Is reading part of your daily routine? Reading is one of the most important and beneficial activities that you can do for yourself. It is a great way to learn new things, expand your horizons, and improve your overall well-being.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should make reading part of your daily routine. If you are wondering if there is an app that can support you, there is! I highly recommend Bookly which is an app I use daily.
1. Reading improves your cognitive function.
Reading is an activity that requires your brain to hone in and focus. It has the ability to help to improve your concentration, memory, and critical thinking skills. Reading also exposes you to new vocabulary and concepts, which can help to boost your cognitive function overall.
When I decided to make reading a habit, these are things I have personally experienced, but I appreciate what people gain from reading will be different from one person to the next. I love and appreciate learning about different viewpoints and perspectives that help me to see life from a different lens.
2. Reading reduces stress and anxiety.
Reading is a great way to relax and de-stress after a long day. It can help to take your mind off of your worries and transport you to another world – like seriously! There have been times when I have felt like one of the characters in the story (depending on the book I’m reading).
Alongside this, reading can also help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. A study by the University of Sussex found that reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%. The study also found that reading was more effective at reducing stress than listening to music or going for a walk.
3. Reading improves your sleep quality.
Reading before bed can help you to relax and fall asleep more easily. It can also help to improve the quality of your sleep. This is backed up by a study that found that people who read before bed had an improved quality of sleep than those who did not read. The study also found that reading before bed helped to improve the overall quality of sleep. I don’t know about you, but that’s a great benefit to make reading part of your daily routine right?!
4. Reading may increase your empathy and understanding of others.
If you are not already a regular reader, it may be difficult to make reading a part of your daily routine. Here are a few tips:
- Start small. Set a goal to read for just 10/15 minutes each day. Once you have established a regular reading habit, you can gradually increase the amount of time you read each day. Use Bookly!!
- Find a time to read that works for you. Some people prefer to read before bed, while others prefer to read in the morning or during their lunch break. Find a time when you are unlikely to be interrupted and when you can relax and enjoy your reading. I tend to read at night, but I’m shifting to reading in the morning too.
- Find a comfortable place to read. Find a spot where you can curl up with a good book and relax. This could be your favourite chair, your bed or somewhere else. I have a reading chair in my bedroom and I cover myself with my duvet (in the autumn/winter months), a reading lamp beside me and read until my heart’s content.
- Choose books that you are interested in. If you are not enjoying a book, don’t be afraid to put it down and pick up something else. There are millions of books out there, so there is sure to be something that you will enjoy reading.
- Make reading a social activity. Join a book club or start a reading group with your friends. This is a great way to stay motivated and to discuss the books you are reading with others if that’s your jam.
Reading is a wonderful activity that has many benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. If you are not already a regular reader, I encourage you to make reading part of your daily routine. Even just a few minutes of reading each day can make a big difference.
Here are some additional tips for making reading part of your daily routine:
- Keep a book with you at all times so that you can read whenever you have a few spare minutes.
- Set reminders on your phone or computer to remind you to read.
- Reward yourself for reading. For example, you could give yourself a small treat for every hour that you read.
- Make reading a priority. Don’t let other activities or commitments get in the way.
How do you make reading a part of your daily routine?
Photo via Pexels by Karolina Grabowska
