Readers live an average of two years longer than non-readers, a 2016 Yale study suggested. The research found that, among a cohort of people aged over 50, those who read for up to 3.5 hours per week were 17% less likely to die than those who didn't read
"Reading books involves two cognitive processes that could confer a survival advantage: the slow, deep immersion needed to connect to content; and promotion of empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence," professor Becca Levy told Yale Alumni Magazine.
Sauce! AKA Awesome sauce. Am I showing my age? 🤣. Glad to hear about The Bee Sting as I bought it but forgot about it. Now I will read it.
Can I ask, when you (or anyone) sit down to read, how long or how much do you read? I feel like I rarely get 15 or 20 minutes a day, which takes me forever to get through a book. And are you only reading one thing at a time? I have novels, cookbooks, books on Buddhism (every aspect 🤣), financial books, other self help things. So I feel like I am not making a dent in any of it!!!
Retired library assistant here! For myself, I prefer not to be too overwhelmed or under pressure to read so I generally limit myself to one non-fiction and one fiction on the go at any time. (Gentle cookbook reading works last thing at night rather than a heart-pounding, page turner ...!) Most of my reading is still from the library so I always maintain a huge list of books on hold which means something is always pending. And I love that! (If I get too many at once, I "freeze" the hold or send it back.) As for how long I read, I am kind to myself about that too - however long I wish, is the happy answer.
I use the library in my area for my audiobooks. I love the concept of “freezing” them! My books that are on hold makes me think of being patient and anticipating them. Good thoughts, retired library assistant!!
Not sure if you are into audiobooks. I have been mostly into audiobooks for the last 15ish years and still sit and read a book as well. Audiobooks are not for everyone, but for me I can enjoy a book while gardening, cooking, doing chores, etc. Adore actual books, but I found I usually read a book one time, then it sits on a bookshelf.
2024 was an exceptionally good year for new-to-me books for me too. Some were published this year, like Miranda July’s All Fours (will someone teach me how to underline/italicize on Substack?). And then there was Dan’s book 10% Happier, which led me to this lovely community!
I’m a lawyer and I read all day at work. But somehow I never lost my habit of reading for pleasure on my own time. Making time for reading is a mix of dedication and sheer good luck. It’s a non-negotiable for my mental health and happiness.
This list makes me woefully aware of how much my attention span has been ruined by social media. I can barely read a whole book anymore, but have plenty all over the apartment that are about 20 pages in. 😅
But The Bell Jar is one of my favorite books. Written by my fellow Smith alum to boot. ❤️
I typically have 2 or 3 books on the go. If I'm reading fiction, which is rare these days, I like to keep my sessions frequent, although not necessarily long. Books on personal growth or spiritualism, I really take my time with, making notes and trying to implement practices.
Readers live an average of two years longer than non-readers, a 2016 Yale study suggested. The research found that, among a cohort of people aged over 50, those who read for up to 3.5 hours per week were 17% less likely to die than those who didn't read
"Reading books involves two cognitive processes that could confer a survival advantage: the slow, deep immersion needed to connect to content; and promotion of empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence," professor Becca Levy told Yale Alumni Magazine.
Can you make a Spotify playlist of those artists and post a link? That would be cool. 😎
Sauce! AKA Awesome sauce. Am I showing my age? 🤣. Glad to hear about The Bee Sting as I bought it but forgot about it. Now I will read it.
Can I ask, when you (or anyone) sit down to read, how long or how much do you read? I feel like I rarely get 15 or 20 minutes a day, which takes me forever to get through a book. And are you only reading one thing at a time? I have novels, cookbooks, books on Buddhism (every aspect 🤣), financial books, other self help things. So I feel like I am not making a dent in any of it!!!
Retired library assistant here! For myself, I prefer not to be too overwhelmed or under pressure to read so I generally limit myself to one non-fiction and one fiction on the go at any time. (Gentle cookbook reading works last thing at night rather than a heart-pounding, page turner ...!) Most of my reading is still from the library so I always maintain a huge list of books on hold which means something is always pending. And I love that! (If I get too many at once, I "freeze" the hold or send it back.) As for how long I read, I am kind to myself about that too - however long I wish, is the happy answer.
Happy New Year to you!
I use the library in my area for my audiobooks. I love the concept of “freezing” them! My books that are on hold makes me think of being patient and anticipating them. Good thoughts, retired library assistant!!
Hi Laura,
Not sure if you are into audiobooks. I have been mostly into audiobooks for the last 15ish years and still sit and read a book as well. Audiobooks are not for everyone, but for me I can enjoy a book while gardening, cooking, doing chores, etc. Adore actual books, but I found I usually read a book one time, then it sits on a bookshelf.
I have had others say similar things but I always think it's not me. Maybe I will try in 25!
I do most of my reading in bed at night. It helps me fall asleep. So I’m only doing 15 to 20 minutes a day. Which is why my list of books is so short!
Hey totally understand. Best wishes!
2024 was an exceptionally good year for new-to-me books for me too. Some were published this year, like Miranda July’s All Fours (will someone teach me how to underline/italicize on Substack?). And then there was Dan’s book 10% Happier, which led me to this lovely community!
I’m a lawyer and I read all day at work. But somehow I never lost my habit of reading for pleasure on my own time. Making time for reading is a mix of dedication and sheer good luck. It’s a non-negotiable for my mental health and happiness.
Glad to see Waxahatchee at the top of your list. It is #2 on mine. ✌️
Hoping to see them at Red Rocks with my niece should they ever play that venue. A recent find for me as well...LOVE Waxahatchee.
The only item I know on the list is the Waxahatchee album and I love it. So I was thrilled to see it at the top. Happy New Year, Dan.
Dan, check out MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks.
How is The Night Agent not on the TV list? And we know you’re not too cool for Only Murders because we’ve seen those Christmas jammies…
I did watch a little bit of the night agent, but didn’t finish it. Maybe I’ll go back to it?
We loved it. Not quite as many violent murders as Black Doves but enough😂 Season 2 starting soon.
Love this list from Friday Fixations!
I also read Lonesome Dove. Such a great story!
This list makes me woefully aware of how much my attention span has been ruined by social media. I can barely read a whole book anymore, but have plenty all over the apartment that are about 20 pages in. 😅
But The Bell Jar is one of my favorite books. Written by my fellow Smith alum to boot. ❤️
Thank you so much for this and Happy New Year!
I read the Bell Jar bc of your recommendation. It was a masterpiece. Now your recommendations to me are like the Obama lists 🙌🏾
Thanks for sharing!
I typically have 2 or 3 books on the go. If I'm reading fiction, which is rare these days, I like to keep my sessions frequent, although not necessarily long. Books on personal growth or spiritualism, I really take my time with, making notes and trying to implement practices.