As the calendar turned to 2025, I joined millions in setting a New Year's Resolution. Mine was simple: read fewer books. By December, I had spectacularly failed, having devoured 246 titles. Far from feeling guilty, I celebrated. Here's why breaking that promise to myself was one of the best things I did all year.
The Resolution That Was Doomed From The Start
My goal to cut back on reading felt almost rebellious. In 2023, I managed an impressive 144 books. The following year, I astonishingly pushed that to 239. The natural progression, I thought, was to rein it in. I aimed to be less of a bookworm. Yet, the modern world of literature had other plans.
The sheer accessibility of stories today made my resolution untenable. Audiobooks have revolutionised consumption, with platforms like Spotify offering extra listening hours. I found myself immersed in novels while doing household chores. Meanwhile, my trusty Kindle slipped into any bag, turning idle moments on trains or in cafes into reading opportunities. The choice between staring out a window or diving into a chapter became no choice at all.
The Compelling Science Behind Reading More
My desire to read wasn't just a habit; it was a hobby backed by significant science. I realised suppressing what I loved was arbitrary, especially given the wealth of research highlighting its benefits. According to the Centre for Adult Education in Australia, daily reading—even just a chapter—offers profound rewards.
A pivotal study from the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of silent reading can slash stress levels by 68%. Furthermore, research is clear on its long-term impacts. A 2016 study published in the Social Science & Medicine journal revealed that reading for at least 30 minutes daily could extend a person's lifespan by an average of two years.
The advantages for mental acuity are equally striking. Studies indicate that elderly individuals who regularly read or play mentally challenging games are two and a half times less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, with reading also associated with a lower overall risk of dementia.
Beyond the Page: Empathy, Sleep, and Community
The benefits of reading extend far beyond personal intellect or stress relief. It fosters empathy, a cornerstone of healthy relationships. Contrary to the solitary bookworm stereotype, studies prove a link between reading literary fiction and a heightened ability to understand others' emotions and perspectives.
Practical perks abound too. Replacing late-night phone scrolling with a book avoids sleep-disrupting blue light, promoting better rest. It can also combat loneliness. Booktrust, the UK's largest reading charity, surveyed 1,500 adults and found regular readers reported higher life satisfaction and happiness. Reading can be a social catalyst, whether through book clubs or online communities, connecting like-minded individuals.
In the end, I read 246 books in 2025 because I wanted to, not because I forced myself. I didn't quite hit a neat 250, but that's beside the point. The experience was a powerful lesson: resolutions should serve us, not chain us. If a goal doesn't align with your genuine passions or well-being, perhaps it's not worth keeping. My sign to you for 2026? Ditch the arbitrary targets and focus on changes you truly desire. For me, reading less will never be one of them.
