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Why reading is a powerful tool for self-development and self-care

Reading is a powerful tool that can greatly contribute to our growth and wellbeing. 


It is an activity that can help us learn new things, gain new perspectives, and even find inspiration that can help us achieve our goals. Reading can also provide us with a sense of relaxation and escape from our daily stressors. 





How reading impacts life:

Reading books is often considered a solitary activity, but it can have a profound impact on how we interact with the world around us. Whether it's expanding our knowledge or empathy, books have the power to change us for the better. In fact, studies have shown that reading can reduce stress, improve memory, and increase our ability to focus.

Engaging in reading as a self-development and self-care hobby offers a myriad of benefits. Books provide a gateway to diverse perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding. Whether it's self-help, fiction, or non-fiction, each genre contributes uniquely to personal growth. Self-help books offer practical insights, while fiction encourages imagination and emotional connection. Non-fiction expands knowledge on specific subjects.





Finding books enjoyable:

Discovering enjoyable books is a personalised journey that begins with understanding your preferences and exploring diverse genres. Start by reflecting on the themes, topics, or genres that genuinely captivate your interest. Consider seeking recommendations from friends, family, or online communities with similar reading tastes. Explore book reviews to find titles that resonate with your preferences. Don't be afraid to sample different genres, authors, and styles until you identify what truly engages you. Visiting local bookstores or libraries and discussing your reading preferences with knowledgeable staff can also unearth hidden gems. Ultimately, the key is to remain open-minded, curious, and willing to explore various literary landscapes to discover the books that bring you joy and fulfillment.





Takeaway messages from books:

Books possess a unique ability to leave an indelible mark on readers, offering more than just a narrative. They become vessels of wisdom, empathy, and inspiration, allowing readers to glean profound insights that resonate beyond the pages. These books often hold special takeaway messages that speak to the human experience, providing a mirror to reflect upon our own life. Memorable quotes within these books encapsulate universal truths, offering nuggets of wisdom that transcend time and resonate with readers on a personal level. These quotes serve as beacons of enlightenment, encouraging introspection and fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. The beauty of special books lies in their transformative power, as they become not just stories on a shelf but lifelong companions that accompany us, imparting lessons, comfort, and inspiration whenever we revisit their pages. To extract special moments from books, immerse yourself in the narrative, savouring the details that resonate with you emotionally or intellectually. Reflect on characters' experiences, and connect them to your own life. Underlining or jotting down meaningful passages allows you to revisit and relive those moments. Quotes, in particular, serve as poignant reminders of the wisdom, humour, or profound insights captured within the pages. There are many beautiful quotes from books that can inspire us to live our lives to the fullest. Here are some of my favourites:

  • "The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive." - John Green, Looking for Alaska
  • "It is not the length of life, but the depth." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
  • "We accept the love we think we deserve." - Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
  • "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance
  • "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
  • "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
  • "The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been, and the memories we've made along the way." - Unknown
  • "So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains." - Dr. Seuss, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"
  • "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!"

These quotes serve as a reminder that we have the power to shape our lives and our happiness. Through reading and learning, we can find the guidance and inspiration that we need to live a fulfilling life.


As you embark on your reading journey, I encourage you to actively seek out and collect meaningful quotes that resonate with you. Take a moment to reflect on passages that stir your emotions or offer valuable insights. Create a dedicated space, whether it's a journal or a digital document, to curate these quotes as a personal anthology. Share your discoveries with fellow readers, sparking conversations and discovering new perspectives. Let the wisdom within these quotes be a guiding light in your life. 




How to include reading in your self-care routine:

As someone who is passionate about mental health and self-growth, I can't stress enough how beneficial reading can be for your self-care and self-development journey. Not only does reading provide an escape from everyday life, but it can also teach us valuable lessons about ourselves and the world around us.

Finding snippets of time to read during the week is a rewarding practice that can be seamlessly integrated into a busy schedule. 

- Lunch Breaks: Dedicate a portion of your lunch hour to reading, making it a refreshing break during the workday.

- Waiting Time: Utilise moments of waiting, whether at appointments or in lines, to delve into a book and make productive use of otherwise idle time.

- Bedtime Routine: Carve out at least fifteen minutes before bedtime for reading, creating a calming ritual that promotes relaxation and better sleep.

- Commute with Audiobooks: Listen to audiobooks during your commute, transforming time spent in traffic or public transportation into an opportunity for literary exploration.

- Replace Social Media: Swap a few minutes of mindless scrolling on social media with reading, turning small pockets of downtime into valuable moments of literary engagement.

By incorporating these simple strategies, you can seamlessly integrate reading into your daily routine, making it an accessible and enjoyable part of your life.





50 Books everyone should read:

Here are 50 novels everyone should read in their lifetime- my favourites are “The Books Thief”, “Jessica” and “Little Women”, I reread these every year. 

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

2. "1984" by George Orwell

3. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

4. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

5. "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

6. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez

7. "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien

8. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

9. "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville

10. "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis

11. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

12. "The Odyssey" by Homer

13. "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky

14. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

15. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck

16. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

17. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde

18. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë

19. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

20. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams

21. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

22. "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse

23. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

24. "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy

25. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

26. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley

27. "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas

28. "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

29. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

30. "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

31. "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy

32. "Jessica" by Bryce Courtenay

33. "Walden" by Henry David Thoreau

34. "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne

35. "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

36. "The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand

37. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

38. "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank

39. "The Shining" by Stephen King

40. "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

41. "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess

42. "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

43. "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

44. "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur

45. "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker

46. "Educated" by Tara Westover

47. "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

48. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde

49. "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck

50. "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón


20 Self-Help Books everyone should read:

Here are 20 self help books everyone should read in their lifetime - my favourites are “Daring Greatly”, “You are a Badass” and “Atomic Habits”. 

1. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

2. "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie

3. "Atomic Habits" by James Clear

4. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck

5. "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle

6. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

7. "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

8. "You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero

9. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson

10. "Awaken the Giant Within" by Tony Robbins

11. "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

12. "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown

13. "The Miracle Morning" by Hal Elrod

14. "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek

15. "Deep Work" by Cal Newport

16. "The 5 Second Rule" by Mel Robbins

17. "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg

18. "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

19. "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard Cutler

20. "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman


The profound impact of reading on both self-development and self-care cannot be overstated. Through the pages of books, we embark on journeys of self-discovery, empathy, and enlightenment. The diverse array of literature, from motivational self-help to immersive fiction, offers a rich tapestry of insights and emotions. As we dedicate time to read, we open doors to new perspectives, fostering personal growth and resilience. In the realm of self-care, the therapeutic power of losing oneself in a captivating story or finding solace in the wisdom of written words cannot be underestimated. Establishing a reading routine becomes a sanctuary for the mind, providing moments of reflection and escape. So, let us embrace the transformative potential of reading, recognising it not only as a hobby but as an indispensable tool for nurturing both our minds and souls in the pursuit of a fulfilling and balanced life.

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