Written by Naomi Viesca, Staff Writer
Many benefits come along with reading. The length of the text is irrelevant; what matters is the context and the knowledge you gain from taking the time to read.
Whether it’s a children’s book, school assignment or the news, reading will help develop a better comprehension of the world and introduce new vocabulary.
Reading can be a healthy coping mechanism. It helps set aside stress. According to a 2017 University of Sussex study reported in Reader’s Digest, the stress levels of those who read dropped 67 percent.
As the reader, you have the ability to transform the text to a live image in your head. While one might think read- ing may be underrated, it enlightens your perspective on current events and other people’s experiences.
There are many ways to access reading today. Now, in the 21st century, there are online websites and apps where you can buy books, magazines, and poems. Reading on electronic devices may actually encourage reading more. This generation was born with technology, which is why having books online is very helpful. If the book is on a cellular device, it is accessible and will allow the reader to read whenever they would like.
Once in a while, it is best to read from an actual hard copy. There are people who actually prefer hard copies be- cause they can make notes if they feel it is necessary. For example, when someone may not know the meaning of a word, they can go back to highlight it, look it up, and expand their vocabulary.
Although it’s nice to have access to a book on an electronic device, it’s not always good to read off of it because it may strain your eyesight. Also, if the book is on your phone, you could get distracted by notifications or text messages that will tempt you to quit reading and look at the notification.
Reading can introduce you to new things that you may not have known about before reading that particular piece. There are many aspects to the world, its cultures, traditions, and life experiences that will remain unknown to you unless you are apart of whatever it is or if you pick up a readable piece that has that information in it.
Reading has many benefits. Everyone and anyone can learn the different perspectives and views that others have. Reading opens new doors and brings new knowledge. It may give you a new way to look at challenges that people struggle with on a daily basis and it could build understanding. There are many advantages you could gain by reaching out for a new text.
All you have to do is grab a book and enjoy.