New Year’s is approaching and the onus of adapting to positive lifestyle changes is upon us. Most of the people are probably already planning their 2021 goals and resolutions. Reading more books is one of the most common resolutions. Whilst being one of the most common resolutions, it is also one of the most beneficial ones. However, with the advent of technologies, the significance and popularity of reading has faded. The same significance needs to be highlighted once again as reading is not just an activity, it is a lifestyle change. Those who read books appreciate the multiple places to find books. Those who aren’t fans of books, don’t understand what could make readers want to obsess over books. There is a reason for their obsession, though. You hear it all the time: read every day. Though reading might seem like simple fun, it can be helping your body and mind without you even realising what is happening. Reading can be more important for these reasons and not just knowledge. For those who don’t enjoy reading, you might change your mind after hearing about the benefits. Can something so easy and fun as reading be so helpful in your life? Of course, it can! Reading can be a great benefit to you in many different ways—such as sharpening your mind, imagination, and writing skills. With so many advantages of reading, it should be an everyday occurrence to read at least a little something.
Here are some other benefits of reading –
Reading is important because it develops our thoughts, gives us endless knowledge and lessons while keeping our minds active. Books can hold and keep all kinds of information, stories, thoughts and feelings unlike anything else in this world. The importance of a book to help us learn and understand things cannot be underestimated. Words, paragraphs, and fictional worlds can be all that great for you and your health. Reading is a timeless form of entertainment and information. In fact, for years reading was the only form of personal entertainment, and perhaps this is why reading has been in the spotlight for such a long time. Reading has survived the years, and luckily, the benefits have survived right along with the books.
Now that we have seen the benefits of reading, it is important to see how to incorporate this habit in our daily routine. The best way to consistently read more is to intentionally dedicate more time to reading. The best way to make sure you keep your reading resolution through the whole year is to integrate reading time into your regular routine. Wake up a little earlier each day and read while you drink your coffee, dedicate the half hour before bedtime to reading, or spend your lunch breaks with a book. As you make reading a regular part of your schedule, it will become an ingrained habit. Read a book while you’re doing something else that doesn’t require your full attention. When you have a book, you’ll never get bored. You’d be surprised how many moments in your day can be filled with reading if you have a book handy. Waiting for the bus, in line at the grocery, at the doctor’s office, even in a long elevator ride—all are perfect opportunities to squeeze in a few more pages. It’s much easier to read more books when you set a reading goal. With a goal in mind, you can stay motivated and make sure you’re staying on track to reach it.
We all learn and retain information in different ways, and audiobooks are one of many ways to enjoy a good book. Audiobooks are amazing when it comes to multitasking. You can listen to an audiobook while driving, exercising, walking, and so much more. Plus it’s a great way to avoid eye fatigue when you’ve been reading a lot of print or ebooks. A common enemy of reading goals is the book hangover, or when you finish a great book and can’t find the willpower to move on to the next one. Try mixing up the genres. Finally, Book clubs are a great way to hold yourself accountable to your reading goal. First, scheduled book club meetings encourage you to finish a book by a certain date. Second, the social aspect of book clubs is a great way to feel more engaged in your reading and to discuss your thoughts with others. Third, books selected by a book club relieve some of the “what do I read next?” pressure that can keep you from picking up your next book.
Try out these ways to read more often and check out my new book ‘Balance’-The secret to true health and happiness in 13 ways. Through my wheel-of-life programme, I have focused on the thirteen vital elements that each individual needs to be happy, healthy and successful-including physical wellness, career, home environment, joy, financial stability, understanding the effects of climate change, and more. Each chapter focuses on one aspect and has simple, easy-to-follow advice, along with tips and activities that will be your key to a blissful life. The wheel-of-life programme helps you customize it to your life, so it works best for you. It doesn’t aim to provide a quick-fix to your issues, but promises to guide you to evaluating your life holistically and designing your own magical path to wellness-a life free of stress, anger and dissatisfaction.
Deanne Panday is a fitness expert, health coach, author, and blogger @balancebydeanne. A fitness enthusiast to the core, she has trained ‘Miss India’s for years and also helped Bollywood’s star heroines stay in shape. www.deannepanday.com @deannepanday
