In our fast-paced world, finding moments of peace can be a challenge, but the simple act of reading offers a powerful escape. Books not only transport us to different worlds, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining mental wellness. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just starting to explore the magic of reading, staying organized with your literary adventures can enhance your experience even further. Especially now with eReaders it's tougher to plan our TBR (To Be Read) Books as we can't physically line them up. Also, we can't check out bookshelf or library card to see all the books we already read.
In this article, I will share my method for tracking, saving, and organizing books, ensuring a seamless and pleasurable reading journey.
Plus, I’m excited to share a free template where you can visually document the books you’ve read throughout the years, giving you a personalized and satisfying overview of your literary achievements.
Did you know that:
Studies have shown that reading a good book can reduce stress by up to 68%, making it a more effective means of relaxation than taking a walk, drinking a cup of tea, or playing video games.
Reading as a Tool for Mental Wellness
Reading offers more than just an escape into different worlds; it serves as a vital tool for mental health. Studies have shown that engaging with a good book can reduce stress by up to 68%, more effectively than other relaxation methods like listening to music or taking a walk. The immersive experience of reading allows us to disconnect from daily stressors, offering a mental reprieve that refreshes the mind. It’s no wonder that many therapists recommend reading as part of self-care routines for anxiety and depression. When we read, we can momentarily step into another person’s shoes, gaining perspective and insight that helps us cope with our own challenges.
The Importance of Structure in Reading
For those who lead busy lives, the act of reading can become even more impactful when it’s organized and tracked. Keeping a reading log or using platforms like GoodReads to manage your TBR (To Be Read) list adds structure to what might otherwise be a random activity. This organization doesn’t just improve your reading efficiency; it also provides a sense of accomplishment as you progress through your list. This structured approach to reading can contribute to better mental health by offering a routine that’s both enriching and rewarding. It’s like creating a personalized therapy plan that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.
Mindful Reading and Personal Growth
Organizing and tracking your reading also encourages mindfulness. When you consciously choose books that align with your personal growth goals - be it self-help, biographies, or philosophical works - you’re engaging in an active form of learning that goes beyond mere entertainment. This mindful approach to reading ensures that every book you pick up contributes to your mental and emotional well-being. As you track your progress, you can reflect on how each book has impacted your thoughts and feelings, further enhancing the therapeutic benefits of reading.
Connecting with a Community of Readers
Listening to Podcasts about books, joining reading challenges or book clubs through platforms like GoodReads or Facebook also introduces a social aspect to reading, which can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. Connecting with others who share your literary interests can alleviate feelings of loneliness and create a sense of belonging. These communities provide a safe space to discuss ideas, share recommendations, and even offer support through challenging times. Engaging with a community of readers can turn what might be a solitary activity into a shared journey, enhancing the positive effects of reading on mental health.
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Achievements
There’s also something deeply satisfying about tracking your reading journey. Whether you’re logging the number of books you’ve read, noting your favorite quotes, or keeping track of themes that resonate with you, this documentation serves as a tangible reminder of your growth. Celebrating these small milestones can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of achievement, which is crucial for maintaining positive mental health. Plus, looking back at your reading log can offer insights into your personal development over time, showing how the books you’ve read have shaped your thinking and emotions.
Your personal online library
If you are looking for an easy way to organize your personal library, whether it's for eReaders or physical books, my favorite is goodreads.com.
It gives you the options to:
Read book summaries and reviews
Find price comparisons
Make lists of "To be Read", "Currently Reading" and "Read"
Write your own review
Collaborate with friends or groups / book clubs
Sign up for reading challenges
Find inspirations based on your reading history
If you're reading eBooks, like on a Kindle, the pages can list your highlights and notes.
I used this platform many years ago but lost sight of it when I wasn’t reading as much, and when I did, it was mostly physical books and only occasionally.
But about three or four years back, I started reading a lot more. I also made it my mission to read leisure in parallel to self-growth books. I called last category my 'study time'. Every week, I set aside time to go through my study book and take notes. The titles were about mental wellness, time management, habits, etc.
The more I got into those topics, the more book suggestions I kept getting. I hopped from one book to the next but also stumbled upon a few that, in hindsight, weren't worth my time or money.
