Aspire’s Champions: Reading for Pleasure
Why Reading for Pleasure Matters: Insights from our Wellbeing Champion on National Read a Book Day
Books have the power to reduce stress, enhance empathy, and bring joy. And, in honour of National Read a Book Day, we’re spotlighting one of our dedicated Wellbeing Champions, Eleanor Webster, who is passionate about promoting reading for pleasure as a key to overall wellbeing.
“Working with people who want to be a TA means my passion for the classroom and education comes across.”
Champion of chapters
Before becoming one of Aspire’s Tutors in April, Eleanor worked as a Teaching Assistant. She says, “I loved being a TA and knew I wanted to teach at some point, but I didn’t know what. That’s when I found the job working with Aspire.” Eleanor’s hands-on experience proves invaluable for her learners, many of whom are looking to take their first steps into a career in the classroom. She says, “Working with people who want to be a TA means my passion for the classroom and education comes across. It’s so nice to see their passion grow too”.
When working as a TA, she saw how reading changed the lives of the children in her class. For one in particular, discovering a love of Japanese comics led to a complete transformation in his behaviour and his ability to self-regulate. And, as a self-professed bookworm who’d much rather read a book than watch TV, Eleanor was thrilled to accept the role of Wellbeing Champion, with a focus on Reading for Pleasure.
“I love being able to share these ideas with the learners on our courses, so that they can take them with them into their future roles.”
Initiatives in action
Eleanor has big plans for her role as Wellbeing Champion. From creating mindful reading starter activities to share with learners, to setting up a staff Book Club, she’s keen to bring people (both inside and outside of Aspire) together through reading.
In a recent collaboration with Robyn Flemming, our Menopause Champion, the pair have created a comprehensive resource around Sleeptember, ensuring all our Aspire learners (and employees!) are in-the-know about the links between sleep, menopause, and reading, and that we all get optimum rest.
Back when she was a TA, she also sparked a reading frenzy with a ‘Read Your Teacher’s Height Challenge’. She says, “I love being able to share these ideas with the learners on our courses, so that they can take them with them into their future roles.”
3 simple steps to improve your wellbeing through reading:
Promoting her passion for reading in a fast-paced world fuelled by instant gratification isn’t always easy, but Eleanor has 3 simple steps for those looking to improve their wellbeing:
1. Switch screen time for page time
One of the most common misconceptions Eleanor hears is, “I don’t have time to read!”. But many of us spend hours mindlessly scrolling on social media, which can lead to poor quality sleep as well as increased anxiety and stress. Trading at least some of the time we spend scrolling for a book could benefit us in more ways than one.
2. Find your ‘why’
Having a specific reason to keep up a healthy habit means we’re more likely to stick with it. So, reflect on the reason why you want to read – such as improved sleep, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing – and you’ll be more likely to keep doing it, even when other tasks are calling.
3. Listen to audiobooks when doing household chores
Not only will you get through your TBR (to-be-read) pile a lot faster, but it’ll make housework far more fun.
We couldn’t be more thrilled with the work our Wellbeing Champions are doing for learners and employees alike, and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next for our fantastic Reading for Pleasure advocate.
If you’d like to see more of our content and what we do at Aspire Education Academy, follow us on our socials below. And, while you’re here, check out our previous blog with our Sustainability Champion, Emma Waller.