In another life, I’m a wannabe novelist who reads a lot. In my writer shoes, I know that reading a lot is one of the ways to become a good writer. From reading, you absorb what it means to have your own voice and style. Reading in your genre teaches you what works and doesn’t work. Reading also gives you a wide appreciation of the craft.

When I am working on a novel (which is pretty much at any given time) I am usually reading at least one book. It helps me to focus on writing.

Now picture me walking up the street to my place, shopping bag with fish in hand, and pausing for a moment as I have a lightbulb moment.

If I read fiction to keep the craft fresh in my mind and to help me stay dedicated to keeping up my writing, then what about the health side of things?

I had my lightbulb moment the other day and, while wishing I had thought of it much earlier, I went to the library for some books. I grabbed what I could find on emotional eating, body intelligence, basics of healthy weight loss, etc.

And you know what? It’s been working.

Reading these books hasn’t stopped me from doing some silly things or eating things I shouldn’t, but it has kept my health in the forefront of my mind. As someone who spent most of her life not giving a chicken’s butt about herself, I need help getting into the habit of thinking about me and my well-being on a daily basis. Reading books on health have helped.

The first book (review coming next week) didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know, but reading it every night before I went to be and sometimes during the day kept thoughts of a healthy me fresh in my mind.

In a strange way, it was a sort of accountability, too. I wanted a chai latte, but I felt a bit hypocritical having it and reading about how I should cut my sugary drinks at the same time.

Call it a weird strategy, but if you live a busy lifestyle, this could be the thing for you to do until you get in the habit of thinking of yourself every day…