By Carmen Ashworth ‘26
When was the last time you had free time and picked up a book? Most students couldn’t tell you. With the end of the school year approaching, the list of assignments to complete and tests to study for seems staggering. During the school year, students hardly have enough time to read. But what about those who do read? What is their secret to fitting reading into a busy schedule and enjoying it all the while?
Sophomore Ruth Amha said “The good thing about a book is that I can pick it up any time. I like to read in little bits during car rides or right before I go to bed, just reading a couple chapters. Sometimes when I’m in the shower, I’ll listen to an audiobook..”
Amha also said that book selection is crucial, “If I’m really interested in a book, I won’t be able to put it down, so the trick is just finding the right book for you.”
Junior Rhian Williams said that she keeps a book with her all the time but doesn’t put pressure on herself to read, “I read a lot before bed or in the car. I don’t try to fit it in, but I do it more if I can carry a book with me everywhere.”
In an article from The Guardian, author Jennifer Hudson agreed with Williams, saying, “thinking of time as a resource to be maximized” is one of the major reasons barring people from reading for fun. Hudson went further, saying, “Reading depends on being willing to risk inefficiency, goallessness, even time-wasting. Try to slot it in as a to-do list item and you’ll manage only goal-focused reading – useful, sometimes, but not the most fulfilling kind.”
Amha voiced similar thoughts. When asked how reading for fun is different then reading for school, she said, “It’s something you’re doing to relax yourself rather than adding more stress. I don’t force myself to keep up with all the themes and characters. I just read it and focus on the plot and my enjoyment and see what I get out of it afterwards.”
The benefits of reading are also backed up by the experts. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who read regularly see a reduction in stress, expanded vocabulary, and better moods. Sophomore Catherine Freytag said when she reads, “I feel more in touch with my emotions. It allows me to separate from the unfortunate realities of the school day and travel to a different world.”
The research behind the benefits of reading backs up Freytag’s personal experience. According to the National Library Association of New Zealand, reading for pleasure helps students “develop empathy and knowledge — of self, other worlds, culture, heritage, skills needed to become active citizens. Reading is also beneficial since it improves and builds psychological wellbeing and healthy behaviors, and is crucial for young people, as it can be relaxing and provide an escape.”
Other experts and research also support the benefits of reading. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who read regularly see a reduction in stress, expanded vocabulary, and better writing skills.
In addition, a 2006 study by the UK Department of Education reported that people who read often in their youth were more likely to have, “a better understanding of other cultures, more community participation, and a greater insight into human nature and decision making.”
It’s hard to find time to relax with the fire drill of school and the pressures of life. But maybe next time you are about to scroll away on a device, grab a book instead.