Yanking Away Your I-Don't-Have-Time-To-Read Crutch
Whether you are or aren't part of the crazed typing frenzy, don't let all this writing stop you from reading. In fact, don't let anything stop you from reading. Delving into a fat piece of literature is good for you in oh-so-many ways . . .
Toughens Your Skin
Yeah, I know. Winter winds or too much sun can do that too. But I'm talking about your precious little psyche. Fear of failure can be paralyzing, but when you read stories of characters that overcome their fear, it gives you hope that maybe you can do that too.
Earns You Time
Think you don't have time to read? Au contraire, Hoss. Reading might seem like a time waster, but in actuality, literature allows you to experience a range of emotions and events that would take a lifetime--if ever--to encounter.
Kicks Your Self Confidence Up a Notch
Via character and story, books show you that maybe you're not as big of a freak as you thought you were.
Makes You a Better Citizen of the Human Race
Reading stories from different points of view -- a native Hulu, a futuristic cyborg, an Aztec, whatever -- stretches your comfort zone and develops empathy for others different than yourself.
And those are just a few benefits of reading. There are a gazillion more. I'm not saying you need to kick back and let your family fend for themselves while you eat bon bons on the couch and peruse through War and Peace. Even as little as ten minutes a day is good. The point is to sneak in a few paragraphs on a consistent basis, and before you know it, you'll have read a stack of titles.