I don’t know about y’all, but I used to read all the time when I was younger. I might be telling my age a bit here, but I remember in the early 2000s, there was a competition in elementary school where if you read a certain number of books, you’d get a medal and a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. Let me tell you, I would read every single day, and it wasn’t even for the pizza – that was a bonus – I just genuinely loved to read books.
My love for books followed me into my pre-teen years, when all I wanted to do was read a book written by Sarah Dessen. She always came through with the books about adolescent love and drama (those were the days, right?). But, something happened along the way, and I just stopped reading. If it wasn’t a book that I had to read for school like The Great Gatsby or I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, I wasn’t going to read. It wasn’t until recently that I had the strong urge to read the Harry Potter series, and I bought it from Target and dove right in. I had no idea how much it would help me to read right before bed, so I’m here to school you because what kind of blogger would I be if I didn’t fill you in?
1. It’s an easy way to unwind and relax.
After a long and stressful day at work, there’s nothing like crawling into bed with a good book and just letting your mind wander off while you read. It’s something about it that is just so relaxing; it’s like your mind and body are taking all of the tension and stress you’ve built up throughout the day and releasing it. Reading before bed is such a great way to rest your body while you allow your mind to imagine. Whether you’re reading fiction, non-fiction, or mystery, your body will thank you for taking a small portion of your day to just decompress.
Ooo, and if you add a cup of tea or hot cocoa, I’m sure it’ll make it even more relaxing. Who wouldn’t want to end the day like that?
2. It helps you go to sleep faster.
Nighttime was always so difficult for me because I would always have such a hard time falling asleep. I’d lay awake in bed for 20, sometimes even 30 minutes before I’d eventually fall asleep. It was torture every single night, especially when I’d look over, and Marlon would fall asleep within two minutes. I feel like I tried everything to help me fall asleep faster, and none of it worked… until I started reading at least one chapter every night before bed. Now, I fall asleep within five minutes — no joke.
Let me tell you my routine. I usually play video games after work or watch a TV show until I know it’s time to start winding down. I’ll get in the shower, do the usual nighttime stuff, and get in bed to read. I’ll read until I get sleepy, put the book away, and go right to sleep. It’s like magic, and it’s so simple and works every single time.
3. It helps you “unplug” before bed.
If you don’t know, unplugging means disconnecting yourself from technology — cellphones, televisions, computers, and anything else that’s electronic and has a screen. Yes, this also includes your Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, I have a Kindle too, and it’s very convenient to have any and every book at your fingertips that you can quickly purchase with the click of a button. However, there’s just something about holding a physical book in your hands. It’s just so nostalgic!
Anyway, let’s get back on track. There’s so much research out there about how unplugging before bed has so many benefits, reading a physical book helps you do just that. When you turn the TV off, put your phone on the charger and forget about it, and just get lost in your book, you’ll feel so much better mentally and physically.
Final Thoughts
Are those enough to make you want to try reading before bed? I sure hope so! If you used to love reading back in the day, it’s time to tap back into your younger years and rediscover your love for a good book. If you’ve never liked reading, well, I challenge you to find a book that you think you may be interested in and try it!
If you’re reading this and you currently do not read before bed, I implore you to go to Target, Barnes and Noble, the library, or your local bookstore and get a book! When you go, don’t just briefly look for a minute. No, really browse through your options and choose a book that makes you excited to read. Get one of those books that’s almost too good to put down. Those are the best!
If you try this, please let me know which book you chose and how it’s working out for you. I’d love to hear from you and get some good book recommendations too!
“I never feel lonely if I’ve got a book — they’re like old friends. Even if you’re not reading them over and over again, you know they are there. And they’re part of your history. They sort of tell a story about your journey through life.”
– Emilia Fox
