5 Ways to Read More Books

Hello ..

One of my favourite pastimes is to read. I enjoy reading. It is the window to the world. I learn about cultures, people, history, places, art, beauty etc etc which I may never be able to reach just by travelling.

For me reading also contributes to the improvement of my mental capacity. Reading a good book is s like nourishing the brain with fresh water. It enhances memory, creativity, concentration, and focus -- all essential skills for success.



But how does one get into the habit of reading consistently and pro-actively and reading more. Here are 5 ways I find helpful.

1. Desire to Read
The desire to read is the biggest thing that will get you to actually do it, and that desire is dependent upon there being a book that you want to inhale. Keep a list of great books your friends or family recommend - either on paper, or online - so that you always have a good book on hand that you'd like to borrow or buy.

2. Set Aside Time
The best way to read more is to make the time to do so. If you can't set aside 30 minutes a day like my (retired) wife can, try setting aside 10 minutes during your commute. Something is always better than nothing.

3. Have a Goal
Read 20 pages a day. Or start small - 10 pages a day. With that you can accomplish 300 pages a month which is about a book. And guess what, by year end, you would have read 10 books. The key is consistency and take small steps. Think about the benefits - imagine how much wiser and learned you will be after reading 10 books.

4. Read Anywhere
The easiest time to read is the time we have some spare time - like waiting in a queue, commuting by public transport to work, or before you nod off. Although you may not be able to get a ton of reading in, every time you spent reading adds up eventually.

5. Read What Interests You
If you like novels, read novels. If you like non-fiction, read non-fiction. Enjoy you reading - that's the most important. If you read several pages of a book and you do not find it interesting, dump it. Start with another book. Look for a title that interests you.



Happy reading and enjoy the richness!

Improve the Brain

Here is a list of ways to improve your brain in all areas - memory, creativity, attention, and reasoning. They are taken from the book " Drop Dead Healthy " by A. J. Jacobs

According to research, your brain is like a muscle, you can build its strength. You can keep it from withering with age. You can upgrade your brain ! The key is to keep your brain active and challenged.

Mind-expanding activities:

1) Do crossword puzzles.

2) Play logic games

3) Do the math. This will result in more neurons and neural connections, which are characteristics of a healthy brain.

4) Memorise poems. Memorising passages help children especially in the ability to speak fluently.

5) Become belligerent. One of the best ways to keep the brain sharp is to argue.

6) Try new things. Do things differently. Therefore eliminate rote, repetitive activities.

Several studies argue that charity is good for your health.  One MRI study shows that giving to charity lights up the pleasure centers of the brain. It's called 'helper's high'. A John Hopkins study concluded that volunteering slows mental and physical aging. You're more engaged, more challenged physically and cognitively.


Books tor read for improving your brain:

1) Train Your Brain - Dr Ryuta Kawashima

2) The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge

3) Intelligence and How To Get It - Richard Nisbett

My Reading - The Iron Lady

Saw the movie, now reading this superbly researched book. - From Grocer's Daughter to Prime Minister.

3 key things she learnt from her father, a devout methodist - the habit of hard work, tireless community activity & a powerful moral sense. This rare moral sense was her greatest political strength in the muddy world of politics.