Everyone knows that reading is good for you, but not everyone realizes why

Dubai, UAE, 11th March 2009: Reading is a beneficial activity for both children and adults. It can help people cope with stress and anxiety, and it can provide a form of relaxation and escapism. Moreover, reading is a great 'brain tool', helping people of all ages to learn and develop important skills; in terms of their education and self improvement, which in turn helps them make positive life choices and improves their all round well-being.

Knowledge without Borders, a Sharjah Government initiative, aims to bring back reading as a pastime to the local community, and thereby improve the general knowledge, cultural appreciation and involvement of society.

Marwan J Al Sarkal, Deputy Head of the Organizing Committee of Knowledge without Borders said; "Nowadays, we all spend so much time in front of our computer and TV screens that reading is dying as a pastime. When people stop reading, with it goes language, vocabulary and comprehension skills; and basic skills like spelling and writing diminish. It's clear therefore that reading can do a lot of good for everyone."

Knowledge without Borders' top ten benefits of reading:

Reading is an active mental process: Unlike sitting in front of the TV, reading makes you use your brain. While reading, you will be forced to reason out many things which are unfamiliar to you. Through this process, the brain is exercised.

Reading improves your vocabulary: Remember in primary school when you learned how to infer the meaning of one word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence? You get the same benefit from reading. While reading books - especially challenging ones - you will find yourself exposed to many new words that you wouldn't be otherwise in daily life.

Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and countries: How would you know about the lives of people in remote parts of Mexico if you don't read about them? Reading gives you a unique insight into the diversity of different people, cultures, religions and societies around the globe - without actually having to step foot outside of your house.

Improves concentration and focus: Reading requires that you focus on what you are reading for long periods. Unlike magazines, Internet posts or e-mails that might contain small chunks of information, books tell the whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, you can improve your concentration over time - just like how building a muscle takes repeated training.

Builds self-esteem: The more you read, the more knowledgeable you become and with more knowledge comes more confidence. More confidence builds self-esteem - it's a chain reaction. Since you are so well read, people look to you for answers. Therefore your feelings about yourself improve.

Improves memory: Many studies show if you don't use your memory, you lose it. Crossword puzzles are an example of a word game that staves off Alzheimer's. Reading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way. Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature: plot lines, themes and characters.

Improves your discipline: Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few... That's why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.

Improves creativity: Reading about the diversity that exists in the world today and exposing yourself to new ideas and different information helps to develop the creative side of the brain, as it imbibes innovation into your thinking process.

You always have something to talk about: Have you ever found yourself in an embarrassing situation where you didn't have anything to talk about? Reading widens your horizon of information. You'll always have something to talk about. You can discuss various plots in the novels you've read, your favourite authors, or concepts learnt from business books - the possibilities for conversation are endless.

Reduces boredom: When bored, pick up a book and soon you'll find yourself sucked into a different world and entertained. Reading is a healthy and productive pastime, whether you are waiting in a queue at the bank or sitting on an aeroplane.

-Ends-

For further information or interview enquiries please contact:
Robyn Creer
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6151
robyn.creer@dubai.mslpr.com

Clementine Stopford
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6154
clementine.stopford@dubai.mslpr.com 

© Press Release 2009