What happened when I read a book a week for 3 months

I started a yearlong ‘a book a week’ personal challenge 3 months ago and thought it is a good time to look back and assess the impact of this challenge on my life. I have resolved to stick to non-fiction books and have started off with Naval Ravikant’s recommendations from the ‘Almanack of Naval Ravikant’.

I was deeply affected by ‘The Almanack of Naval Ravikant’. Naval’s ideas resonated with me. He is a voracious reader and has read thousands of books. Out of those thousands, he has recommended his favorites, so I decided to read them first.

So, what happened when I read a book a week for 3 months –

Came across fresh new ideas

Some of the books I have read so far had been on my ‘To-be-read’ list for long but there were a few that I would have never picked up on my own. All of these books have been fascinating reads and have introduced me to new ideas and have broadened my thought landscape, so I am glad I picked Naval’s recommended list rather than making my own selection.

Less Netflix, more pondering

Being a working mom of young kids during a raging pandemic, I thought I did not have time to read a book a week. But then I realized, if I had time to watch TV or scroll through my phone, I had time to read. I just wasn’t making reading a priority, so that’s what I did.

Rather than reaching for my remote or phone, I started keeping my kindle within an arm’s reach at all times. I am happy to report I have spent very little time on Netflix in the last 3 months and I am not complaining! Rather than scrolling through my social media feed, I am spending time thinking about what I am reading. Talk about win-win!

Less Anxiety, more relaxed state of mind

Reading, to me has always been relaxing and since I am reading a lot every day, I have found I am less stressed than usual. This was an unexpected bonus of this challenge. I did not see it coming.

Better sleep

When I read before bed, I have found I sleep better. Reading has been known to decrease stress and help you sleep better. When you are engrossed in a good book, your body reaches a meditative trance, and we all know what that does to our bodies and mind.

Needless to say, I am glad I started this challenge and plan to keep it going. Also hoping, I am able to inspire at least one of you to reach for a book rather than your remote.