“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” Jorges Luis Borges.
I couldn’t imagine not reading.
It’s my lifelong passion. My escapism, my comfort and my teacher.
I was thrilled to discover that there are recognised health benefits of reading such as:
- It reduces stress levels by 68%.
- Preserves brain health and lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Alleviates anxiety and depression.
- Helps us to fall asleep.
- Increases life expectancy.
- Boosts happiness and overall life satisfaction.
Reading silently for only 6 MINUTES has been shown to reduce heart rate and ease muscle tension.
Reading regularly for only 30 MINUTES a day has been shown to add 2 years to our lifespans.
I can remember being read to when I was little. When I could read myself, I loved fairy tales. I wanted to look like the Princess from my copy of “The Princess and The Frog”!
When I was seven years old, the best piece of advice that I’ve ever been given was from my speech therapist. She told me to always read because it would help me.
I was the quiet, little girl who sat in the corner with her book. My favourite children’s books are the Narnia series. I still read them from time to time.
When I read, I can completely focus on my book/mobile and shut out the rest of the world. If I’m upset, I do find reading helps to calm me down. At times, I can experience all kinds of emotions when reading. For example, My favourite book is “Jane Eyre” and I still cry when I read it.
I love going to places where there are books. I can spend a long time enjoying myself, deciding which book I’m going to read or buy.
When I go to other people’s houses, my eyes light up when I see books. In my own house, I’ve got scores of books in my wardrobe, my loft and my sideboard. Occasionally, just for a nanosecond, I consider that maybe, just maybe, getting rid of a few. Then I berate myself and carry out a penance!
Nowadays, I love my Kindle app on my mobile but still, in my opinion, it doesn’t beat holding and reading an actual book. I love the smell of new books.
Reading is a hobby that I’ll never stop.
I can agree with Patrick Rothfuss when he said, “I always read. If I stop reading, I die.”
Sources
medium.com, lifehack.org, realsimple.com, besthealthmag.ca, healthline.com, medicalnewstoday.com.
Jasperden Health 