The Nurturing Librarian podcast kicks off with an exploration of reading as a vital self-care practice. Host Nicole highlights how societal perceptions often undervalue reading, treating it as a hobby for those with ample leisure time. However, scientific studies show that reading can significantly reduce stress in mere minutes and foster community connections by enhancing empathy. Nicole argues that reading should be prioritized alongside activities like exercise and sleep, offering both emotional fulfillment and tangible health benefits. This episode aims to inspire listeners to see reading as essential to their well-being and encourages integrating it into daily routines. Nicole finishes the episode with book news and book recs for you.****Resources for <a href="https://www.95percentgroup.com/insights/reading-importance/#:~:text=Research%20tells%20us%20that%20when,be%20in%20someone%20else's%20shoes." target="_blank">Reading Benefits</a><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html#:~:text=Reading%20is%20the%20best%20way,thirds%2C%20according%20to%20new%20research." target="_blank">University Of Sussex </a>Reading Reduces Stress****Book News and RecsNew Abby Jiminez <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216437557-say-you-ll-remember-me" target="_blank">Book</a>Laura Dave <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2672.Laura_Dave?from_search=true&from_srp=true" target="_blank">Books</a>Coming 2025 <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210395729-our-infinite-fates?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=J8sRyVvhD7&rank=1" target="_blank">Our Infinite Fates</a>****Looking for more book recs? Check us out on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13492305-thenurturinglibrarian" target="_blank">goodreads</a>Music: "Almost Bliss" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank">Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License</a>

Let's dive into how to prioritize reading in our lives by reframing it as self-care and not just an indulgence, discuss what the term Backlist means and talk about Abby Jiminez, Laura Dave and other book recs.

Reading as the Ultimate Self-Care Ritual