Have you ever noticed how picking up a book can change your mood? Whether it’s sinking into a thrilling novel or reflecting on insights from a self-help guide, reading has a remarkable way of bringing balance to both your mind and body.
We are busy with our mobile phone, iPad or computer every day. My eyes are tired and dry when I've been working on the computer for hours and then read all the messages on my cell phone in between. It's really hard to just keep looking at a screen all day.
Newsletters, blogs, Podcasts, it's all available digitally. I can get a lot of information, and good information, from these many sources. But do I really find a balance and real peace of mind when I'm constantly seeing advertising banners fluttering by, when I'm constantly being asked to click on something?
In addition to the many online newspapers and magazines, I read a lot of newsletters every day. I listen to Podcasts, read blogs and scientific publications and, of course, the posts on social networks. The social network postings and the few lines of text in particular seem to me to be becoming increasingly shallow, much of the content is repetitive and no longer appeals to me at all and is only intended as advertising to encourage me to buy something.
You need a lot of knowledge to find and develop something new. You need knowledge about the consumers who use your startup products. You need a lot of technical knowledge about the new product you want to launch on the market and knowledge about how to program a certain code. We can learn this in online courses. You can find out what your target group wants and needs with well-done online interviews.
But real inspiring knowledge that will boost your creativity can only be found in books.
The Innovative Magic of Books
I am always very inspired by reading books, especially to take care of new things, even if the books talk about older content or novels are set in a completely different time. There's nothing better than winding down with a book during the day, whether that's first thing in the morning or reading in the evening.
Reading has a calming and inspiring function and every time I mark the most important parts of a book or reread certain content, I come up with new ideas that inspire me to do new things. I can only develop new products if I gather a lot of knowledge, specifically on one certain topic. I become more productive by reading a really good book on the topic of “Productive work in 2025” and discussing it with others. Of course, I can also watch YouTube videos on the subject, which are then interrupted 4 times at the important points by advertising.
A Renaissance In Book Reading
The haptic feeling of holding something in your hands, namely a printed book, cannot be replaced by anything else. Even though the number of bookshops is decreasing and only a few bookshops survive and more and more books are being bought online, it is still so fascinating to go into a nice bookshop and pick out a very nice book, which I usually start immediately that evening and have read through in a few days.
So that the bookshelf doesn't fill up, the library is of course also a great place where I can do research, get inspired and meet lots of people. Libraries will certainly become increasingly important in the future, as many people do not want to buy books. Libraries can become a cultural meeting place where, for example, other second-hand items can be borrowed and bought, such as clothes or other things you need for work.
Reading isn’t just entertainment—it's a powerful tool for mental health and self-care.
The Mental Health Benefits of Reading
Reading is more than an escape; it's like a workout for your brain. Reading reduces stress levels making it as effective as meditation. When you're immersed in a book, your mind detaches from any tension or worries, allowing you to reset and recharge.
Beyond relaxation, reading also promotes self-reflection. When you read about characters facing challenges or dilemmas, it often encourages introspection, helping you reflect on your own thoughts and emotions.
For entrepreneurs and those navigating the chaos of your startuplife taking time to read can provide clarity and help process complex feelings.
How Reading Helps Entrepreneurs Thrive
Entrepreneurs often face a unique set of challenges—high stress, rapid decision-making, and the constant need for innovation. Did you know that some of the most successful business leaders, like Elon Musk and Bill Gates, credit books for shaping their worldviews and business strategies?
Here’s how reading benefits entrepreneurship and business development directly:
Gain Knowledge: Books provide insights you simply can’t gain from a quick internet search. Whether it’s learning new leadership strategies or understanding market trends, reading builds a deeper level of expertise.
Boost Creativity: Absorbing new ideas from books fuels creative thinking. Need inspiration for your next big project? A single chapter could spark a breakthrough.
Improved Focus: Many entrepreneurs grind deal with distraction. Reading requires sustained attention, which trains your brain to focus better in your daily work.
Why Reading Is the Perfect Self-Care Practice
Think of reading as a mental detox—it’s a break from screen fatigue and the endless scroll of social media. This act of mindfulness can help you feel calmer and more grounded in your day-to-day life.
To truly make reading a part of your wellness plan, try turning it into a ritual. Create a cozy nook for your books, brew a cup of tea, and set aside a few moments of uninterrupted time every day. You'll soon find that reading becomes just as essential as your yoga sessions or morning journaling.
How to Start Reading More (Even If You’re Super Busy)
For entrepreneurs and wellness enthusiasts alike, the biggest obstacle to reading is likely time. Thankfully, integrating reading into a busy schedule doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how:
Start Small: Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference.
Choose the Right Format: Audiobooks are great for multi-taskers—listen while commuting, cooking dinner, or taking a walk.
Mix Genres: Balance serious reads with lighter novels or essays to keep things enjoyable.
Pro Tip for Entrepreneurs: Build a curated list of business development and personal growth books alongside a few fiction favorites. This way, you feed both your professional aspirations and your soul.
Reading is one of the simplest, yet most impactful ways to nurture your mental health, boost creativity, and achieve a sense of balance. Whether you’re pausing amidst the chaos of startuplife or simply indulging in some self-care, the benefits of reading are undeniable—and they’re yours for the taking.
My latest book recommendations for you:
The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma
by Mustafa Suleyman, Michael Bhaskar
Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
by Yuval Noah Harari
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness
by Jonathan Haidt
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
by Adam Grant
by Evie Woods
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