Literary Nutrition: Why Reading Books is Just as Essential as Eating Vegetables

Alex Yeum | January 30, 2023

Illustration courtesy: Taryn Kim

Reading books is like eating your vegetables: while not the most exciting thing to do, it’s incredibly good for you. Just like broccoli, carrots, and lettuce, books are packed with vital nutrients that can help you grow, learn, and eventually succeed in life. But it’s not easy to start reading, especially with the commitment it requires. In order to provide a little extra encouragement to pick up that next book, below are some of the amazing benefits of reading.

Above all, reading is a fantastic way to expand your vocabulary. The more words you know, the better you can communicate and express yourself. And let’s be real, nothing is more impressive than dropping a big word in a conversation and making everyone else feel like they should have stayed in school longer. In addition to impressing your friends, having a larger vocabulary also helps with writing essays and understanding complex texts. As an IB student, nourishing that ability to effectively read and, in turn, write is essential for success.

Reading also helps to improve memory. When you read a book, you are constantly processing new information, which helps to keep your brain sharp. And let’s face it, as an IB student, you’re going to have to remember a lot of information. From the names of characters in your literature class to the countless formulas and concepts you learn in science, your brain is going to need to be in top shape.

Another benefit is improving your critical thinking skills. When reading, you’re not just passively consuming information; you’re actively engaging with, analyzing, and interpreting it. Whether you’re analyzing a poem or a scientific phenomenon, the ability to think critically is vital for understanding the world around you.

Reading is also a great way to reduce stress. We all know how stressful being an IB student can be, and reading is a great way to take a break and relieve that built-up stress. Whether you’re reading a page-turner thriller or a classic novel, getting lost in a book is a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life. In fact, reading has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and even improve sleep. So

if you’re feeling stressed, pick up a book, and let it whisk you away to a whole new world.

Reading also goes hand-in-hand with writing. Whether you’re writing an essay or a

short story, reading is a great way to actively learn about the craft of writing. By reading the work of other writers, you can learn about different styles and techniques that you can use in your own writing.

Finally, reading improves your cultural awareness. Reading books from different cultures

and perspectives can help you to understand the world on an even deeper level. From reading about the history of a different culture or the contemporary issues of international politics, reading can help you develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Overall, reading books is not only important for IB students, but also for anyone looking to expand their minds and improve their overall well-being. Reading is an essential habit that can improve your vocabulary, memory, and critical thinking skills, as well as to reduce stress, boost your writing skills, and increase your cultural awareness.

Whenever you have a few minutes free, try picking up a book!