If you’re like me, a college student, blissfully basking in a homework-free month of holidays, making your brain comprehend anything, even if just for fun, sounds a bit tortuous. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely love reading. I was the kid that stashed books in their desk during school and read them when the teacher wasn’t looking. That being said, months of thick chapters of textbooks has lowered my predilection for picking up a book just slightly.

However, reading for fun is a great way to relearn how to relax, and disengage with the outside pressures of life. As a means to disconnect from the world, you can get lost in entertainment of a story, without the distractions of Twitter and Facebook and the always seemingly gloomy new cycle. Get yourself a cup of tea and curl up by the fire with a new best friend, composed of ink and crisp paper; go hiking through the mountains with independent female characters or cast spells with old friends at Hogwarts.

Since books come in a multitude of genres there really should be something for everyone. This even includes the non-reader. This is because the best thing about a book is that it transports you. Everyone wants to escape on some level at some point. One’s journey when reading may be to Narnia or perhaps the beach. A steamy romance novel or a work of genius historical fiction can take you away. In my opinion, reading books before going to a movie can also make it more enjoyable, as there is more background knowledge for the watcher to go on. For some, a really good story may even be better than their reality.

For those not in college, such as in high school or simply the school of life, you too should take the advice to read a book in these upcoming weeks. In addition to being a wonderful brain break, best sellers make for good small talk at the multitude of upcoming holiday parties.

So the next time you have or need a break from what's going on around you, pick up a book instead of pressing play on your laptop this holiday season.