Advantages of Supplemental Reading + A Few Recommendations

I hate to toot my own horn, But I like to read for at least 30 minutes every night before I go to bed and I am hoping that I can convince you all to do the same thing. There are loads of reasons why you should be adding supplemental reading to your daily routine; reasons that benefit your mental, physical, and psychological health. You can also benefit your career through supplemental reading. Who knew, right? 

Mental and Physical Health

So many people get so distracted by the outside world that they forget about their mental and physical health. Lucky for you, reading helps with both. Reading dramatically lowers stress which can affect your entire being. Opening up a book is a wonderful way to wind-down from your stressful day. A 2009 study found that 30 minutes of reading can help you reduce as much stress as a 30-minute yoga session. (I highly advocate for yoga as well). Not only is reading a stress reducer, but it can also help you increase empathy, boost your overall intelligence, and even change how your brain functions.

 “The brains of readers show increased connectivity in the left temporal cortex—the region responsible for language receptivity—even hours after they’ve stopped reading. This suggests that reading can train the mind and boost neural function through a process that’s similar to muscle memory.”

Career

Whether you believe it or not, reading can help boost you towards your career goals. If you’re like me, then you are forever curious about the world in which we live. I am always learning, evolving, and soaking up as much knowledge as I possibly can. Reading about the things you’re curious about or topics that relate to your career field can give you a big leg up in the competitive job world. 

Recommendations

Here are some of my recommendations for young professionals looking to boost their brainpower and help propel themselves further along in their careers: 

  1. On Writing by Steven King - Part masterclass on improving your writing technique and part memoir with interesting stories mixed in between. Great for anybody wanting to beef up their writing abilities and/or if you just love this master storyteller!

  2. Writing Without Bullshit: Boost Your Career By Saying What You Mean by Josh Bernoff - If you’re looking to help boost your writing credibility even further, this book by Josh Bernoff is a great option. This book isn’t dull as one might assume and has helped my personal writing tremendously. 

  3. The Source of Self Regard by Toni Morrison - GoodReads rates this one a 4.27/5 stars with one reviewer saying: “Arguably the most celebrated and revered writer of our time now gives us a new nonfiction collection--a rich gathering of her essays, speeches, and meditations on society, culture, and art, spanning four decades.” I don’t think I could have said it better myself. 

  4. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown - You’re telling me… you HAVEN’T heard of Brene Brown? Well here is the perfect intro. Tears will be shed, but I promise you will be a better person after reading her work. Brene’s books are a read for everybody. If I could beg you to read just one, it would be this. 

  5. Dare To Lead by Brene Brown - Again, just read it. I promise you won’t regret it. 

  6. Atomic Habits by James Clear - This book is one I have yet to read, though, by all accounts, it’s a book that everybody will benefit from reading. No matter your goals in life, this book is supposed to give the reader all the tools they need to create positive habits to help them achieve your greatest ambitions. 

  7. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss - Another book still on my “to read” list. Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book is said to be the best if those looking to improve their negotiating tactics in their career. I am most excited to read this book!

  8. Girl Code: Unlocking The Secrets To Success, Sanity and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba - What can I say about Cara Alwill books? Well, if anything, my vision of self-worth has dramatically changed and I love sharing her books with friends every chance I get.

  9. Girl On Fire: How To Choose Yourself, Burn The Rule Book, And Blaze Your Own Trail In Life And Business by Cara Alwill Leyba - The follow up to Girl Code (but you don’t need to read them in order but I suggest it). This book is another great read and emphasizes on the idea that “you don’t need permission from anyone to live fearlessly and start living your dream.” -Good Reads 

About Sarah:

Sarah Virkstis is a senior at GV pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations. As the acting VP of Philanthropy for the Grand Valley Chapter of PRSSA and as an Account Associate, Sarah's favorite thing about our organization is the ability to engage with the West Michigan community in new and exciting ways. Sarah is a native of Grand Rapids, residing in the suburbs of Hudsonville. When you can't find Sarah on campus you can find her hanging out downtown at a coffee shop, or out at the barn getting ready to ride her horse.

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