10 reasons to sit with a good book

Celebrate Book Lover’s Day with 10 reasons to sit with a good book. 

This year it falls on the 9 August; a day dedicated to all bookworms, young and old – basically anyone who enjoys losing themselves for hours on end in the pages of a great book. We may live in a digital age, but that doesn’t mean that love of books is going anywhere. In fact, with popular shows on TV like Game of Thrones and acclaimed films like Gone Girl based on books, more and more people are turning to literature for their fair share of entertainment.

Here are 10 reasons why there’s nothing better than sitting down with a good book.

1. Nostalgia

Many of us grew up reading, but somewhere along the way our love of storytelling started to fade. There’s no time like the present to take up a hobby, especially one that used to be second nature to you.

2. Peace of mind

Reading is a very calming activity. Fetch a hot mug of tea, sit down, make yourself comfortable and don’t rush. Take the time you need to read every word and you’ll slowly notice any tension in your body ease up.

3. Distract yourself

Stressed out at work? Having trouble in a relationship? Cast all of your worries aside. Reading a book is a fantastic way to delve into someone else’s story so that you don’t have to focus on your own.

4. Switch off

Shut down your computer, turn off your phone and ignore the hundreds of emails that pester you every day. What better excuse is there to avoid technology than to give your sole attention to a physical book instead?

5. Escape

You may be sitting in your lounge at home, but where are you really? Trekking across the Australian outback? Reciting Shakespeare at The Globe during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I? As author Jhumpa Lahiri wrote: ‘That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.’

6. Learn something new

Reading a book is an amazing opportunity to learn about something entirely new. You may have always been fascinated by the Russian Revolution but know absolutely nothing about it, so now’s your chance! Pick up a book and explore beyond your wildest imagination.

7. Look forward to it

When you’re reading a good book, it’s like watching your favourite TV series, except you don’t have to wait every week for the next episode. Sometimes when you’re really invested in a story, all you can think about is hurrying home at the end of the day to find out what happens next.

8. Share the love

There’s nothing better than sitting down with a good book, but on top of that, it feels so amazing to then be able to share your excitement with other readers. Discuss the plot with your friends, rave about it on social media or take note from Emma Watson and start your own book club!

9. Reflect

Sometimes when you finish an excellent book, you feel at a complete loss on what to do next. Reflect on the story and replay it in your head as many times as you’d like. Perhaps you can go deeper, thinking about the themes of the book and figuring out how they can apply to your real life. You may discover that you have a new outlook on life that you didn’t before.

10. Enjoy

Above all else, enjoy the book. This is your time to relax and turn a blind on eye on anything that’s annoying you in your life right now. Take pleasure in reading, let go and let it give you the mood boost that you need. Happy Book Lover’s Day!