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Every year on September 6th, bibliophiles and those who enjoy reading in general come together to celebrate National Read a Book Day. Do you remember those good old days when we used to borrow books from our friends or spend prolonged hours in a library? This special day reminds us of the shared joys of reading.
Reading is not only fun but also good for the mind and soul. Whether you like fiction, non-fiction or culinary sciences, every day is a good day to explore something new. In a busy world of distractions, reading gives us a break and lets us discover new worlds, ideas, and perspectives.
How the world reads
The global literacy rate for individuals aged 15 and above is 86.3%, which comprises 90% of males and 82.7% of females. Developed nations have a higher literacy rate of 99.2% (2013), while South and West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa have 70.2% (2015) and 64% (2015), respectively.
The number of readers in the Books market in the United Kingdom is projected to reach 40.3m users by 2029.
Source: https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/average-books-read-per-year-by-country
What are the benefits of reading?
Today, on National Read a Book Day, let's get to know the benefits of reading:
1. Keeps your mind fresh
Reading keeps your brain active and sharp. Unlike watching TV, it makes you introspect, visualise, and connect ideas.
Studies show that regular reading improves thinking abilities and focus and can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults. It helps you concentrate and pay better attention to things in everyday life. Whether it's a nail-gripping novel or an informative autobiography, the mental effort involved in it can make your mind sharper and more focused.
2. Helps you relax and reduce stress
In today's fast-paced world, stress is common. Reading gives you a break from prolonged screen time and helps you relax.
A study conducted by the University of Sussex says that reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, more than listening to music or taking a walk. Think about it, when you're lost in a good book, doesn’t your stress seem to disappear, leaving you feeling refreshed?
3. Increases your knowledge and empathy
Books hold the door ajar to knowledge. They enlighten you with insights into different cultures, history, science and personal experiences. Reading broadens your understanding of the world and exposes you to new ideas. It's no surprise that people who read a lot often have a better understanding of the world.
How to celebrate National Read a Book Day
Here are some fun things we can do together to celebrate the occasion:
1. First things first: Stock up on Eye care essentials
If you are one of those bookworms who stay glued to your book for hours, taking care of those beautiful eyes that help you read the words of wisdom is extremely important. Prolonged hours of book-reading or screentime scrolling through e-book PDFs can strain your eyes.
You can browse for a pair of contact lenses, prescription glasses and other eye care products such as sunglasses with 100% UVA/B protection, eye drops and lots more from Feel Good Contacts. Sit back, relax and shop for eye care essentials at affordable prices from the comfort of your home.
2. Pick up a new book
One of the best ways to celebrate National Read a Book Day is by picking up a new book. Whether you're looking for a new genre you've never tried or revisiting an old favourite, there's something special about the aroma of a new book.
3. Join a reading challenge
Set a personal goal to finish a certain number of chapters in a day or to finish a book on a certain day. Participate in online reading challenges or join readers' communities on platforms like Goodreads or Instagram. Sharing your progress with others can be motivating and adds a social element to your reading experience.
4. Share the joy of reading
Share your love for books with friends and family by recommending your favourite reads. You can also participate in the #ReadABookDay hashtag on social media platforms to connect with fellow book lovers.
Book recommendations
We have curated our top picks for the season. Have a look:
From the world of fiction
Whether you're a fan of mystery, romance, fantasy or science fiction, there's no shortage of great stories to explore.
For those who love getting lost in other worlds, fantasy novels like "The Lord of the Rings series" by J.R.R. Tolkien or the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling are great. If horror is your preferred genre, "It" by Stephen King or "The Haunting of Hill House" by Stieg Larsson.
This National Read a Book Day, dive deep into the world of books, which is wide and full of wonderful tales and remarkable insights.
Something from Non-Fiction
Non-fiction books provide a wealth of knowledge and insights into various topics, from history and science to self-help and biographies.
Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Making of the Atomic Bomb”, authored by Richard Rhodes and “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking are some of the bestselling non-fiction books of all times.
Source: Alamy
The global reading habit
The way people read is changing globally. According to the World Culture Score Index survey, India leads in reading, with an average of 10.7 hours per week, followed by Thailand and China.
Digital reading is on the rise with e-books and audiobooks gaining popularity. Despite this, physical books still hold a special place. These statistics show diverse global reading habits, reflecting cultural preferences and technological advancements.
Did you know…
A study suggests that two out of five Britons say they read to stay happy and positive at least once a week.
Tips for making reading a habit
Do you want to inculcate a healthy routine of reading? Here are our top tips to help you pave the way:
- Set aside time: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading, even if it's just 15-20 minutes.
- Create a cosy nook: Make a comfortable space for reading with good lighting and necessary accessories.
- Ensure including simulating activities while reading: Listen to audiobooks during commutes or chores to enjoy books while multitasking.
Whether you're an avid reader or someone who picks up a book occasionally, this day is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the written word. So, grab a book, find a comfortable spot, and dive into the world of reading—your mind and soul will thank you.
