What I learnt from reading books in 2026?

Key wellness strategies, self-care & productivity tips

• Use reading to build focus and mindfulness

  • Reading can increase your attention span and help you concentrate more.
  • It supports a mindful, calm state and helps you build knowledge over time.
  • Practical approach: set a monthly reading goal (the speaker aimed for at least 1 book per month).

• Reduce social media as a mood/anxiety trigger

  • Social media can create a loop: you scroll for 30–60 minutes, then feel more negative and trapped.
  • It may fuel anxiety by presenting a curated view of others’ lives, leading to comparison.
  • If you overuse it:
    • If you spend 3+ hours/day, the speaker recommends reading the book that addresses this issue.
    • Replace scrolling with an alternative hobby.

• Build a substitute hobby to break the “content maze”

  • When you crave distraction, switch to activities like:
    • Reading
    • Exercise / gym
    • Walking
    • Cooking
    • Crafts (e.g., crochet, stitching)

• Practice self-love to improve positivity and relationships

  • Core message: stop chasing love from others as the primary solution.
  • Instead, build self-confidence and self-love—this supports a more positive mindset and healthier relationships.
  • Self-care actions the speaker took this year:
    • Started going to the gym
    • Did mindful reading
    • Used affirmations
    • Noted “a very positive impact”

• Counter fear-based thinking

  • The speaker learned that many emotions are tied to fear, including worry about what others will think.
  • Self-guidance theme:
    • Do things even if you feel judged (e.g., ordering alone, going out alone to eat).
    • If your focus is on yourself and positivity, you don’t need to be afraid.

• Reframe “traditional vs working” identities and reduce judgment

  • The speaker observed that lifestyle-content choices can still involve work (e.g., social media income, brand deals).
  • Key takeaway: don’t look down on others—everyone is pursuing their own purpose, whether it’s a job, business, or monetized social media.

• Spot “too good to be true” patterns

  • A concept from one book: if something feels too good to be true, it may have a hidden downside you can’t yet see.
  • Takeaway: use discernment rather than over-idealizing.

• Use book clubs for community, accountability, and social support

  • Suggested structure:
    • Read 1 book/month
    • 15–20 people
    • Meet on Sundays to discuss opinions
  • Benefits:
    • Expands your social circle (especially helpful when moving cities/countries)
    • Improves motivation and accountability
    • Can include “light reads” to balance heavy learning with enjoyment

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Presenters / Sources

• Books mentioned by the speaker

  • The Asian Generation
  • 40 Rules of Love
  • Varnika Decides to Die
  • Daughter of Egypt
  • Yesterday
  • The Housemate (and its film adaptation)
  • Want to know a secret

• Video presenter/source

  • The speaker in the YouTube video (name not provided in the subtitles)