11 Reasons To Set Down Your Phone And Pick Up A Book RN
Start writing a post
Entertainment

11 Reasons To Set Down Your Phone And Pick Up A Book RN

No, textbooks don't count.

328
11 Reasons To Set Down Your Phone And Pick Up A Book RN
Aziz Acharki / Unsplash

I have loved reading ever since I was little. There was one summer, around sixth grade I believe, that my best friend's mom reached out because I kept canceling plans with her daughter to stay home and read. It was bad... but also good! Because reading has become a very important part of my life — it allows me to meet people I could never meet and travel to places I could never go in real life. And because it led me to my major and minor (journalism and English lit, yaaaaa).

But as I've grown older, and the amount of reading I have to do for class has increased, I've been really bad about making time to read something other than textbooks. When I get home at the end of the day, I have started the bad habit of turning onto the TV and transforming into a vegetable or staring at my phone until my brain melts. BUT, as a senior about to graduate, I have decided to adopt healthier habits and am back on a reading kick. And I think all college kids should make an effort to do the same.

1. Books are like free education.


Or at least much, much cheaper than the five credit class about the Russian Revolution you were thinking about taking... Let Barnes and Nobles be your new classroom.

2. Books teach you about tolerance.

My mom always told me I am able to remain calm and collected in heated political and intellectual conversations because I read so much as a kid. Whether it's as simple as feeling sympathy (and maybe a small crush) on Draco Malfoy or understanding the complexity of Judas' betrayal of Jesus in the Bible, reading allows you to see things from others' perspectives — perspectives you may not get a chance to see outside of a literary world.

3. You've already seen every episode of "The Office" 11 times.

Might as well try something new.

4. Books are better for your eyes.

We've all read the 8 million studies showing the blue light from phone and TV screens does all types of black magic on your sleep schedule. Try a book instead.

5. Reading helps you write better.

One of my English professors sophomore year of college forced his students to look up and write down the definition of every word that we couldn't easily define while reading. And then he quizzed us on it. We were reading Gilgamesh... Which was written in 2000 BC... I had to look up hecka words and it sucked. BUT, my vocab skills increased exponentially and helped my writing in the future.

6. It's a sure fire way to keep people from speaking to you on the bus.


Better yet, a book aaand headphones.

7. Books are hecka fun to read.


They are like watching a movie except better. You don't have to be constantly irritated by actors' physical/character traits. Bothered by Toby Maguire's turtle-like grin in "The Great Gatsby"? Shoulda just read the book. Could have picked your own Nick Carraway.

8. You feel smarter than everyone else.


Walking through campus with reading material other than a textbook is a very empowering feeling. Like, yeah, I have enough free time to read FOR FUN. Suck it.

9. Safer bath time entertainment.


Replacing a book is a li'l cheaper than your iPhone 7.

10. You can be the giver of spoilers rather than the receiver.


Whether it's watching "Game of Thrones," "The Walking Dead," or you somehow find a human that hasn't seen all the Harry Potter movies (OK, must be an alien, all humans should have seen HP by now), there is a certain sense of power knowing you can ruin what happens next for a non-reader. I'm not saying you should do it, but it feels good to know you can.

11. You can read "50 Shades of Grey" in public but you really can't watch "50 Shades of Grey" in public.

I beg to differ, E.L. James...

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71205
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133227
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments