Throughout the many years spent in school, reading was often a required assignment; thus, this instilled a belief that it is a chore rather than a gift. However, this could not be further from the truth! Not only are you enjoying the time spent reading a book you truly care about, but a number of other benefits come along such as an improved vocabulary, a wider exposure to alternative perspectives, and even an improved quality of sleep.
The beautiful thing about books is that there is always a topic that will be interesting in some fashion. Whether it’s a self-help book, a non-fictional history story, or a mystery, there is no end to the amount of interesting content out there. The challenge may be finding that specific book, but once you start reaching out to those around you, the recommendations come pouring in. When you read a book it’s an escape like no other. There are no notifications or personal life distractions; instead, it lowers stress levels and allows for true separation from the immediate external world to be set aside.
Last year I started receiving book recommendations and held myself to the goal of finishing one book every month. The act of putting down my phone and picking up a book wasn’t something that was incorporated in my everyday life, so holding myself to a loose deadline was an important aspect when maintaining this goal!
Reading should be seen as the blessing that it is rather than a chore because it provides an endless amount of benefits both mentally and emotionally.