Studies show that reading reduces stress, increases intelligence, expands knowledge and understanding and improves memory.Reading books is important because it helps to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world, improves cognitive function, reduces stress levels, increases empathy and creativity, and provides an escape from everyday life.
 Benefits of reading 

• Reduces stress and helps you relax. ...
• Improves your concentration and memory. ...
• Vocabulary expansion and strengthens your writing abilities. ...
• Enhances your knowledge. ...

Increases your imagination and creativity. 
 Reading Exercises the Brain :While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function. 
 Reading Teaches Empathy :Books allow us to experience realities outside of our lives. They teach us to relate to others by often putting us in the shoes of the narrator. This simple technique is called empathy. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Reading builds on empathy by constantly presenting us with thoughts and scenarios outside of our perspective. 

Reading Increases General Knowledge :Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.
 Reading is Motivational :By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.
 Reading Reduces Stress :Reading has the power to transport you to another world and away from the monotonous daily routine. By doing so, reading can decrease stress, lower heart rate and reduce blood pressure.
Increase your vocabulary:When reading, you’ll expose yourself to more words, which allows for understanding on another level. It's much easier to learn vocabulary from a book than from memorizing words in the dictionary. That's because you're learning the words contextually. The words make sense within the context of what you're reading so it makes it easier to remember later.
Enables you to understand others :, It helps them develop the skills to understand the world through another person's perspective. This is a key element in being empathetic toward others.The shared reading experience enables mutual teaching and learning both formally and unconsciously.
You’ll become a better communicator​​​​​​​ :Reading teaches you new words and perspectives. It helps strengthen language and sharpens sentence structure. It gives you a better command over the language. All of these are critical to being a good speaker.
Increases imagination and creativity :Although the left brain is the processor of language, scientists have found that reading – especially reading fiction or books – also engages the right side of the brain, because it makes the reader visualize – or imagine – what they are reading about.
Reading is enjoyable : Reading a book can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend leisure time. Books can take you to new worlds, introduce you to new characters, and provide a way to escape from everyday life
Conclusion:
In the conclusion,  Reading has many benefits, it teaches us new vocabulary, improves our focus and imagination, makes us smarter and most importantly improves memory. Those who are habitual in reading feel comforted with books. It soothes and relieves tension and loneliness.

Author Bio:
Kalisetti Usha sri
21KD1A1532
B.Tech 3rd year
CSSE