I’ve always enjoyed reading and over the past year or so I’ve really made the effort to broaden my literary categories, in the aim to learn more and develop myself both personally and professionally. (This post contains some affiliate links but all books have been purchased full price by myself and I thank you for your support).
Reading is a way to relax and unwind, to get away from current day-to-day life, but it is also a way to learn things, and now research is proving that reading actually changes the way your brain works too! Regular and varied reading appears to rewire the brain by developing both more neural pathways, and stronger pathways too. This occurs with a level of deep reading where we read for extended periods of time and it develops our ability to focus and grasp complex ideas, to imagine alternatives and negotiate complex problems (Harvard Business Review Feb 2021).
Here is how I have categorised my reading list and some of the titles I’ve been working through over the past few months:
Fiction:
Apart from education, fiction has always been my go-to genre, with a book almost always on the go. Currently I am reading Behind Her Eyes, which has also been made into a Netflix series. Although I’m only half way through I can’t wait to watch the series after finishing the book! I’ve also recently finished Mothers, and Blood Orange. I’d recommend both for a thrilling non-stop page turner! Here are last year’s Summer reads if you’re after more recommendations!
Self-development:
Self-care books have never been my thing, but I am finding if you choose the right book it can be really good at the right time. Good Vibes Good Life was a great read full of simple thoughts to enhance your life, but I feel I almost need to re-read it and take notes as there is so much packed in to it. Next on my list is Atomic Habits and The Happiness Advantage.
Mixture of professional & personal:
Over the past few months I have been completing my Therapeutic Yoga training and have really gotten involved in exploring the theory behind yoga, mindfulness, and a bit more about why we do what we do, and how we can have a better outlook in life. The Yamas and Niyamas is a foundation text for my studies here, and I’ve also just purchased Period Power. This is to increase my understanding on how our menstrual cycle effect our mind and body, and how we could tailor our workouts and general day direction to reflect this more compassionately and productively.
Career-focused:
Every week I check in to two subscriptions I have for career-based information to stay at the forefront of emerging evidence and the latest research. These are the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM) and The Strength & Conditioning Journal. This aids my clinical work as a physio but also my literary work as I freelance for a sports medicine publication.
For Inspiration & outlook:
I’ve never subscribed to or regularly read any magazines, however I was recently guided to the Harvard Business Review and Inc Magazine. both are directed towards growing your business and also comment on general modern day topics that may be inspirational or educational. I’m hoping to continue their reads weekly and see what great light-bulb moments I may come up with!
I’d love to know what you read and if you have a why for your reading!
