The Importance of Reading as a Hobby – Written by Isha Popat

Reading 20 minutes a day exposes you to about 1.8 million words in a year. Just that fact in itself amazes me. People rarely understand the importance of reading in this world where the whole world is at the touch of your fingertips. Reading is undervalued and is not gaining the attention it deserves. We have access to hundreds of books through libraries and kindles for those who prefer virtual reading. When all these opportunities are right in front of us, how can we say no. Reading not only increases one's vocabulary but also their comprehension abilities and all in all results in an individual who has the ability to properly communicate and form their own opinions. 
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People rarely understand the power of a book and reading is something that is seldom developed at an older age. Those who are big readers from a young age most likely will carry this hobby on for the rest of their lives and will see substantial differences in the way that they are able to articulate themselves and communicate with the world around them. Reading shouldn't be seen as something merely beneficial though, books offer individuals a home and solace from the noisy world around. Often when one's own abode becomes restless, burrowing into a book can alleviate so much anxiety and pain that is felt in external situations. Finding a best friend in a book, or a sister even often guides individuals to leading happier lives especially when they feel that no one is out there looking out for them. 

Reading alleviates the pain that people face way more frequently than wanted and gives them the room to express themselves and find themselves too. While reading books, individuals are bound to learn values and morals and understand who they are as a person. What they stand for, what they respect, and who they want to be. All these realizations are of utmost importance as one progresses through childhood into adulthood and beyond. 

But, it is never too late to start this hobby. Although children who start at a young age feel it to be more of a first nature to get lost in a book, that doesn't mean that you can't. I dare you to pick up a book, any book of your liking, and read it all the way through. Set a deadline depending on the magnitude of the book and follow it through. Then reflect on the wonders of reading. Happy reading!