Reading time for the brain: how to make reading a habit

Reading is not only an entertaining leisure activity, but it also has many positive effects on our brain. Studies have shown that regular reading improves memory, promotes concentration and reduces stress. But how does reading actually change our brain and how can we build a reading routine that becomes a positive habit?

First of all, reading promotes neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and build new connections between neurons. Reading opens up new neural pathways, which leads to an improvement in cognitive abilities. Reading can also help our brains stay active and mentally fit for longer.

To build a reading routine, it is important that you find books that interest you. These can be novels, non-fiction or even comics – the genre doesn't matter! The important thing is to read what you enjoy. Also, find a suitable place and time to read, for example before bed or during your lunch break.

To keep up your reading routine, it is helpful to set yourself small goals, for example, to read a certain number of pages per day or week, or to always be able to finish a chapter. This way it becomes a long-lasting habit or maybe almost a new hobby?

Coming up with some kind of reward system to increase motivation can also be useful. For example, you could keep a calendar in which you put a tick every day when you have read. Or you could give yourself small rewards when you reach a certain "reading goal".

Overall, there are many ways you can integrate reading into your daily life and make it a positive habit. By finding books that interest you, finding a time and place to read, and setting small goals, you can take advantage of the many positive effects reading has on your brain and overall mental health.