Reading can be a challenging task for many teenagers like me. We’d rather spend our time doing things that don’t demand much thought. For example, there are many fans of the Harry Potter movies, but few are aware of the novels, and even fewer have read the books. But why is this the case? Why do many Gen Zs prefer to watch Netflix or scroll through their phones aimlessly rather than read for a few minutes?

Reading has always played a vital role in the human race’s survival and existence. It’s how people communicate their thoughts and information. We’ve improved technology, medicine, and engineering thanks to the cross-pollination of ideas derived from a wide range of reading. Things have gotten a lot easier for us now. Thanks to the internet, we may now watch how-to videos instead of reading to study a particular topic. While this may appear acceptable and more accessible, we mustn’t overlook the basis upon which these things we like were created. Reading isn’t the only way to learn anything new. It is, nonetheless, still quite relevant.

  • An advantage of reading is for expanding your vocabulary. Have you ever struggled to find the fitting words to describe yourself? Reading can help you develop a large vocabulary that you may use to express yourself daily.
  • Reading enhances your mental health by stimulating your thoughts. It can help avoid age-related cognitive deterioration. Although additional research is needed to conclude that reading can help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, studies have shown that older people who read can preserve and even improve their memory, reducing the memory loss that comes with age.
  • It improves your empathy. According to studies, people who read fiction novels about the lives of characters have a more remarkable ability to empathize with and comprehend the feelings and opinions of others. Reading can help you build the empathy you’ll need to relate to those in distress or need.
  • It can change your life. According to a study, reading changes your mind and thoughts. Many people have had their life revolutionized and plotted a new route after being inspired by books.
  • Reading can help you de-stress. This thought is crucial for those who believe reading is stressful. According to a study, reading for roughly 25 to 30 minutes reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and psychological discomfort in the same manner that comedy and yoga did.
  • Reading aids in the treatment of depression. Suicides and deaths from depression are on the rise, which is concerning. Reading fiction can help a sad mind escape into a world where they feel safe and respected.

The Habit of Reading

How can you begin to build the habit of reading? Here are some basic actions to take:

  • Shift your mindset: Many people believe that reading is stressful or difficult, although this could not be further from reality. You will find it fun and a kind of stress relief when you read something great and realize the importance of books for learning and progress. To begin, though, you must choose something that truly fascinates you and read books that pique your curiosity. One superb piece of writing is all it takes to make you fall in love with reading.
  • Read for 30 minutes per day: Make time for reading in your busy schedule. Even 30 minutes each day, done consistently, will help you develop a habit over time. Before you know it, you’ll be reading three novels a month and carrying a book with you wherever you go. Ebooks are now available. As a result, turn your smartphone into a low-cost library and make it easy to transport your books.