Usually, the last thing college students want to do during their free time is pick up another book and do more reading, especially during finals season. But really, reading for pleasure even 20 minutes a day can seriously improve your productivity. So, even throughout finals season, here are three reasons that you should read for fun.
1. It helps you sleep. Seriously, even if you’re only reading for 10-20 minutes before bed, it will help you sleep better if you put your phone and laptop down before bed and pick up a book instead. Lights emitted from phones and laptops actually keep you up and reading before bed will relax and distract you, so you can fall asleep, even during the most stressful time of the year.
2. It distracts you. During finals season, sometimes even watching Netflix isn’t enough to distract you from thinking about the impending amount of work waiting for you. But reading will allow you to focus on something else other than school work for a little bit every day, so you can have a break.
3. It improves productivity. Even if you’re procrastinating, reading for fun will make you feel like you’re doing something somewhat productive. It also keeps your brain working and thinking so when you do go back to your work, your brain is more focused and awake and will ultimately help you in the long run.
I get it, reading is probably the last thing that you want to do right now–but it won’t be as bad as you think, and might even help you in the long run. Who knows–you might even enjoy it.