Are there any potential pitfalls of your One Good Thing? And how do you recommend overcoming them?

Most of us see reading as a healthy habit and aim for it, which is a great goal, but it can bring a toxic productivity culture with it. It’s worth reminding yourself that reading is effortful, especially if it’s new to you, but that it shouldn’t feel like a chore. This is not your year nine English homework and you do not have to read a chapter each evening for a set deadline. Burnout comes in every area, including reading. Equally, your workload is likely to fluctuate, so scrap any page goals.

Going one step further, remember that you don’t have to finish a book. I’m a big believer in ditching something a couple of chapters in if I’m not enjoying it. If you’re struggling to enjoy titles – cue self-promo – it might help to refer to reading accounts, such as mine @humphreads, on social media, and keep on scrolling until something sounds like it might be up your street.

How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

Reading for me comes naturally because a book is always by my side. Journaling, however, is something newer that I’ve had to build into my routine. I couldn’t be further from a night owl and my ideal reading session is from 8–10pm while I’m tucked up in bed before a massive sleep. It’s this sacred time that I’m also using for journaling. After finishing a book, my next evening will be spent jotting down thoughts in my reading journal, rating the book and just spending more time with the pages and my feelings instead of rushing straight on to the next book.

One Good Thing: ‘read and reflect’ to consciously slow down your brain