In a world of so much toxicity, reading holds only beneficiaries. Although some may view it as a chore, reading is actually a form of entertainment filled to the brim with knowledge and distractions from the sometimes harsh reality. 

Implementing reading into your daily life is an effective way to continuously educate oneself. The pages of books hold an abundance of knowledge, waiting to be absorbed. By cracking the spine of a book, one can learn about anything from Ancient Greek architecture to contemporary politics. The best part about learning through books is that reading is much easier to access and complete than attending lectures or taking notes from decrepit textbooks. Books are also more of an effective way to educate oneself due to their small prices. If you are interested in buying a new book, you can check Amazon or Barnes and Noble to see that it is most likely under $30. Additionally, one can join their local library’s membership in which they can borrow books for free. 

Likewise, consistently reading books is proven to better one’s writing skills as one gains new vocabulary and observes the writing styles of accomplished authors. Reading not only exposes one to different realities and perspectives but also different words that are used to describe situations. For example, in The Woman in the Window written by A. J. Finn, the main character experiences a condition known as agoraphobia. For many, the term ‘agoraphobia’ is unknown as it is not commonly used in everyday conversations. But by reading this book, people begin to understand that agoraphobia describes a condition of an irrational fear of leaving one’s own home. Furthermore, this serves to prove how reading helps to improve one’s vocabulary and understanding of the world at large. Additionally, by indulging in literature one is exposed to the great writing techniques of these authors. By frequently observing effective writing strategies, one is more likely to have their own writing improved as they will subconsciously mimic the strategies of their favorite writers. 

Reading is also beneficial to one’s well-being as it can serve as a distraction from everyday stressors. The University of Minnesota notes that “A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.” It is concluded that those who implement reading into their daily lives find themselves more relaxed and experience happy feelings than their non-reading counterparts. The books that aid people in this relaxation are those with captivating stories that allow one to fully experience the plot of the book. These books will typically be fiction, but it is important to find what genre suits you best. Whether it be realistic fiction, fantasy, or romance, there will be a category that continuously draws you in and away from the stressors of your life. 

Although many can find this same coping mechanism in television where one can be distracted from their own hardships towards those of the screen’s characters, reading proves to be more beneficial as it lacks damaging blue light. Blue light is emitted from screens and has negative effects as it worsens one’s optical strength and can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Meanwhile, books have no negative health effects besides the occasional paper cut. 

Furthermore, the greater public should strive to implement reading into their daily lives as it serves as free education and a coping mechanism.