Do you begin the new year usually full of resolutions or goals or plans? And then wonder why in a month or so you weren’t able to keep them all? What happened? If that’s you, let me suggest one simple step you can do this year that will actually impact every area of your life – Reading books.
When you decide to read more in a year, you not only set a doable goal, you will affect all areas of your health.
What areas of health can reading benefit?
- Physical
- Mental
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Relational
- Vocational (career, purpose)
- Recreational and
- Financial
Why?
Because there are so many genres of books, you can read one type first, then another type next, and so forth. You’ll be learning and growing in various areas simply in only a few minutes daily or weekly.
How do I make time to read?
I read a few pages in the morning as part of my quiet time. I also read in the evenings instead of watching TV. And I always take a book or my Kindle to appointments like doctors, hairdresser, etc.
If you don’t like to sit down and read, then listen to an audiobook. You can use Audible or free apps like through your local library. I like to listen to audiobooks when walking, driving and running errands, when on a trip, or when lying down and resting.
You can also place a book by the coffee pot at night so in the morning you’ll be reminded to read a few pages after pouring a cup of coffee or tea. This is called Habit Stacking (which we will talk more about more next week). But it’s one of my favorite strategies when beginning something new.
Here are several genres of books I enjoy that you might, too:
Health and Wellness and Physical Health – of course, I’d say that, right? Several in this area I read or listened to this year were Atomic Habits, The Menopause Reset, Estrogen Matters, Dirty Genes, The Body Keeps the Score, Made to Crave, Gut Health Hacks, Healing Back Pain, Spirit-filled and Sugar-free
Mental and Emotional Health – Hope Amid the Pain (for those who suffer from chronic pain or illness, this one is spiritual-based but very good with practical ideas, too), The 4:8 Principle (and it’s daily devotional), Let Them, Rushing Woman’s Syndrome, Don’t Overthink it, Soundtracks, Finish
Spiritual Health – Bible (I highly recommend reading it daily, even just a few minutes – you can even use an app like You Version), Your Scars are Beautiful to God, Enough, Holy Habits, Made to Crave, Spirit-filled and Sugar-Free, One Perfect Word, Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?
Relational Health – The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, The Gift of Empathy
Vocational (career) – Miracles Happen, Two Weeks Notice
So those are just a few of the ones I read this year. I also read some simple fiction such as clean mysteries which I like and get through the library on my Kindle. I hope you will incorporate just a few minutes each day this year to read or listen to an audiobook. Not only is it helping you learn something and hopefully apply it, but It helps to promote cognitive skills which can help decrease that rusty thinking and brain fog as you age! Win-Win!
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and help women over 40 who have digestive issues (like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux), fatigue, hormonal issues, brain fog, weight problems, and thyroid and autoimmune conditions. As a team, you and I work together as we focus on nutrition and lifestyle factors to help you decrease your symptoms, have more energy, think clearer, and fit into those favorite jeans again. You can do this! You just might need some help from someone who’s been there herself and worked with clients – helping guide, support, and encourage you each step of the way. Contact me here to set up a free strategy session to see how we can work together. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
