Recreation, Reality, and Reading Myself Into Oblivion

Let’s talk about reading. That beautiful, soul-soothing, mentally stimulating, and occasionally life-consuming hobby.

I’ve been on what I can only describe as a literary bender. I'm currently on book number 50 for the year, and book four this week alone. (Yes, I know it’s only Thursday. No, I don’t want to talk about it.)

On the surface, this sounds impressive. Maybe even productive. But let’s not get carried away. I’ve also forgotten at least three chores I assigned myself this week, ignored an overflowing laundry basket, and pushed bedtime so far past reasonable that my circadian rhythm is starting to file complaints.

So today, in the noble name of recreation, let’s talk about reading—why it’s good, why it’s occasionally problematic, and why I’m definitely going to keep doing it anyway.

📚 The Science-Backed Benefits of Reading (aka Reasons to Keep Avoiding Reality)

Let’s start with the positives, because science says there are many. Reading is practically medicine for your brain. Here’s what the research says:

🧠 Boosts Brain Function and Memory

Reading improves neural connectivity, increases vocabulary, and enhances memory retention. According to a study published in Neurology, people who engage in mentally stimulating activities like reading experience slower rates of cognitive decline in old age.

Translation: Reading keeps your brain from turning into overcooked mashed potatoes.

After losing Dakota, I struggled with memory, language, and basic problem-solving. My vocabulary? Gone. My ability to think through a bad day? Compromised. Reading helped pull me back. It didn’t fix everything (grief and age make a powerful tag team), but it helped me reclaim parts of myself that felt long gone.

😌 Reduces Stress

Research from the University of Sussex shows that just 6 minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. That’s more effective than listening to music or taking a walk.

My takeaway: Reading is a perfectly valid way to avoid both folding towels and answering emails.

💭 Increases Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Getting lost in a character’s story improves your ability to understand others’ emotions in real life. Psychologists call this “theory of mind,” and reading—especially fiction—is one of the best ways to develop it.

So the next time someone accuses you of hiding in a book, just tell them you're building emotional intelligence. Like a good citizen.

😅 The Not-So-Helpful Side of Reading (aka The Great Escape That Never Ends)

Here’s where things get... complicated.

Reading is a powerful coping tool. But like any great escape, it can quickly turn into a hideout you forget to leave.

When things feel overwhelming—grief, stress, the crushing weight of adulthood—I don’t always want to think about what’s bothering me. So I don’t. I open a book and let someone else’s dragons or dystopia distract me from my dishes.

But let me be clear: I’m not reading in a bubble bath with classical music playing. I’m reading on the couch, in pajamas, while silently judging myself for not doing the laundry.

I’ve stayed up until 2 or 3 in the morning, eyes burning, telling myself, “Just one more chapter.” Spoiler alert: it’s never just one chapter. My eyebags have their own zip code. And yet… I do it again. Every time.

I’ve surpassed my yearly reading goal with six months left in the year—which is great, unless we’re talking about productivity goals that don’t involve literary accomplishments. Like vacuuming. Or engaging with the outside world.

Honestly, reading hasn’t exactly returned my motivation. It’s done wonders for my vocabulary and mental clarity—but when it comes to getting off the couch and joining reality? The jury’s still out.

📖 So... Is Reading Good or Bad?

Yes.

Reading is absolutely good for your brain, your heart, and your mental health. But it’s also a master-level procrastination tool. It's a lifeline and a loophole. A sacred act of self-care and a dangerously comfortable escape hatch.

But maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s exactly what I need right now.

In the weird, wobbly balance of healing, grief, recreation, and responsibilities, reading helps me survive the emotional noise. It gives me a soft place to land when the real world is just a bit too loud.

So I’ll keep reading. I’ll keep falling asleep in the middle of page 217 and waking up with a book stuck to my face. I’ll keep getting lost in other worlds, if only to remember how to navigate my own.

Because in the end, reading doesn’t just take you away from something—it helps bring you back to yourself.