Read And Speak Out

Author: Destinee Wallace.    

  6 Sept. 2022

readandspeakout.com

The clock is ticking down, and we have just mere hours to honor, ‘National Read a Book Day.’ I know we just had August 9th, Book Lovers’ Day, and this is similar. The only difference is to choose a book that you haven’t read, but believe you will enjoy. Then you and that book cozy up on the couch and settle into the benefits.

Think about the last time you read a book, short story, or even an article. Remember, being lost in the storyline, caught up in the character, or entranced by the plot. Time becomes non-existent and hours feel like seconds, those feelings are beneficial. They temporarily release you from reality, and give you another place to focus your mind.

Studies have shown that this reduces stress, heart rate, and blood pressure. In a 9-day study, researchers found that brain activity was enhanced during reading and maintained that connectivity for days. Reading for all ages is helpful. In children, reading helps aid in word usage, usually resulting in your child having an enormous vocabulary. The benefit for your child is better scores on tests and more job opportunities.

Older adults benefit too, studying Alzheimer’s patents, reading proved to help retain memories, and cognitive abilities. It’s not a definite link, but has been shown to help. Those patents also engaged in more mentally challenging activities. The study reveals reading slows cognitive decline too.

Reading books is linked to empathizing! It’s true, as you delve into the characters lives and situations, you start to incorporate feelings for their predicaments. Yep, that’s empathy!

Books have been treasured for a while. In the 11th century, Murasaki Shikibu, a Japanese woman wrote, ‘The Tale of Genji’, this was a 54-chapter book of courtly seduction. It is also said to be the first novel. Let’s take a look at a few quotes.

A book is a gift you can open again and again-Garrison Keilor

Think before you speak. Read before you think.-Fran Lebowitz

Books are a uniquely portable magic.-Stephen King

Books are mirrors, you only see in them what you already have inside you.-Carlos Ruiz Zafon

A well-read woman is a dangerous creature.-Lisa Kleypas

So, when the kids are up running a muck. Grab a book and read to them. This stimulates their imagination, and it’s great for bonding time. When you have some free time or before bed (also promotes sleep) snuggle under the covers, and get temporarily swept away, in a book!