It is probably not the first time someone has told you to read more. Whether that person is a librarian or your English teacher, you probably took this recommendation with a grain of salt. After all, how much good could reading do, especially during busy times like high school? It is already hard to read when you could be doing anything else, like studying for an exam or spending time on extracurriculars. These are all valid reasons, but it is still crucial to understand the profound impact reading has on our day-to-day lives.
Reading is at the core of our learning. In every class, in order to understand the information, you must read. Every assignment, even math, includes the necessity of comprehending the problem. Even as you grow, reading is a skill that will stay with you for a lifetime.
It is important to remember that reading does not necessarily have to be “academic.” This contradicts the public opinion that reading is something only “smart” people do. The beautiful thing about reading is that there is a diverse amount of books and genres you can choose from, whether that be a thrilling mystery or a twisty fantasy novel.
Trying out a new book might just be the perfect “workout” for your brain. Just like your body needs exercise to keep it fit, your brain also needs to exercise. All the better if you can destress in the meantime! In fact, a study conducted by the University of Sussex proves this claim. Their research stated that reading for a minimum of six minutes per day can reduce your stress levels up to 68%! This is important in a world full of constant distractions, worries, and thoughts. Freshman Grace Chang agrees, saying that she “enjoys reading because I can lose myself in the pages of the books.”
Reading is also one of the very few things that can help build empathy. This is because it allows you to enter the headspace of another person and understand their feelings and emotions. It is another way to understand people who are similar to and different from you, which is important in building healthy connections and compassion.
Finally, reading different literary works can inspire a lightbulb (or two)! They can help get your creative juices flowing and possibly lead to future success. It might be surprising to find out that a majority of the most successful people in the world attribute their successes to reading, but it is true!
Bill Gates once said that, “You don’t start getting old until you stop learning. Every book teaches me something new or helps me see things differently. Reading fuels a sense of curiosity about the world, which I think helped drive me forward in my career and in the work that I do now.”
Overall, reading has many proven positives. In a world full of hope, uncertainty and everything in between, a book can prove to be guidance. If you are stuck on what book you should start with, try visiting your local library. Additionally, the Barnes & Noble bookstore is always a place filled with good book picks and cozy spaces to read. You do not even have to go very far, either. Just check out our own library recommendations for your next read!
