Empower your mind: How to rediscover the joy of reading

Dear Sweet Friends

Were you once an avid reader, but now the thought of even reading one book overwhelms you? You are not alone, I was in a similar predicament, but with inspiration from other book lovers, making time for reading and joining a book community, I became a book lover again. In this post, I want to inspire you to rediscover the joy of reading. I will explain the evidence-based benefits of reading and offer some tips on how to rediscover the joy of reading. 

But first, let me go back to the beginning.

Sweet Tales

Many of my childhood memories have faded, but two fond memories will always stay with me, and they both involve books. My first memory is visiting the library with my mom and brother. Growing up, I was fortunate to have one of the grandest libraries, located only a few train stops away from my home. At least, I felt it was grand as a 5-year-old. My mom would take my brother and I to the library many weekends, and it felt like I had entered a magical world. Stacks and stacks of books lined against the wall across multiple levels. What more could a little girl ask for? 

Without fail, my brother and I would check out the maximum number of books possible, often astonishing the librarian. They always asked whether we could read the books we checked out before the return date. Our adventures to the library continued until middle school, when going to the library became more about school assignments and less about adventures. 

Another fond memory I have of books were summer breaks. During elementary school, ordering reading boxes was the highlight of my summer. Yes, while some kids were looking forward to pools and camps, I was looking forward to new books. I couldn’t wait to open the box and feel the crisp new books in my hands. As with many things in childhood, summer reading boxes eventually ended.

Fast forward through many, many years of schooling, assignments, and exams, and the kid who could not wait to get a hand on a new book gradually faded, and what was left was an adult who barely could imagine picking up one book, let alone multiple books and finishing them.

Some of you may relate to this story if you were a former bookworm for whom now the thought of reading a whole book feels like an impossible task. Also, reading a book now may seem daunting or even unnecessary in a world dominated by technology, social media, and other forms of entertainment.

After many years of not reading, I found my way back to the joy of reading and you can too. I will share how reading empowers your mind and how to rediscover the joy of reading.

Empower Your Mind: Evidenced- Based Benefits of reading

Research has found evidence of many benefits of reading. Here are some of their findings:

1. Mental Stimulation and Improved Brain Function:

Reading isn’t just an enjoyable pastime; it’s an exercise for your brain! Studies have shown that reading stimulates cognitive processes, enhances vocabulary, and improves memory retention. Researchers found that frequent reading activities were associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline for older adults at all levels of education in the long term. Ultimately, reading improves your brain; as memory increases, it makes you more thoughtful and intelligent.

2. Stress Reduction and Relaxation:

Escaping into the pages of a good book is an excellent way to unwind and reduce stress. Research suggests that reading can reduce stress and offer a calming effect on both the mind and body.

3. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:

Reading allows us to step into the shoes of diverse characters, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. The study by Bal and VeltKamp showed that empathy was increased by reading a fictional story over the course of one week, specifically if the person could emotionally connect to the stories being read. Empathy and emotional intelligence helps us better understand and relate to others.

4. Expand Your Knowledge:

Books are a great way to expand your knowledge. Books expose you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives, which can help to broaden your understanding of the world and enhance your personal growth. Even though we now have many outlets to obtain knowledge, reading allows for more focus and allows you to absorb information slower.

5. Improves your mental health:

Reading books also improves mood and hence well-being. One study showed that specifically reading fiction and then reflecting and discussing what was read provided the most benefits. This finding encourages you to read and find other bookworms with whom you can converse about books.

Now that we know some of the benefits that reading provides, let’s talk about how I was able to rediscover the joy of reading as an adult.

How to rediscover the joy of reading

1. Set Realistic Goals

Instead of setting an unattainable goal of saying I will read X amount of books in a certain amount of time, in the beginning, I set a smaller goal of reading for 10-15 minutes a day. You can even simplify it and say you will read five pages or less. Create a goal that works for you; it should be stress-free and attainable. It’s okay if you do not accomplish it every day; tomorrow is another day.

2. Make Time for Reading

To make reading a priority, setting aside a specific time each day to read is helpful. Look at your schedule and see where you can consistently find time to read in your day. For me, it’s right before bed but you can incorporate it into your morning routine, during your lunch break, commute, or any other time that works for you.

3. Find the type of book that works for you

Whether a physical book, audiobook, or both. In the beginning, choose what will keep you engaged. Audiobooks are a great way to start reading again and can serve as a bridge to physical books; they are convenient when you are on the go and also provide a form of active media which we are more used to in this media driven era. Eventually, it is nice to mix it up and obtain a physical book every so often so you can take a break from your devices, but in the end, as long as you start reading again, that is what matters. 

4. Find inspiration 

What inspired me to start reading more was finding the world of Booktube. Booktube is a community of YouTubers who love reading. They give recommendations and book reviews and talk about all things surrounding books. I especially enjoyed Jack Edwards’s content, but there are plenty of other BookTubers with various niches, and I am sure you can find someone that resonates with you. Watching others’ joy and love of reading motivated me to pick up books again as I sought to get that same feeling. Hopefully, Booktube can do the same for you.

5. Find a Book You Enjoy

Fiction, non-fiction, mystery, horror, fantasy, or romance, regardless of the genre, find a book you will enjoy, not one you think you should read or that everyone else has read. Reading as a kid was a personal experience, and there was no pressure to pick the “right” book. Finding a book you enjoy will make it easier to stick to your reading habit and motivate you to continue reading. Here is a list of books I have read in the past few years; hopefully, you will find one you like.

6. Join a Book Club or Reading Community

Sharing your reading experiences with others adds a social dimension to your literary adventures. Joining a book club or participating in online reading communities allows you to engage in discussions, discover new perspectives, and even make new friends who share your passion for reading. But if joining a group is not your cup of tea, then find even one other person with whom you can enjoy discussing books. I am part of a book club of two, and this works for me because there is no pressure and it is very relaxing, but I still get to discuss what I’ve read and obtain the benefits of an improved mood at the same time.

7. Get Creative

Be creative and make reading fun again. Consider creating a cozy reading nook in your home where you can retreat and immerse yourself in a good book. It does not have to be elaborate; it can be as simple as a few comfy cushions and blankets with soft lighting in the corner of a room. For example, you are reading a mystery book with a baking theme; get yourself a baked good and a cup of your favorite beverage when you next pick up the book. The options are limitless in the type of experiences you can create. Reading can once again become an adventure with a little bit of creativity.

Last Sweet Words

Hopefully, you are inspired to take the step to read your first page. It only takes starting, and in no time, the joy of reading will return. The evidence-based benefits of reading are undeniable, and with these attainable tips, you’ll soon find yourself lost in captivating stories and expanding your horizons. So, grab a book, get cozy, empower your mind, and rediscover the joy of reading.

Happy reading, fellow book lovers!

Sweet Lyfe Daily

Let us know in the Comments, What is a good book you have read lately or what is one of your favorite books