The new year has officially started, and it’s safe to say that most people have been brainstorming various resolutions. It’s the staple question asked when the celebrations approach- what is your new year’s resolution? In all honesty, most of these resolutions will fizzle out within the month of January, potentially not being started at all, but the resolution of reducing screen time and replacing doomscrolling with something more beneficial has become increasingly popular. Most of us have grown up in the digital age, which only promoted an addiction to our screens. Post pandemic, in 2022, 54% of British adults reported using screens more than ever, highlighting the need for a screen time resolution. This is where reading comes in. Reading is incredibly beneficial and enjoyable, no matter your level or interests, and is indisputably a more valuable way of passing time.
Studies from around the world have shown the numerous benefits of consistent reading: reducing stress, improving memory and impacting empathy. Reading has also become more and more accessible, with print, online and audio copies of literature being available (which has to be credited to the digital age, despite technology generally reducing the percentage of people reading)
Regardless of how ‘academic’ your reading may be, the idea of losing yourself within the characters and setting of a book, whether fiction or based on real events, can reduce anxieties and become an escape from the everyday stresses . When reading a book, it allows us to live within the plot, becoming a character that is intensely focused on the story. This gives our brains time to unwind and relax, with books being more calming than music or walking according to the London Book Fair. Reading a few pages a day of whatever may interest you has an overtly positive impact on your stress levels, with a 2009 study from the University of Sussex states that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.
Reading should be an past time enjoyed outside the academic sphere; however, it has some intellectual benefits, the improvement of memory, that makes it an even better contender to reduce screen time. Reading exercises the brain, stimulating various networks and areas that strengthen over time. Not only do you absorb the knowledge and vocabulary within the literature of your choice, these strengthening networks allow you to improve your memory in the long term which prevents cognitive decline with age.
The main purpose of literature is to connect with the reader and provide some sort of emotional response, usually with positive feelings at at-least one point in the reading. Literature, both fictional and non-fictional, share a story. Non-fiction provides enjoyment through the learning of something new that interests you, whilst fiction provides enjoyment through escape into the make-believe (which can often be based on certain realities). This enjoyment connects readers to literature, and studies are suggesting this provides an opportunity to develop skills of empathy. A reader learns something about aspects of society on their literary journey, and a study including three different types of readers states it can potentially increase levels of empathy. The curious readers agreed that they understand the views of others and international cultures better through reading.
These studies have proven just how valuable literature can be, benefiting every part of life to improve your mental wellbeing. Outside of necessary readings for our studies, very few people admit to reading often. It has always seemed like a task that you may not have time for, or that wasn’t enjoyable or too daunting. The good news is that the scope of literature is so broad now, there will always be something for everyone. No matter what genres or forms of reading you may be drawn to, everyone can benefit from reading, which is a resolution that should be included in everyone’s new year plans.
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