For New Years Eve back in 2021, going into 2022, I made a new years resolution to start reading more books. Having studied for so long, both the will and time had come back, now that I no longer needed to dive into theoretical texts about management strategies, statistical equations, or other subject matters that were absolutely important, but do not make very fun reading material.

Since my resolution, I have read 22 books. Here is a list of them (I have put a star next to the best ones):

• Thursday Murder Club | Richard Osman ★
• Thursday Murder Club – The Man Who Died Twice | Richard Osman
• Thursday Murder Club – The Bullet That Missed | Richard Osman
• Mindhunter | John Douglas & Mark Olshaker
• Journey Into Darkness | John Douglas & Mark Olshaker
• Billy Summers | Stephen King ★
• Mr. Mercedes | Stephen King
• Harlem Shuffle | Colson Whitehead ★
• The Nickel Boys | Colson Whitehead
• The Colossus of New York | Colson Whitehead
• The Parade | Dave Eggers
• Tänk om…2 | Randall Munroe
• De Sex Misstänkta | Vikas Swarup
• Johnny the Fucker | Magnus Uggla ★
• Alfred Nobel – Den Olycklige Uppfinnaren | Bengt Fredrikson
• The Catcher in the Rye | J.D Salinger
• Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing | Matthew Perry
• Att Bygga Ett Lag | Janne Andersson
• Templet i Öknen | Olof Lundh
• Moneyland | Oliver Bullough
• Gump & Co. | Winston Groom ★
• A Heart Full of Headstones | Ian Rankin ★

Having started to read more, I have noticed some positive effects. This is what I feel has been improved in the last year or so:

My Brain Feels Boosted

Reading regularly has boosted my brain power! Apparently, research says that reading helps to stimulate the brain and improve concentration and memory. When we read, we engage our minds in a way that is different from other activities, such as watching TV or browsing the internet. This mental exercise improves the overall cognitive function and helps us remember new information more effectively.

I Am Less Stressed

Not that I felt stressed very often before, but I can definitely tell that there is a difference. I have noticed that nowadays I stay more calm in situations I know I previously would have reacted in a more stressed maner. The process of actually taking the time to sit down and dedicate an hour or two to transport myself into another world has been incredibly therapeutic.

I Am Better at My Job

Currently working as a Content Specialist, reading has been a great way to improve my vocabulary and language skills, especially since I try to read most of my books in English. By reading, I expose myself to new words and phrases that I may not have come across otherwise, plus I am subconsciously improving my grammar skills!

I Sleep Better

Before I sometimes had trouble sleeping. However, reading before bed has really improved the quality of my sleep. When reading, I become relaxed, which helps me fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly. I even fall asleep much easily when I’m not reading before bed now! Usually one chapter I enough for me to barely be able to put down the book before I dose off.

Conclusion

Reading is one of the most enriching and rewarding activities one can engage in. It has been proven time and time again that reading is incredibly beneficial for mental and emotional health. Plus, if you have a good book to read, it is freaking exciting to just dive into the story!