Do you find yourself rushing through your morning routine, barely having time to grab a cup of coffee before heading out the door? Do you want to get back into reading but find that you don’t have any time to? Adding reading to your morning routine can have numerous benefits that extend beyond just contributing to your reading goal.

Improved Mental Stimulation

Reading is one of the best ways to keep your mind sharp. Reading a book exercises your brain—so this can be a morning workout, right? It’s been said that reading improves your analytical skills; when you read more, your brain starts to ask questions about the world, gain different perspectives, and make connections between different plot points and stories. Start your day with even just a few pages of a book—this can help you feel more mentally stimulated and ready to tackle the day ahead. Additionally, reading has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function over time. You’re setting your brain up for success. 

It’s Entertaining 

I mean, this is a given, right? Reading has always been a form of self-care for me. I choose the (mainly fiction) books I read because they entertain me and allow me to escape into another world or reality. I want to dive into another character’s mind and experience their thoughts and emotions. Watching Gilmore Girls re-runs allows me to escape into Stars Hollow; reading my favorite romance book allows me to dive into a romantic comedy starring two people destined to fall in love with each other. 

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Many of us start our days feeling anxious or stressed about the tasks ahead. However, take a few minutes to read to help reduce these feelings. Reading can help calm your mind and reduce stress levels. By starting your day with a peaceful activity like reading, you may find yourself feeling more centered and focused throughout the day. 

Increased Empathy and Understanding

Reading can also help increase empathy and understanding of other people's experiences. When we read, we are exposed to different perspectives and ideas that we may not have encountered otherwise. This can help us become more open-minded and understanding of others, which is a valuable trait in both our personal and professional lives. 

Adding reading to your morning routine can have many benefits for your mental health, cognitive function, and overall worldview. By taking just a few minutes each morning to read a book, you can start your day off on a positive note and set yourself up for success. So why not give it a try and see how it impacts your daily routine?