Reading may just be the answer to your problems in 2019, so give it a try!
In the new year, some make resolutions such as ‘eat healthier’ or ‘go to the gym’ and most people can agree that they do not last as long as we may like. However, this year I would like to make a suggestion: to read more. The majority of you may be students and may have not considered reading for leisure alongside the stack of reading lists you have to get through for your courses. But, it might be more useful to your development than you might think.
Some may already know that reading for pleasure is beneficial in many ways such as: a greater self-confidence; improved general knowledge; a better understanding of other cultures, and a greater insight into human nature and decision making (Clark and Rumbold, 2006). However, you may not know the hidden health benefits of reading. Research has found that reading can reduce dementia symptoms/delayed onset, reduce depressive symptoms and increase your emotional intelligence (BOP Consulting, 2015). Keeping your mind active is as important as being physically active, as research would suggest, encouraging a healthy self-esteem as well as motivating oneself to learn.
So with this in mind I would like to recommend some books I read in the last few years which will not only entertain you but enrich you. These books can be found reasonable priced on amazon, eBay and our local Oxfam Books and Music Shop, which can be found down the high street. Or you can find and request books at the University Library.
- Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe: for those who prefer shorter books and for those with an interest in black history and culture.
- The Long Song by Andrea Levy: a slave narrative for those who enjoy books about tragedy and love but can also accept the harsh reality of both. It is also a brilliant three-part series on the BBC, available on iPlayer for those who want to know what they’re getting into.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell: for those who like short classics, animals and the political history of power, corruption and dishonesty.
- The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King: a bunch of short thrillers for those who like a more intense read.
- We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: for those who are interested in the feminist debate.
So go dust off your books and get reading, you’ll soon see the results and more importantly, enjoy the new year.