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Winter is Coming
As the cold weather continues this winter, what better way to spend your cozy time than with a novel? It can be hard to keep up with your reading goals with busy schedules and tired minds, but by the end of this blog post, you’ll have some good reading suggestions to make this winter enjoyable.
Boosting Serotonin in the Dark
With reading becoming a habit that fewer and fewer people are drawn to, why should you pick up a book in your free time as opposed to your phone? Well, studies show the health benefits associated with reading.
According to Nuvance Health and their article, “A must-read: Physical and mental health benefits of reading books“
“By observing changes to blood flow in the brain, researchers can see that reading stimulates the brain’s neural pathways. This stimulation enhances brain activity, memory and cognitive function — ultimately boosting your creativity and expanding your capacity to learn.”
Why This Matters
When you choose to regularly read, the soft stimulation actually has multiple benefits.
- Reduces stress
- Improves sleep
- Lowers blood pressure
- Promotes mental health long-term
- Enhances critical thinking and creativity
- Helps improve empathy and regulate emotions
- Releases endorphines (feel-good hormones)
- Prevents isolation
- Reduces your risk of depression and dementia
Phones are toxic to your own attention span and mental health. During the winter months, your mental health matters more than ever.
Also looking to improve your creativity? Find more tips and tricks on the blog post below!
History of Reading in Winter
During the 19th century, reading changed for the better. As working hours changed and led to additional time for recreation, the new rise in literacy, public libraries (1850s), and affordable reading material helped to make reading a new popular hobby, especially during the winter months.
Using your freewill is more important now than ever. Get to your local library and receive a free education simply by choosing to read instead of doomscrolling.
Winter Reads
If you like romanticising winter, these novels are for you. Whether winter is your favorite season or just a beautiful aesthetic that sets the stage for your daydreams, these stories will warm your cold bones with wonder and imagination.
Wurthering Heights
By Emily Brontë
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
In Yorkshire, Lookwood stumbles into Wuthering Heights, where he learns the past love triangle between Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar Linton. This winter tale is the perfect representation of longing and generational trauma.
The Long Winter
By Laura Ingalls Wilder
Whether you have read any of the first novels in the Little House on the Prairie series, this novel is the perfect encapsulation of the harsh realities of winter. Snowed in for months, Laura and her family barely survive the winter as her husband, Almanzo, figures out a way to save the starving town.
Call of the Wild
By Jack London
“A man with a club is a law-maker, a man to be obeyed, but not necessarily conciliated.”
While living a pampered life as a pet, Buck is captured and lives out as a sled dog in the Alaskan winter, hardening him to take on the expedition to search for gold in the deep snow.
Novels to Escape the Cold
If winter is too tiresome, try reading a novel set in the warm sun, and escape reality with these summer reads!
Dandelion Wine
By Ray Bradbury
“The first thing you learn in life is you’re a fool. The last thing you learn in life is you’re the same fool.”
When winter feels exhausting, read a tale that perfectly encapsulates the creativity and joy of childhood.
Picnic at the Hanging Rock
By Joan Lindsay
In this enchanting summer, a group of schoolgirls goes mysteriously missing after a picnic, leading to the downfall of their boarding school. This novel will make you envision yourself in the wild nature of Australia, away from the bliss of winter.
The Mysteries of Uldolpho
By Ann Radcliffe
After the death of her parents, Emily is wrapped up in the mysterious and supernatural contents of her family’s papers as she travels to meet her possible new husband. The beautiful poetry of the countryside will make you forget winter’s monotony.
Northanger Abbey
By Jane Austin
Catherine moves from her rural upbringing into society in Bath. There, her innocence is slowly taken advantage of as she looks for a suitor. Like other novels by Austin, this is a well-written spring lovestory, perfectly escaping the dismal winter months.
To The Lighthouse
By Virginia Wolfe
If you wish you were by the sea this winter, this novel will transport you there. The Ramsey family goes to their summer home by the sea and their lighthouse, which mysteriously is off limits for visitation. The tale follows mundane life and internal conflicts within the household.
Invisible Man
By Ralph Ellison
Invisible Man explores the internal and social issues faced by African Americans in the 20th century. One of the greatest novels of all time, the layered themes of this piece allow for continuious read throughs this winter with new perspectives uncovered each time.
Conclusion And Recommendations
So, whatever this winter brings you, romanticize your experience with some quality reading. Many studies have backed the long-term benefits of reading. Considering winter is an infamous season for poor mental health, boost your own happy hormones through a winter story or escape from it.
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