Happiness and productivity do go hand in hand. We all knew that reading regularly has its benefits, right? But researchers at the University of Sussex found that 6 minutes of reading had the capacity to reduce your stress levels by 68%. Another survey of 2013 by the book trust stated that ‘People who read books regularly are on average more satisfied with life, happier, and more likely to feel the things they do in life are worthwhile.’ Isn’t that one of the wonderful life hacks?
It’s another very popular way of practicing the Danish art of Hygge! Your favorite book or genre, your favourite scent, and your favorite hot drink! The ultimate art of hygge. It pleases your sense of sight and helps you be happy.
But how do you inculcate the habit of daily reading? These pointers might help –
They say, read what you love till you love reading!
This advice makes a lot of sense. Every person has a favorite genre of content they don’t mind reading every day. It can be fantasy or fiction, non-fiction or real-time stories. Identify what you like to read and start there. Make a list of the books written by your favourite authors, favourite genres, and fix the timing. Allocate those 6 mins, 15 mins or even 1 hour only to reading. No distractions, no other work. Slowly you will see your interest level increasing! Hello Hygge!
Jhumpa Lahiri
Set a goal
If you’re reading what you really like, it’s most likely that you will read everything about the topic, but to discipline yourself some more set a monthly goal. This month, I will finish 100 pages. This month I will finish 2 books written by this author, or this month my aim is to know everything there is about Michelle Obama. These goals should be in front of you all the time and you should treat yourself after you achieve them!
Never be without a book
Carry a kindle around or carry your book when you’re outside. That way you can find tiny pockets of time to read, while you’re traveling, waiting for somebody, or even when you want to avoid certain people! For Introverts, it can become a life hack.
Have a reading partner
It’s amazing to discuss what you just read, come up with your opinions and build on the story. If you want to read with a purpose, have a reading partner. It really works! Another effective way, read out loud. Keep some time every day where you are reading a chapter, read out loud. It can be a great bonding exercise!
Read small books
If you’re just into the habit of reading books, books big in size can be intimidating. Start with a small, looking book. Finish it and add it to your READ book pile. Pick up books that won’t be too scary. Reading fatigue is a real thing and you don’t want to give up reading just because of the size of the book.
Till the time you’re confident that you actually enjoy reading, stick with small books with great content.
Keep It Hygge is a platform for spreading happiness with the help of Hygge. We borrow the principles of A Danish lifestyle – Hygge is the Danish way of enjoying life’s simple pleasures and leading a contented life. It helps us be happy on an everyday basis. Being happy is about finding joy in smaller things in life and being grateful for things we have. You will be surprised to know how little it takes for us to be happy. Hygge helps us find and preserve this feeling of happiness. It tells us how we can find happiness by keeping our senses happy. And we’re here to take you on that journey.