I love reading. When I first started elementary school, the library was my favorite place to be. I read all the time, whether it be in class, recess, at home, you name it! Ever since then, I've carried at least one book with me, wherever I went, just in case I had a spare second.

When you start college or a job, you don't have the free time you used to. Your everyday hobbies become a once a week treat for yourself, if that. It crushed me that I had to stop reading to focus on school, social life, and most importantly, sleep.

Over the span of my senior year in high school and my junior year of college, I've only read about 15-20 books. Crazy, right? Well, I'm trying to change that and get back in the groove of reading every day. My favorite bookmark consists of the top 10 reasons why you should read every day, and I am going to share that with you.

1. Frees your mind.

Ever have too many things on your mind and you need to just block out reality? If you free your mind of all bad, annoying, stressful thoughts to focus on reading a book, article, etc., then you'll be worry free! (Until you stop reading, that is).

2. Impress people with what you know.

It's always fun to show off a little, right? Impress your friends, classmates and family with what you learn while reading!

3. Develops your imagination.

Having a strong imagination is actually a good thing! Imagination is magical, creates passion and creativity! It's not just for little kids, it's healthy for adults as well; so don't give it up!

4. Chases away boredom.

Technology is making us lame. Where's the adventure in clicking through websites? Crack open a book and use your imagination to explore a new world!

5. Teaches you something.

Learning while you read is just a bonus! Take what you learn and share it with others (or just show off your new found knowledge).

6. Takes you to faraway places.

Everyone needs to escape from their lives sometimes, no matter how great it is. Shutting out reality and going to a faraway place (not meant to be literal, but do you) can bring about a sense of adventure and excitement.

7. Sends you to the past or into the future.

Reading about the past or future is surreal. You read about events that already took place that made the world what it is today, and you read about what the world may be like in 20 years. It's so bizarre!

8. Introduces new people and culture.

Learning about different people and cultures really opens your eyes to the world around us. You start to appreciate other religions and customs and understand how their cultures differ from others.

9. Opens up new worlds.

All books are different; they have different plots, characters, points of view, the list goes on. That's what makes reading unique! There's always a different world to dive into, and while using a little imagination, you can become a part of that world.

10. Gives you serenity.

Being able to escape from your demanding life is a necessity to staying sane. Reading gives you the peace you need and provides a comforting solitude for your imagination.

With school starting up again, I will have even less time to read. However, I will make the effort to read every day so I can escape the terrors of homework, loud neighbors and overall stress. Try to read at the end of the day or before you go to bed to calm your mind. Even reading while waiting for a class to start or while you're grabbing a bite to eat is a good way to let people know you don't want to be bothered.

Reading every day is bound to provide at least a few, if not all, of these points listed above. If you don't believe me, then why don't you give it a try?