Discovering the Power of Books

Day 20 of my 30 days of Hygge challenge was unplugging from technology and delving into a book. Today, we are discovering the power of books for our mental health.

I’m a big reader but remember a time in my life where I struggled with reading. I was a late bloomer to books and hated reading out loud in class. However, when I was a teen I discovered that I enjoyed shutting the drama-filled world off and getting lost in a book. The world in those books was relaxing. I could forget the drama going on in my real life. The bullying was forgotten while I entered the world in that book.

As an adult, I use books in a similar way. I was asked at the beginning of the year about my reading list for 2019 and I shared the list of life-changing books that I’m hoping to read this year. That article included personal development books that I’ve heard great things about.

I read more than just personal development books though. There are many authors of fictional books that I enjoy. Many of the authors I discover by downloading a book that is on sale on Amazon. If it is a part of a series and I enjoy the book, I’ll purchase the next few. That is if I get so attached to the characters that I need to find out how their story ends.

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When discovering the power of books, one must disconnect from technology for a time. I’m a big fan of the Kindle but not necessarily the kindle app. I find that when I read, I need to put other forms of technology aside to give my brain time to slow down and focus on the book I’m reading. With the Kindle e-book, I have the books only and no other distractions.

When you are able to not multitask and just spend those moments reading, you are allowing yourself to calm the brain and body. It works so well that you are in close to a meditative state. This is why reading is the #1 stress-busting hack according to a scientific study.

Reading without technology in the background is also a form of rest. Saundra Dalton-Smith describes many types of rest that we may need to re-energize ourselves and restore our sanity. One of the rest types is silence. My workplace has constant noise, so part of my routine is to limit the noise around me after work and before work. Even on days off, I’ll sit in a quiet house without any music or television in the background.

When you are able to read in a quiet environment and just focus on the story unfolding, your imagination is expanded and you are taken to another world. It may be fictional or it may describe a part of the world you have never seen personally. Either way, this process is calming you and will increase your chance for a better night’s rest.

My challenge to you today is to spend some time reading before bed, cuddled in your Hyggekrog, or relaxing outside on your patio. Take the time for some self-care it is very Hygge and really great for your mental health. There is one consistent regret among moms and that is not taking time to take care of themselves. We need to do it, so we can be better moms to our kids and a better wife for our spouse.

I’m always looking for new book ideas. Who is your favorite author? What book would you recommend?