Okay, so as an author and lover of reading, I was looking forward to suggesting this tip. I have more than one shelf of books for myself, and I was always drawn to purchase books for my daycare. Field trips to the library were regularly scheduled on the calendar (an average of once a week). There’s something about walking into a room full of books and knowing that I could find information on almost anything I could imagine…
Small Steps #5 – Read a Book
There was a time when some people were restricted from learning to read. Information, including Bibles, was given to us but not permitted for us to examine for ourselves to see if the things we were told were true. People who could read were admired and sought after so that they could help those who couldn’t. Nowadays, the skill of reading is an expectation but not necessarily appreciated. When something becomes “common,” it’s easy to forget why we once chased after it and set it to the side. That’s not to say that we should or can do everything all of the time, but slowing down to get back to basics every so often is good for us.
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
Yes, book lovers will encourage you to read (and might even treat you to a book). However, it’s not just because we want to talk to you about the novel we’re reading (although it might be a reason). There are multiple benefits to reading:
- Your knowledge increases. Have questions about how something works? Find a book on it.
- Reading can reduce stress by up to 68%
- Improves memory
- Increases ability to empathize
- Helps you fight depression
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Can be a fun story
- And more…
Where can you find books? They’re all over the place! Physical books are preferred to avoid the light stimulation that is produced by electronic devices, but ebooks and audiobooks have their use, too.
- Physical bookstores (Check your local small business owners, too.)
- Online retailers like Amazon, Kobo, and Apple
- Physical retail stores like Target
- Libraries – Check their catalog. You may be able to find a book you like at a different branch and request to pick it up at the one near you. You can also request that they order a book you suggest.
- Conferences, workshops, schools, almost any place where teaching occurs
- Book signings and vending events
- Thrift stores
- Yard sales
- Online garage sales
Articles:
Stanborough, Rebecca Joy, MFA. Heidi Moawad, M.D., medical reviewer. “Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life.” Healthline. October 15, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#takeaway
Brown, Brendan. “14 Reasons Why Reading Is Good for Your Health.” Business Insider Australia. Dec 12, 2016. https://www.businessinsider.com/14-reasons-why-reading-is-good-for-your-health-2016-12.
Brown, Justin. “15 Incredible Benefits from Reading Every Day.” January 31, 2018. https://ideapod.com/15-incredible-benefits-reading-read-every-day/.