Of all the things 2020 prevented us from doing, reading is not one of them! Yes, sis. We can complain about bae-cations getting cancelled, business plans put on hold and major projects suffering setbacks. But we can’t really say that we couldn’t read in 2020. This is not a sub o, lol. Naturally there are exceptions. it has been a tough year and there are many who are struggling to focus on even mundane tasks. If this is you, please just chill. Surviving 2020 alone is a great feat.
Anyway back to my sub. *coughs. I used to wish I had more time to read, but being an adult comes with many demands. This means that reading has to be very intentional, the year is almost gone but you can still get a good book, or two, in. To start off, let’s remember all the amazing benefits of reading.
Good ‘ol Brain Juice
Reading actually expands your brain capacity and memory. It basically stretches your brain muscles. For the most part, you can always tell when someone is well-read. It shows through their discussions and thought patterns. They come across as exposed, similar to a person that is well-traveled and worldly.
Good for Mental Health
Reading is good for your mental health. It can boost your mood and has been known to alleviate symptoms of depression. Reading is a form of escapism and this abates the feeling of loneliness that causes depression sometimes. It takes the focus of your own life and its challenges at that moment.
Reduces Stress
It reduces stress and helps you fall asleep/sleep better. It’s a great way to wind down after a long day. Being an avid reader myself, I’ve learned to become a better reader by allowing the book still my mind. I’m easily distracted and my mind tends to wander off to other things I need to do while reading. This began to happen as I grew older and took on more responsibilities. I find that when I allow myself to be taken in by the book, it stills my mind and I learn and absorb more from it.
So if you’re not already a dedicated reader of books, this is one journey you should start. No matter how busy you are I recommend you make the time. 🙂 It’s worth it.