For the tenth year in a row, I’ve vowed to read more books. I picture cozy evenings lost in stories, sipping scotch, and finally diving into that stack of novels. Perhaps I’ll indulge in classics like A Confederacy of Dunces or aim high with Tolstoy. Yet, I know I’ll end the year with barely any new titles on my Goodreads. Why? It’s a familiar struggle.
We live in a time of endless distractions. While I could blame screens and social media, my real challenge is comfort. Isn’t it odd that after all this time, we still haven’t found a comfy way to read?
Take the first novel, The Tale of Genji. Written over a thousand years ago, it’s hard to believe we still haven’t perfected the art of reading posture. I’ve tried every position: lying on my back, curling up in a chair, or sprawled out on the couch. Each comes with its own discomfort. Often, I’m shifting around for some semblance of comfort while my mind focuses on a gripping plot.
I reached out to friends about their reading habits. Many share my plight. For example, one friend stacks pillows just to find a decent angle while tackling heavy tomes. Another has created a unique way to balance a book on a couch’s armrest. Others endure discomfort, convinced it helps them concentrate better.
Ryan Steiner, a physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains why it hurts. “We aren’t designed to stay in one position for long,” he says. Reading puts our bodies in unnatural shapes. Our nerves signal to us that something feels off. It’s a mix of tension and bad postures, leading to those familiar aches. Even a simple book can feel heavy when held for too long.
Things can always improve, and technology is stepping in. Bookstands make reading easier, allowing you to sip wine while enjoying a novel. Some have even embraced gadgets that mount e-readers above their beds. With Bluetooth remotes, you can turn pages without leaving your cozy spot.
However, many still prefer traditional reading. That’s the magic of books—the places you discover while exploring them, whether it’s a quaint café, a beach, or a park. Even as my back aches, those moments are priceless. We’ve cherished reading for centuries, so a little discomfort seems worth the joy it brings.
So, while I might struggle to read as much as I wish, the journey remains meaningful. Embrace the discomfort; it’s part of the experience of diving into a good book.
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books, health, hobbies
