.
2. Strengthens the Brain
A study by Emory University in 2013 revealed that reading fiction over several days can enhance brain connectivity, especially in areas related to language and sensory experiences.
In other words, when you’re deeply immersed in a story, your brain doesn’t just process words. It also simulates the emotions and sensations of the characters. Even though you’re sitting still, your mind is actively engaging with the world of the book.
3. Expands Knowledge
One of the most obvious benefits of reading is that it helps you learn new things. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, reading broadens your understanding of the world, enriches your vocabulary, and deepens your perspective.
Research by Cunningham & Stanovich (1998) shows that reading significantly boosts verbal intelligence, a key predictor of academic and social success.
4. Reduces Stress
Feeling overwhelmed? Try picking up a book. According to a study from the American Journal of Health Behavior (2024), reading has a positive effect on stress levels. The study results show that the habit of reading can reduce stress. This makes it even more effective than listening to music, taking a walk, or having a cup of tea.
Reading helps calm your mind, slow your heart rate, and ease muscle tension by pulling your thoughts away from daily pressures.
5. Boosts Imagination and Creativity
When you read, your brain is constantly creating. It builds characters, worlds, emotions, and situations that aren’t right in front of you. This kind of mental stimulation activates areas of the brain tied to visualization and perception.
The result is stronger imagination, more creative thinking, and a better ability to come up with new ideas and mental concepts.
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The Importance of Reading Books in Daily Life
Reading books is a simple activity that has an extraordinary impact. Unfortunately, according to data from UNESCO, only about 0.001% of Indonesians have an interest in reading. This means that only 1 out of 1,000 people reads regularly.
This figure is quite concerning, especially when we realize that reading is one of the main keys to broadening our horizons and improving our quality of life.
Through reading, we can explore the world without having to move from place to place. Books can enrich our way of thinking, shape a critical mindset, improve language skills, and provide inspiration in our daily lives.
With so many benefits, let’s make reading a part of our lifestyle. One book, one page, or even one paragraph a day can bring significant changes in how we think and act.
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Types of Books You Can Read
As we’ve seen, reading is a powerful tool for sharpening the mind. And the best part? There are so many types of books to choose from. It’s never too late to start building a reading habit.
In general, books fall into two main categories: fiction (based on imagination) and non-fiction (based on real events and information).
Fiction
Fiction is a type of reading that contains imaginary or fictional stories, although it is often inspired by real life.
Here are some popular types of fiction books you can explore:
1. Novels
Novels are long-form fiction with rich storylines, evolving characters, and deep themes. They span many genres like romance, adventure, thriller, fantasy, and more.
Recommended reads: Laskar Pelangi,, Beauty Is a Wound, Laut Bercerita, and more.
2. Short Stories
Short stories are compact, concise narratives—often just a few pages long. Perfect for readers who want a complete story in a short amount of time.
Recommended reads: Robohnya Surau Kami, Lelaki dan Senja, Arum Manis, and others.
3. Comics
Comics combine visuals and dialogue to tell stories. Loved by readers of all ages, comics can be action-packed, funny, dramatic, or anything in between.
Recommended reads: Si Juki, Gundala, Sri Asih, Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica, Jaka Sembung, Spiderman, and more.
4. Fables
Fables are fictional tales where animals act like humans, often with a moral or life lesson at the end.
Recommended reads: The Mouse Deer and the Crocodile, The Tortoise and the Hare, The Elephant and the Ant, and others.
5. Folktales & Fairy Tales
These traditional stories are passed down through generations and often include magical elements. Though commonly aimed at children, they’re rich in cultural values and storytelling.
Recommended reads: Timun Mas, Sangkuriang, Malin Kundang, Roro Jonggrang, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Non-Fiction
Non-fiction books are based on real events, factual information, and data. These types of books are great for expanding your knowledge, learning new skills, or gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Here are some of the main categories within non-fiction:
1. Biography/Autobiography
A biography tells the life story of someone, written by another person. An autobiography, on the other hand, is written by the person themselves. These books offer real-life inspiration through stories of struggle, success, and personal growth.
Recommended reads: Bung Karno: Penyambung Lidah Rakyat Indonesia by Cindy Adams, Becoming by Michelle Obama, My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand.
2. Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias are collections of organized, general knowledge on a wide range of topics. They are great references for students and curious minds who want to explore different fields.
Recommended reads: Encyclopedia Britannica, World Book Encyclopedia, Complete History of Indonesia, Encyclopedia of Indonesian Literature, and others.
4. Self-Development
Self-help and personal growth books guide readers in discovering their potential, building healthy habits, and achieving personal goals. They’re especially popular among teens and adults seeking positive change.
Recommended reads: Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, Filosofi Teras by Henry Manampiring, and others.
5. Practical Guides
These books offer step-by-step instructions on a variety of topics, from cooking and writing to business and DIY projects. They’re perfect for hands-on learners.
Recommended reads: Menu Istimewa Sehari-hari Keluarga by Lily Minarosa, Fresh & Super Simple Cooking by Eddrian Tjhia, Indonesian Fusion Foods by Devina Hermawan, Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals – A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food by Dolly Parton.
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Baca @america
Reading isn’t just an intellectual activity, it’s an investment in your future. In today’s fast-paced digital world, books offer something rare: depth, reflection, and meaningful insight. That’s why it’s so important to bring reading back into our daily lives, starting with ourselves and the communities around us.
Want to connect with fellow book enthusiasts? Join us at Baca @america, a reading and discussion event that goes beyond the ordinary.
Here, you won’t just meet other readers, you’ll get the chance to attend exclusive book launches, engage in casual yet meaningful conversations with authors, and participate in interactive discussions that spark new ideas.
Check out the official @america event page for the full schedule and latest updates. Bring your book, open your mind, and be part of a truly enriching reading experience!
