Research has linked reading for pleasure in childhood to a host of positive educational and socioeconomic outcomes. But now 14 years after the Department for Education, in a more innocent time, commissioned a chunky report on the matter—reading books for pleasure is an activity in crisis. The culprit usually blamed for this falling-off is the smartphone and its many short-term distractions; the mere presence of a smartphone in the room, recent research suggests, has an impact on our ability to concentrate.
Why start reading for fun? Among its numerous benefits, studies have found that reading fiction specifically can make people more empathetic, less stressed and protect cognitive function in later life. Three tips to get started: Figure out what you enjoy by checking out a variety of books from the library, but don't force it. If you're not enjoying a volume, put it down and move on to the next. Start with short books and whichever medium physical books, ebooks or audiobooks works best for you.