by Manali Sunil Acharya
As the new year 2025 begins, let’s make a resolution to make reading a part of our daily habits. Start small by dedicating just 10-15 minutes per day to reading and watch how it transforms your life.
In today’s world, where everyone is glued to screens, the habit of reading is slowly disappearing. But reading is still very important and offers many benefits we tend to forget.
Reading helps us learn and understand new things. Books, whether they are stories or factual works, teach us about different cultures, ideas, and experiences. Unlike short online content, books let us explore topics deeply and think critically.
Reading is also good for our mental health. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and make us more understanding toward others. When we read stories, we imagine ourselves in someone else’s place, which helps us become kinder and more empathetic. On the other hand, spending too much time on social media or watching videos can make us feel anxious and distracted.
Reading has no age bar. When a child reads, it helps them learn new words, think creatively, and focus better. It also helps them understand others, do well in school, and have fun while learning about the world. For youth, staying updated by reading newspapers is one of the best ways to stay informed, helping them crack competitive exams and interviews. For the elderly, reading a book can be a companion along the way, offering solace and enjoyment.
Making reading a daily habit doesn’t have to be hard. You can start by reading for just 10 minutes every day. Whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or a newspaper, setting aside this small amount of time can slowly turn into a routine. Over time, these 10 minutes can grow into longer, more meaningful reading sessions.
Reading magazines and newspapers is another great way to stay informed and entertained. They provide updated information on topics like science, technology, health, and current events. Magazines often have short, engaging articles that are perfect for a quick read. They also inspire creativity and can introduce you to new hobbies or ideas.
Reading also makes our brains sharper. It improves our vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills. Unlike watching videos, reading keeps our minds active and engaged.
To bring back the joy of reading, visit libraries, join book clubs, or set a “screen-free” time to read. By starting small and choosing what interests you, reading can easily become a daily habit, enriching your life in ways technology cannot.
As we step into 2025, let’s inculcate the habit of reading and make it a cornerstone of our lives. Begin today by picking up a book and committing just a few minutes each day. This simple new year resolution can bring immense benefits, making the new year more fulfilling and rewarding. So, keep reading!
The writer is the College Librarian of St.Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim-Goa.
