Reading: Not Just For Little Kids And Nerds
Start writing a post
Student Life

Reading: Not Just For Little Kids And Nerds

Why those Harry Potter books are actually the best things you own.

5
Reading: Not Just For Little Kids And Nerds

“Once upon a time…”

When I was a little kid, those words opened up endless possibilities: maybe I was about to embark on a fantastic journey to save the universe, or maybe I was navigating the everyday drama of school with my witty best friend by my side. I loved discovering new worlds and embracing new characters that were bolder and lived far more exciting lives than I ever would. But at some point, reading fell out of my routine. As I got older and free time got sparser and sparser, I prioritized other interests, and put reading on the back burner. So far back on the burner, it practically fell off the stove.

Recently, I picked up a book to read for fun for the first time in years. I read the entire book in one sitting. I had forgotten the sensation of being lost in another person’s words, and once I discovered it again, I couldn’t let it go. Reading allowed me to put on temporary blinders to everything else; all the stress and mundane aspects of my reality disappeared in favor of the tribulations and celebrations of the characters.

Turns out, I didn’t completely imagine this feeling. Recent studies show that reading for pleasure, even for as short as 30 minutes a day, has profound positive effects. These effects include increased creativity and empathy. Reading allows insight into another person’s brain, which reduces feelings of loneliness; by reading relatable stories, readers realize they’re not alone in their experiences. Because of this, avid readers are better planners and positive-thinkers, because books allow readers to recognize that ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. Basically, reading is awesome and regular readers report being more satisfied with life.

If reading so great, then why doesn’t everybody read? A lot of people report a disruptive life event as the reason they stopped reading, such as the death of a loved one or a divorce. Others are turned off by reading, claiming that it’s boring, difficult, or not worth spending their time on. Then there are those who have the mindset that I had: reading is nice if you have time, but it’s not a priority. Regardless of the reason you may not be reading now, everyone should try to read more regularly because of the previously mentioned positive effects. However, teenagers and young adults especially can benefit from these effects and should take advantage of them.

Now, most high-schoolers and college students are probably rolling their eyes right about now, but the required school reading is not an accurate representation of what reading actually is. Unfortunately, a lot of students are disinclined to read for fun because they hate reading for school (understandable). But let’s face it, if anyone could use the emotional stability that regular reading provides, it’s teenagers. Being at a transitional point of our lives, having to figure out how to be adults and survive on our own, reading would greatly benefit us during this time. Added benefit: it’s free! What college student doesn’t like free?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40864
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

25455
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950985
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

133472
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments