You Should Read More: Here's Why | Alternative Fruit

Mentioned previously, Alternative Fruit reported on some of the health benefits of reading a few months ago. This time, we're looking at a handful of influences that might just nudge you in the right direction. Reading is enjoyable, and although requires concentration and time, it is an open door into a new world of experience. The printed word has many abilities, conveying ideas from one mind to another can take all kinds of roads. A good book works as an excellent tool for applying thought and allowing others to make use of the same ideas. Either simply for our pleasure or for real-life skills, fiction and fact alike provide us with endless resource.


A good book will inspire a reader. By transferring the fundamentals of an idea from one mind to another, readers can find themselves instantly able to look at life in new and helpful ways. It doesn't matter if it's a fictional character or an instruction manual, inspiration can come from any well written example. Once we are inspired, an empowering effect takes hold of us and gives us the energy to make plans and see them through. All adventures begin with an idea. Books are full of both of those.


Yes, it takes a bit of brainpower to read but less than most things. It's something many of us take for granted. People who struggle with concentration may find it less relaxing than others, however, generally reading is a great way to rest. By allowing the mind to focus on one given train of thought, we can let go of so much more while the words provide us with their experience. By sitting down and reading, our bodies and minds are put at ease while the words work their magic. Great for de-stressing or winding down after a hard day, a book can be a really helpful relaxation tool.


Unlike the musical instrument you may turn to or the stereo with loud music on, a book is much more portable and socially acceptable. Unless you're a particularly hot shot on your instrument, it's probable that society won't want you to turn to it on the bus or in the street. A book, though, it doesn't affect anyone but the reader. We know that loud music in society is frowned upon, we go to places where its tolerated like clubs and bars or we leave it at home. Books are the silent option that no-one can complain about. We can read anywhere, it's a really versatile way of passing time or giving ourselves something to do.


It's impossible to say there's nothing out there for you. Seriously, the number of books on sale increases by thousands if not millions a year. A quick search will uncover all kinds of books. Try using words that describe your most readable book, good publishers use descriptive keywords when listing their items. There are so many books to choose from out there, and their information and ideas are only a glance away. This really makes it so easy to find enjoyment in words, there will be something written with you in mind.


Our imagination often needs a little prompting. We can live fairly routine lives where our days seem to run one after the other with little change. A book will allow us to tap into a unique part of our mind that can visualise and explore places and concepts which are on paper. Once we start using our imagination, we're actually more able to be creative problem solvers. Innovative ideas come from well fuelled imaginations, and books, blogs, and magazines are the best places to get this.


Books bring the world to our fingertips. We don't need to go to a far-away place to learn about it. We don't have to go and sit in a lecture room at an expensive university to get the information. Books bring it all to us. Sometimes we do need help to understand or get to grips with particular concepts, it can't be understated how helpful it is to have another person there, but a good book that's written well takes into account the fact that readers may not know what the author considers basic points. The more technical and higher up the book is aiming, the less time and space it will dedicate to the building block information that makes the book readable. We might have to start lower down! However once we get started, there's nothing standing in our way from learning a great deal about the world and its people.