Books hold valuable knowledge. Reading enhances our focus and memory, supports stress reduction, and improves our mental health. When we read, we embark on an adventure - as we digest the words on the page, our imagination goes on a journey, creating images and developing our own interpretation of what we are taking in. Samuel Johnson says, “a writer begins a book, a reader finishes it”.
Fiction vs non-fiction
Fictional books are always delicious, but non-fictional books hold great value, especially in today’s world. We find ourselves living in what can often feel busy and overwhelming. It is not unusual to feel overstimulated by social spaces and the extended access we have through technology. Multi-tasking seems to have become a norm. Unfortunately we can often miss the finer details of the incredible things around us, and somewhat become distracted during activities.
Concentration and focus
Reading requires us to focus. Taking the time to read on a daily basis develops our concentration, analytical skills, memory, and focus. This practice allows us to take these skills into the rest of our day, which makes it easier to become present and productive during activities and interactions.
Communication skills and vocabulary
Reading non-fiction expands our vocabulary, which allows us to develop stronger communication skills and advance our ability to communicate across various contexts and settings.
Growth and learning
Non-fiction brings us to a mindful space of learning, not just about what we are reading, but also about ourselves, and others, and how we respond to information. There are so many incredibly informative non-fictional books available which educate us on various topics such as history, science, psychology, lifestyle, and relationships. This type of reading allows us to become enriched with knowledge, and thus empowers us to approach the world - and others - in a more open-minded and educated manner. The more we read, the more we discover. As we read, we learn. We gain knowledge and discover different perspectives, which enrich our understanding, thoughts and actions.
Brain food
Reading literally changes the brain. Complex network and signals in the brain are activated when we read, and the more we read, the stronger these become. It is not only the emotional and creative parts of the brain which are stimulated through reading. Brain connectivity in the somatosensory cortex of the brain is also stimulated - the part of the brain which responds to physical sensations such as movement and pain. When we read the mind is stimulated and engaged, assisting with cognitive functioning. This keeps parts of the brain active that can deteriorate with age, leading to alzheimers and dementia.
Empathy
Through reading we develop empathy. Non-fictional stories share relatable, real-life experiences which help us develop an open-minded understanding about other’s feelings and beliefs. As we develop this “theory of mind” we learn skills that are essential for building, navigating and maintaining healthy, boundaried, respectful and kind relationships, with ourselves and others.
Relax and re-boot
Reading is calming - it is an activity that lowers our blood pressure, and heart rate; similar to that of yoga and meditation. Taking a moment on our own, reading even just a few pages of a book, allows us to detach from the busyness of life, and take a moment to recharge. Reading a printed book before bed has been found to assist with sleep regulation and rest. It is recommended that we do not read off of a kindle or device before bed, as these lights impair our ability to fall asleep.
Mental health and reading are aligned. When we feel low, depressed or isolated, reading a book can enhance our mood. Although fiction may assist with escaping our reality for a moment, as we go on a journey with our imagination and the characters; non-fiction supports our well-being and enhances positive thinking. Through other people’s narratives we can become empowered, and inspired, realising we are not alone, and learning strategies to assist us in living a happier and more joyful life.
What to read
There are so many options - with advanced technology we are able to access books, blogs, journals, and more. This allows us to explore when we have just a few minutes during our day - whether we read a short blog, sit down for an hour with a cup of tea and read a chapter of a printed book, or read an article on social media between meetings.
Non-fiction is an incredible way to find out more and learn about things we are interested in. There are various books that offer advice regarding different topics, written by those who have already experienced such events. Non-fiction also allows us to develop a more open-minded and informed approach to the world, social constructs, ourselves, and others. This gives us the opportunity to engages with belief systems, scientific approaches and findings, and learn about techniques that have added value to the world. Non-fiction also include biographies, which allow us to explore other people’s life journeys, the challenges they have faced, and how they made it through. This not only inspires us, but teaches us valuable life lessons as well.
So, as much as we may love to binge on series and documentaries, it is also important to take the time to indulge in some reading. When you have a gap in your day, rather than scanning through social media, perhaps spend fifteen minutes reading some non-fiction. This can be on your commute to work, when waiting for a meeting, or even when you wake up in the morning. Reading is not only enjoyable, but also helps us to have a more focused mindset, which we can then take into the rest of our day.
So, take your mind on a journey, and allow yourself to be inspired. Make reading a habit - commit to reading ten pages of non-fiction every day. In nine short weeks you can read over 300 pages, which is approximately two books!
A few non-fiction recommendations:
· Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
· Sapiens - A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
· Atomic Habits by James Clear
· The Dairy of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
· The Kindness Method by Shahroo Izadi
· A Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
· Freakanomics by Steven Levitt