Break Back Into Good Habits
We’d all love more time to do the things we love, especially hobbies that get us away from those darn screens. But we have good news: getting back into reading isn’t as hard as it seems! Let’s dive into a few reasons why the hobby is so good for us and how you can invest your time wisely.
1. Stress Relief
We have bills to pay, mouths to feed, and soul-sucking jobs to work—hardly the epitome of a good time. But if you’re looking to soothe your brain, studies show that books can significantly reduce stress! Even if you only have a few minutes, crack that spine to elevate your mood.
2. Mental Stimulation
Books demand our attention, which is exactly why they’re good for the brain. Oftentimes, when we doom scroll or binge TV, our minds can drift to other things. With reading, however, you’re constantly locked in and working your mind.
3. Bigger Vocabulary
There’s no shame in encountering new words—books are meant to improve vocabulary! One of the best ways to retain new vocabulary is by keeping a journal; write down each word with a simple description. You’ll not only improve vocabulary, but you’ll likely glean context from new or difficult words in the future.
4. Practiced Empathy
There’s no shortage of stories out there, each providing their own perspectives and voices. They also provide a nice change of scenery, which can broaden our understanding of certain topics and put us in other people’s shoes. With so many new experiences at our fingertips, it’s easy to develop a better sense of empathy.
5. Chance to Learn Something
Non-fiction books are a great way to expand your horizons and learn something new. From memoirs to historians, there’s always newfound knowledge tucked away in the pages of a book.
6. Improves Writing
You can’t be a writer if you aren’t a reader—or so the adage goes. Books improve vocabulary, play with grammar, teach you about sentence structure, and help mold your voice. Even if you don’t realize it right away, you internalize a lot of information the more you read.
7. Better Sleep
Put your phone away before bed; reading is far better than doom-scrolling or binge-watching your favorite show! Books relax us, calm our minds, and still anxious thoughts, all of which help lull us into a peaceful sleep.
8. May Improve Longevity
Among its numerous health benefits, studies show that reading may also improve our longevity. From cognitive benefits to lower stress levels, books can boost longevity by up to 20%, compared to those who don’t read.
9. Gets You Away From Screens
Turn that blue light into a reading light—it’s time to step away from your screens. Prolonged screen time leads to all sorts of health problems, like sleep issues, eye strain, and lack of concentration. The less time you spend on your phone, the more time you have to nurture your brain.
10. Improved Brain Function
Speaking of brains, you’d be surprised just how good books are for their function. Reading encourages concentration, improves memory, and strengthens our emotional maturity. These benefits promote healthier cognitive function down the line, which keeps us healthier and happier for longer.
It’s okay if you aren’t a natural reader. Come with us as we explore a few simple ways to break into the habit.
1. Make Time to Read
The most important thing you need is time. Though it often feels like we have none, we guarantee you that you do. Put down your phone before bed and read a chapter each night. Bring a book on public transportation. Try to finish a few pages during lunch. Small adjustments to your schedule can carve out the time for books.
2. Always Bring a Book
You never know when you’ll have a few moments to yourself, so bring a book everywhere you go! It’s easy to reach for our phone when a friend is running late or we missed the bus, but those little moments are the perfect time to get reading.
3. Create Your TBR
A big reason people “hate” books is that they spent years being told what to read. Well, you’re not in school anymore! Make your own to-be-read list, that way you’ll have nothing but what interests you on the horizon.
4. Join a Book Club
Sometimes we need a little nudge in the right direction, and that’s where book clubs come in. They’re a great way to hold yourself accountable and make new friends along the way. Hit up Facebook groups or community pages online to learn more about your options.
5. Know When to DNF
Another big problem people have is forcing themselves to read books they don’t enjoy. You don’t score any brownie points for reading every book, and life is too short to subject yourself to subpar literature! It’s okay to walk away from a book and pick up something you’ll actually like.
6. Start Small
No one said you have to read War and Peace as your first book. It’s important to start small when you break back into reading; the name of the game is finding accessible, manageable milestones that encourage you to continue, not scare you further away.
7. Have a Space for Reading
We have a designated space for eating. We have a designated space for sleeping. Why not one for reading, too? A simple bookshelf and a floor lamp is all it takes to convert a corner of your house into a cozy nook—one that puts your brain in the mood to read.
8. Track Your Reading
Tracking progress is a great way to stay motivated on your journey. Mobile apps or even pen-and-paper journaling logs which books you’ve read, your thoughts on them, and what you’d like to tackle next.
9. Consider Multiple Books at Once
Reading more than one book isn’t for everyone, but if your brain has space for a few extra pages, it’s worth considering. Whether it’s toggling between fiction and nonfiction or grabbing a rom-com to balance a heavy-hitter, multiple books squeeze in even more reading.
10. Invest in Audiobooks
We know, we know—“audiobooks aren’t real books.” While we’re big fans of physical books, not everyone has the time to sit down and finish one. Audiobooks are great for travel or during chores, allowing you to consume your favorite reads on the go.
KEEP ON READING
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