I needed a more reliable source for reviews and also a way of tracking the 'to be read' titles outside of my notebook or phone. When I joined a book club, they mentioned GoodReads, and I had a total 'facepalm' moment.🤦🏻♀️I already knew about the solution but had completely forgotten about it
I signed back up and began sorting my books. Rediscovering GoodReads transformed how I organize my reading. Now, I can easily track what I want to read next, see suggestions tailored to my taste, and even join reading challenges to keep myself accountable. The lists grew and grew and grew. With that the books suggestions fine tuned and I found even better fitting future reads. Now my list of 'Want to Read' books easily includes eBooks and physical books.
Another nice feature is that quotes can be easily shared on any social media platform, which is a great perk in my opinion.
More personal book overview per year
I found it frustrating that, with all my eBooks, I couldn't easily track my reading progress throughout the year. In the past, I kept a physical stack of books labeled "To Be Read" and "Read This Year." While a few borrowed books didn't make it into the second pile, this system worked well for me. There was something fulfilling to see the progress like that. However, as I transitioned to reading more eBooks, my stacks felt incomplete—they no longer represented the full scope of my reading journey.
This led me to create a template where I can upload book covers and even total up the page numbers. This might not interest everyone, but as someone who loves numbers, I thought it would be fun to compare yearly totals.
If you'd like to use these templates too, I've included both SVG and PNG files below. For any questions, feedback, or issues feel free to reach out to me here.
Challenges and Benefits of eBooks vs Physical Books
I have to admit that for the longest time, eReading was not for me. During university, we often received PDFs to read, but I struggled with reading them on a computer screen. I resorted to printing them out, even if it meant using double-sided printing with two pages per sheet. It was still better than reading on the PC. Eventually, someone gifted me the first-generation Kindle Fire, but I still couldn't get into it. The constant strain of looking at a lit screen tired my eyes, I missed the tactile sensation of turning pages, and I found it difficult to take notes. Not to mention, the battery life was another factor - I had to ensure to keep it charged before I left the house. Growing up, thanks to my grandparents and my mom, I always loved physical books. Even during my non-bookworm phase, I dreamed of having a library like the one in 'Beauty and the Beast'. But with eBooks, it just didn't feel the same; the experience was missing the texture, the illustrations, and even the smell of a real book.
However, many years later, eReaders have significantly improved, and I can now appreciate their benefits. My new Kindle, for instance, allows me to adjust the warmth and brightness of the screen and even has a dark mode feature. Plus, it weighs about the same as a bar of chocolate. While a book like The Little Prince might only weigh about 7 oz (200 g), the books I usually read are much longer, often way over 500 pages. For instance, Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' in paperback weighs 2.5 lbs (1.1kg) with over 1,000 pages, and even Rebecca Yarros' 'Fourth Wing' hardcover weighs 1.5 lbs (700g) with 500+ pages. While these weights may seem trivial, holding a heavy book for an extended period can strain your wrists. With an eReader, I can carry an entire library wherever I go without worrying about the weight or damaging the books. And I no longer have to stress about accidentally bending pages or getting them dirty - I'm the type of person who would never fold corners as bookmarks! 😲😱
In short, moving forward, I plan to buy as many eBooks as possible, but I'll never completely give up on the traditional way of reading. Physical books will always hold a special place in my heart, even as I embrace the convenience and modern features of eReaders. To support my mental wellness, I will simply keep them both.
Final Thoughts: Empower Your Mind with Reading
In a world that constantly pulls us in every direction, reading remains a sanctuary for the mind. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s a tool for mental wellness, personal growth, and community connection. By organizing and tracking your reading journey, you’re not just keeping a list of books—you’re curating a pathway to a healthier, more fulfilled life. Whether you prefer the feel of a physical book in your hands or the convenience of an eReader, what matters most is that you’re taking the time to nurture your mind and soul.
Reading also keeps our imaginations alive, even as adults, allowing us to dream of worlds that exist only in our minds and hearts. It’s a reminder that no matter our age, we can still be inspired, still be moved, and still find magic in the pages of a book.
So, I encourage you to embrace reading as a daily ritual. Dive into stories that challenge your perspective, explore topics that pique your curiosity, and connect with others who share your literary passions. Start tracking your progress today, celebrate the milestones along the way, and watch as your reading journey transforms not just your bookshelf, but your life.
Take the first step by downloading my free book tracking template above , and let’s embark on this literary adventure together. Happy reading! 📚
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