There is nothing better than diving into a good book, yet most teens will reach for their phones once they get a minute of free time. I believe that we as a society need to read more books, especially for fun, because it is beneficial to our health and can open our minds to new ideas.
Read Across America Week was the first week of March this year. The week celebrates reading and encourages people, especially kids, to pick up a book. Many may recognize the week from elementary school, but taking the time to read can be beneficial for all ages.
Busy schedules can lead to less time to enjoy reading. Especially for teenagers, balancing school, sports, extracurricular activities, potentially a job, and other obligations, can leave little time for reading. It can be hard to pick up a book at the end of a long day when phones are a much easier option. Books require time and focus which can feel like another task for a busy teen. However, I believe more people need to prioritize reading in their schedules because reading can benefit people’s health.
As a high school student, I know that getting a good night’s sleep is a necessity. Reading can be a great way to help people relax and fall asleep. Reading before bed is healthier than screen time, watching TV, or scrolling on a phone because, according to Piedmont Healthcare, the bright lights from the devices can negatively affect our quality of sleep. Relaxing can also improve a person’s quality of sleep, helping them to feel more rested.
In addition, relaxing with a good book can also reduce feelings of stress. School and busy schedules can leave many students feeling stressed which can lead to numerous physical and mental health issues if not addressed. Reading is a great way to combat this.
Another benefit of reading outside of school is that it can help students improve their reading skills. For example, being able to read in a timely manner can help students do well on the ACT. The best way to improve reading speed and other reading skills is to read outside of school.
Reading can help strengthen an individual’s compassion and give people new perspectives on the world. When an individual reads fiction, they experience the triumphs and challenges of the main character. They can develop empathy for the characters as they read more from their perspective and better understand who they are. The worlds we go to when we read can shape the world in which we live in. Many books can inspire people towards positive change or shed light on an issue they didn’t know about. Other books such as self help books can inspire people to live differently and change the actions they make in their daily lives.
Despite the many benefits to reading, there has reportedly been a decrease in the number of people who read for fun. According to Sunil Lyengar, in their article “Federal Data on Reading for Pleasure: All Signs Show a Slump” states that in 2020 17% of 13 year olds reported that they read for fun almost everyday; in 2023 only 14% of 13 year olds read almost everyday for fun. Similarly, adults have also been reading less than in years prior.
I believe there is a book out there for every person. Maybe you don’t care for Harry Potter, but there are so many other genres out there that could be your next favorite book. Finding a book that interests you or is insightful can help you get into reading. I highly suggest you stop by the library, check out a book that interests you, and find some time to read. You just might find your new favorite hobby.
