Why We Read
It’s often a new years resolution for folks, “I want to read more!”
There’s versions of ourselves that we want to be true. Reading, exercising, cooking, saving money -> these are all activities that we often want to become better at - habits that we don’t even think about, they’ve simply become part of who we are.
If you’re curious about becoming “a reader”, I’m here to help.
As a self-proclaimed book-worm who devours books as if it’s her job - and because of the Learn Something New(sletter) and my coaching practice, I often consider it part of my job! As does my accountant!
The benefits of reading
The list is lengthy on the benefits of reading, but if you’re looking for a few moments that’ll make you feel good about your choices*:
It creates an opportunity for meaningful contemplation
Reduces depression symptoms
20% reduction in mortality for older adults
Enhances ability to understand differing perspectives - great for work, relationships and more!
Decreases cognitive and emotional symptoms in dementia patients
Creates better social abilities and higher empathy scores
For younger folks - helps understand human nature
Builds vocabulary
Reduces stress
Enhances sleep - unless you’re like me who generally will play “just one more chapter”!
Builds problem solving skills
Strengthens writing skills
Helps to build and maintain memory
Choose whichever one you want to use as an excuse to read a bit more!
How to develop a reading practice
I hear you, the next thing that we get caught up with is ugh, how do I develop a reading practice?! Here are a few ideas:
Pick a really fun book. We don’t have to get into War and Peace. This isn’t high school english. We can read crappy fun books, or, silly little romance novels. Reading still counts whether or not the book is critically acclaimed
Pair reading with something you already do. Generally referred to as “habit-stacking” stack reading with a habit that’s already ingrained for you. I.e. you may choose to read while you have your morning coffee, during your commute, an audiobook while you take your afternoon walk, etc. Select something that already comes easily to you, and stack reading onto it.
Make the goal smaller. Smaller than that. Most of us have an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to reading - we need to read perfectly with a cozy blanket, a lit candle, a rainstorm brewing. Eh, that’s very very hard to do, to create the perfect circumstances. So rather than reading 10 minutes every day - try out reading 1 page. Usually reading 1 page, can lead to 2… or maybe 20!
Find a buddy. It can be a book club, an online zoom hang, a friend who lives far distance and you want an excuse to catch up beyond the, “eh you okay? I’m okay” energy.
Reduce friction. As opposed to the habit-stack, I like the habit-swap. That may look like downloading the kindle app onto your phone - so that instead of opening Tik Tok, you open your latest book. Going for a drive? Rather than jamming to tunes, add your latest audiobook! Carry your book around with you - and hold it in your hands when you’re thinking about scrolling instead. Put your book on top of your pillow when you wake up. You get the gist!
Get reading now!
Want to get started? Here are my favorite books I talked about in 2025:
Happy reading!
*Sources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-art-effect/202203/the-mental-health-benefits-reading
https://www.nu.edu/blog/reading-improves-memory-concentration-and-stress/
https://www.95percentgroup.com/insights/reading-importance/?srsltid=AfmBOoq1TX7G4rhuhtW6Ii2aEgmP0DYGddlLO4QD5NiiCzfWIPBw6KK1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5105607/