I'm a huge advocate for reading; I truly believe it reaps SO many benefits. Whether it is a first grader learning to read Junie B. Jones or a college student stifling through 1984, reading is good for the soul. So next time you're debating whether you want to pick up the book that's been sitting on your side table for a few months, JUST READ IT (apologies to Nike).

1. Reading is the BEST stress reliever.

Giphy

Had a bad day? Grab that dusty book from the bookshelf, curl up with a mug of hot cocoa, and be transported into an entirely different world. Because that's the best part about reading — momentarily traveling to a different world full of wonders and intrigue. And, most importantly, away from the stress that currently consumes you.

2. Reading makes you, at the very least, sound smarter.

Giphy

Sometimes you don't even realize it, but all those big words and complex sentences and unique sayings you absorb while reading actually get integrated into your mind. So the next time you are having an intellectual conversation, you will probably sound even more intelligent because the big words just come naturally now! What do they say — fake it till you make it? The bigger the words, the easier it is!

3. Reading lets you be lazy AND use your brain... AT THE SAME TIME!

Giphy

How many activities that require you to use your brain can be done tanning on the beach or curled up with your cat next to the fireplace? None other than reading? Yep, that's what I thought!

4. Reading always teaches you something new.

Giphy

So, yes, the big words naturally absorb into your head. But most books, from "The Hunger Games" to "A Tale of Two Cities," can truly teach you something — whether it's simply an interesting fact or a moral/lesson or a chunk of history. There's always something to learn; you just have to be willing to read!

5. Reading improves your writing.

Giphy

You don't have to be a novelist to be a writer. Everyone is a writer. Whether you write an email to your boss at work, an essay for your English class, or an article for Odyssey — you are writing something important! And by reading, you're writing (and thus, all your work) will naturally improve exponentially! I credit my current love for writing to my original love for reading!

So get reading, kids!