Is Reading Actually Good For You?

By Keira Evans & Savannah Wilson

Throughout our school careers, we all have had to read books for one class or another. Most of the time when we read, they are books we are not really interested in or we have no motivation to read unless we have to for a grade. Our English teachers all try to convince us that reading outside of school is good for us. But is it actually? Will reading help us in the future? Or is it something they tell us just to try and trick us into reading more?

We are told reading on our own will be a good way to expand our minds and will help us become smarter in the future. Even though our teachers tell us this, is it actually true? Yes, it is. Reading at all ages can help greatly. It exercises the brain, making us think back to what happened the last time we read or having to remember the characters. It works out the brain by improving memory function. Reading also takes a lot of focus. Taking the time to carefully read each page and take in all the information that it is telling you gives us more practice when it comes to focusing. While reading, you need your full attention to be focused to be there in the moment and not have other distractions. Therefore, it is improving your concentration ability.

Reading also has the capability to change lives and help us for the better. It can help to reduce stress, which most teens are filled with. Therefore, reading is actually a great outlet for young teens. It can even have a long-term effect, like helping your memory. In old age, many people tend to develop diseases, but reading can actually help to prevent that. Reading can even go as far as to expand a person emotionally and give them a better ability to empathize. Research has shown that after reading, people are more heightened and inclined to understand others’ feelings. Reading any type of book, whether fiction or for school, can help you in multiple parts of your life.

The main reason most people don't read on their own time is that they think it's boring and everything they have read during school is boring or something they don't enjoy. But if you go out and find something you may actually enjoy, you can get all these benefits. Reading is not a bad thing. It can help you throughout school and your future. Find the book that would be something you would be interested in. Once you start reading, it can help, and you will want more and more!