MSMAMACHIC

You know what’s super hot?

Reading.

It is, quite honestly, one of the sexiest habits you can adopt.

Why, you ask?

For one, it supports neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve. Reading activates and strengthens distributed neural networks (language, executive function, memory), contributing to long-term cognitive resilience and delayed cognitive decline. It also modulates emotional regulation pathways by engaging limbic and prefrontal circuits, improving emotional processing and reducing reactivity.

It provides a whole host of benefits for stress reduction and autonomic nervous system regulation. Reading is a low-cost, low-risk intervention that measurably improves stress physiology, autonomic balance, sleep regulation, and brain health.

Can you tell I’m taking a pathophysiology course right now?

Reading is exercise for your mind, which is just as important as exercising your body. It gives you new ideas, new perspectives, and knowledge on topics you might never have explored. Reading has the power to inspire and expand your life.

Apart from that, it makes you more interesting. You’ll have more to talk about in social settings — offering perspectives beyond just your lived experience. You’ll also increase your vocabulary and your ability to accurately name and describe an experience. This is invaluable.

Bottom line: reading can change your life.

“What if I’m not a reader?” You might be asking.

Well… start being one.

Start small with 5–10 pages or 10 minutes a day — in the morning or before bed. Pick any genre, any book, and just start reading. Start saying you are a reader so you identify as one.

If you enjoy podcasts, try an audiobook (Audible offers a free trial for first-time customers). When life gets busy, and I’m on the move, I listen to audiobooks during the day or on walks, and then I read a physical book at bedtime. All of it counts.

My Favourite Books from 2025 📚

The Little Liar – Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom has a unique talent for zooming in on small, momentary decisions that change the entire trajectory of a life, then zooming out to show the ripple effects. He weaves together several stories in this beautiful book about life, love, forgiveness, and redemption.
This book was powerful.

Let Them – Mel Robbins

I know, I know…everyone and their mother’s sister’s cousin has read this book. The advice is simple AF: “You do you, boo boo.”
But the stories make it tangible and applicable to real life. Understanding that we control our own lived experience — and that others have the God-given right to control theirs (even if they turn it into a dumpster fire) — is key to freeing yourself from resentment over unmet expectations.

In Five Years – Rebecca Serle

I discovered this on Kindle Unlimited and couldn’t put it down. It’s a love story, but not in the way you think. I loved her writing style and got completely sucked in. I read a couple more of her books, and this one was my favourite this past year.

Playing Big – Tara Mohr

Every so often, I need an inspirational reminder to show up fully and unapologetically. This book gave me that jolt in 2025. The meditation and visualization exercise of meeting yourself 10 years in the future was powerful.

By Any Other Name – Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult was one of my favourite authors years ago, so I was excited for this one. I listened to an interview about the extensive research she did, and it was fascinating.
The dual-timeline narrative — past and present — was beautifully done. Emilia Bassano’s story was my favourite. Picoult paints scenes so precisely that you feel like you’re in the room watching them unfold.

The Power of Writing It Down – Allison Fallon

I’m going to write a whole post about this book because it spoke to me on so many levels and reignited my love of writing. This is a 100% recommend to everyone I know. This book is for everyone, not just aspiring writers. She explains how writing can help create the life you want to live.
Starting a journaling practice — or simply writing things down (events from your day, habits you’re in the process of adopting, food journaling, whatever interests you) — is incredibly powerful.

Small habits. Strong foundations. Big impact. 🌿