I tried reading a book every week for 6 months, this is what happened to my body

I’ve always admired certain types people especially those who could devour books like snacks. There’s something that wakes my deepest thoughts when I hear someone casually saying, “Oh, I finished three books this month,” it feels like magic right?

while I’m stuck on page 50 of the same novel I started two months ago, there is people reading tons of books and learning tons of information. So, I decided to accept the challenge of reading a book every week for a year. It sounded ambitious, a little overwhelming, but also deeply exciting. I wanted to know if this habit could change me not just mentally, but physically too. What I discovered surprised me in ways I never expected.

Week 1: The Shock to my body

The first week was all about figuring out how to incorporate reading into my daily life and make it a habit, so I knew I needed to start with a short book to ease myself in, something under 300 pages, that might have sounded not that hard, but it wasn’t as easy as I thought. My usual nights and evenings of scrolling through social media or watching my favorite TV show suddenly felt like obstacles. I had to rewire my habits.

At first, it felt unnatural to sit still for an hour or more with a book. My brain would wander, and I’d have to re-read sentences because my brain wouldn’t let the words in. But something else happened: I noticed my eyes felt less tired by the end of the day. Cutting back on screen time gave my eyes a well needed break.

I must mention that reading before bed was hurting my eyes, I needed to get a reading light, that’s when I found a cool gadget I bought online which made my eyes felt fresh because I wasn’t staining my eyesight at all, the Vekkia 14 LED Rechargeable Book Light helped my eyesight for not getting hurt. Here is a Pic of the product:

Week 2–4: Finding My Rhythm

By week two, I developed a routine. I’d read during breakfast, on my lunch break, and right before bed. Instead of reaching for my phone in my free time, I’d grab my book. It started to improve my mood.

One surprising physical change was how calm my body felt. The ritual of reading slowed my breathing and heart rate. I’d sit in a comfortable position, maybe with a cup of tea or something to drink, and completely lose myself in the story. It was like meditation but without the pressure of “clearing my mind.” I also noticed I’d become more mindful and began to improve other areas of my life like eating slower, paying attention during conversations, and even walking with confidence.

Month 2: The Brain-Body Connection

By the second month, the mental benefits were undeniable. My focus improved dramatically. Tasks at work or school took me half of the time I usually took, because I wasn’t distracted. But what amazed me the most was the impact on my memory. I started recalling small details from books, conversations, and even things like grocery lists without writing them down.

This mental sharpness translated into physical energy. With a clearer mind, I felt more motivated to exercise. I’d do my usual hour in the gym but I would also end my routine with some cardio in the treadmill which because of the laziness I would skip every day. Reading seemed to quiet the mental chatter that often discouraged me from working out and giving that extra.

Month 4: The Unexpected Challenges

By the fourth month, things got tough. The excitement of the challenge started to fade, and I found myself wanting to zone out in front of Netflix instead of picking up a book. Some books felt really slow and hard to get through, and I’d keep putting off reading until bedtime. That meant I stayed up too late trying to finish a chapter, which messed with my sleep.

I also started feeling pain in my neck and shoulders from holding books for so long. To fix this, I tried different positions like lying on my back, sitting with a pillow, even standing up sometimes. I also discovered audiobooks, which were a lifesaver. Listening to a story while walking outside or in the treadmill quickly became one of my favorite new habits.

Month 6: The final stretch

By the end of the six-month challenge, I had read 26 books. It felt like a huge accomplishment. But beyond the numbers, the changes in my body and mind were notables.

Physically, I felt lighter. Not because I lost weight, but because I carried less stress. Reading gave me an outlet to process emotions and escape from the daily routine. My breathing became slower and deeper.

I also noticed my posture improved. Maybe it was from constantly adjusting to find the perfect reading position, my back felt stronger, and I stood taller without even thinking about it.

I also became more aware of how the actions I made may have consequences. I was living in the present.

Lessons Learned

Reading is a Full-Body Experience: I never realized how much my body would benefit from what seemed like a purely mental activity. From better posture and sleep, the physical improvements were undeniable.

Pacing Is Key: Not every book has to be a marathon. Mixing shorter, lighter reads with longer, heavier ones kept me motivated.

Audiobooks Are a Game-Changer: For anyone worried about time, audiobooks are a fantastic alternative. They’re great for multitasking and give your eyes a break.

It’s About the Journey: The goal isn’t just to finish books but to enjoy them. Some weeks I read multiple books, while other weeks I barely finished one. Both were okay.

Final Thoughts

This challenge taught me that small, consistent habits can lead to significant changes. Reading a book every week didn’t just make me a better reader; it made me a better thinker, listener, and even mover. It’s amazing how something so simple can transform your life in unexpected ways. These benefits can be accomplished not only with reading, you can choose any activity you like, but what’s the key?

Discipline and consistency.

So, if you’ve ever thought about taking on a reading challenge, I say go for it. Your mind and body will thank you.