6 pints of ice-cream

Embracing the joy of reading:

how does reading bring us joy?

As an English Literature student, it would be too easy for me to try and convince you that reading is one of life’s many underrated pleasures. Commonly mistaken for simply ‘making people smarter’, reading offers individuals many benefits that can add to quality of life. In a world where we as a society rely on technology on a daily basis, reading allows us to switch off from reality in a positive manner; where we are able to focus on using our imagination and gain perspective. Therefore we must ask why exactly is it so common to hate on reading today? Does technology make it easier to hate reading as an activity? As the modern world continues to develop, so do reading habits. Reading is more accessible than ever before, with e-books and audiobooks on top of physical books (everybody seems to forget that libraries are free), there’s no way reading could go out of style! Reading is known to bring a sense of calm to people, and is much easier to do without any distractions (so put your phone away!). It is similar to meditation in that it is able to transport the mind elsewhere and allow individuals to use their imagination to escape from their own world. This means that those who regularly read are also known to have lower stress levels, as well as better sleeping patterns, and higher self-esteem. As an avid reader myself, I find that confidence levels can increase depending on the relatability of characters and plot. If you are reading a story you feel you can relate to on an emotional level, or if you are able to see your own traits in a character, it could make you feel less lonely and as though your struggles are seen as valid.

It could also help you to find ways to overcome those difficulties and take inspiration through reading. Reading gives us a way to romanticise what we would typically see as the mundane aspects of our lives and can motivate us to look at the world in a whole new light.

While the relatability of characters can be important to readers, it is also important to recognise how crucial it could be to step out of our comfort zone and read what we don’t relate to as much. Reading puts individuals into the mindset of others and allows readers to develop the ability to question and analyse a situation. It is proven that reading is, therefore, able to make individuals more sympathetic and understanding to situations they may never have been in before, ensuring that we have an open mind.

For me, reading is something that has brought joy for as long as I can remember. I am reminded daily as I study my degree why it is that I love reading so much. University life allows me to surround myself with books, whether it be in Blackwell’s Bookshop in the SU or at any of Cardiff’s lovely libraries; every day feels like I’m living the dream. Despite this, nothing brings me greater joy than being able to return home to the beautiful bookshelves in the comfort of my childhood room. Whether it be for my studies or for my own pleasure, reading will always take me back to my youth where I actively chose to surround myself with the authors that I still have on my shelves to this day.

Iam always reminded of how lucky I am to have parents who funded my love for reading, and who supported my decision to surround myself with books. They filled our home with constant reminders that my sisters and myself could be anything we wanted to be so long as we worked hard. Without their constant love, support, and confidence, I know I wouldn’t have come as far as I have today, and I will forever be grateful for the inspiration they provided us through the world of reading.

Whether it’s a passion or a way to escape reality, reading can bring us joy and impact us on so many unspoken levels. In my nineteen years, reading has brought me comfort, perspective, inspiration, and knowledge. It is a privilege to be able to read, and one not used often enough in modern society - instead it is being increasingly replaced with the use of technology.

Words by: Alexa Price Design by: Annabelle Ingram Illustrations by: Sian Hopkins