Reading has so many benefits for mental health. You can reduce your stress levels by reading for just a few minutes every day. Not to mention, reading expands your vocabulary an strengthens connections in the brain. Often, people who read a lot as kids and teenagers tend to fall off the wagon when they get into adulthood. 

Heather Jackson is a project manager, veteran, passionate volunteer, and avid reader. She loves reading everything from non-fiction and biographies to science fiction and adventure. Today, Heather Jackson shares her tips for getting back into reading. 

  • Replace scrolling time with reading time. Do you notice that you spend way too much time scrolling endlessly through your phone? Being on your phone before bed is especially bad for you because the blue light from the screen can mess with your sleep cycle. Reading before bed however, can actually help you relax and fall asleep. 
  • Read young adult novels. Just because you have to pay taxes now doesn’t mean you have to grow out of your old reading habits. Think about the last time you were really excited to read a book. Chances are, you were younger and reading young adult novels like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. If that’s not for you anymore, this is a great time to experiment with different genres. 
  • Audio books are a great resource if you can’t commit to reading a physical book all the time. Put on an audio book while doing chores or driving on your morning commute. 
  • Find a book club. This can be either locally or online. This is especially helpful if you cant decide what to read, and need a level of accountability. The best part of this is that you have people to discuss the book and socialise with!