I have many things in common with my dad, like music taste and sense of humor. But reading isn’t one of them. I can spend a whole day on a book, but my dad can’t read a book for longer than about 5 minutes. He reads emails, websites and papers for work, but not books. He’s really busy. I think sitting down to read for just 15 minutes a day is a good way to relax.

My dad is not the only person that avoids books. I know lots of people would rather relax on their computers or in front of the TV. But reading has lots of advantages.

Firstly, it’s better for your eyes. Looking at screens can be very stressful for your eyes. You should avoid looking at screens for an hour before bed. Secondly, reading can send you to another world—I often forget the time or things around me! Reading is a great way to relax before you go to bed. You think more about the world of the book rather than the real world. You can be sent to a different world in a film or a TV show, but I think books do it better.

I also enjoy reading what people are doing and finding out what they think. Reading gives you the chance to get to know hundreds of new people! It also teaches you to see things from other people’s point of view, and understand their decisions or opinions. With a book, you can know what a character is thinking or feeling—you really can be inside someone else’s head!

So have a try! Take 15 minutes when you are waking up, going to bed, eating lunch, or having a coffee. Good luck and happy reading!