THE BENEFITS OF READING BOOKS
HOW WE READ MATTERS AS MUCH AS WHAT WE READ
Truth be told, we all read often. With social media, newsletters, working from a computer, and text messaging, we consume the written word, perhaps, more than ever. Moreover, as stated in a previous newsletter, there are numerous benefits to reading. This includes less stress, and improved sleep, memories, and relationships.
So, if we’re reading more, why might it not seem like we’re enjoying all the benefits?
As stated in a different newsletter, there are pros but also cons to social media use. It stands to reason that if reading can be beneficial, but using social media can be detrimental, then it matters not only what we read, but how we read it.
THE BENEFITS OF PUTTING DOWN THE PHONE AND PICKING UP A BOOK
Famed author Harlan Coben, (whose most famous character is named Myron ) recently spoke about the benefits of reading on the BBC. In a short clip on Instagram, Coben mentions the reduction of stress, increased empathy, and improved mental health. This is just from reading five minutes a day.
The catch? Coben prefaced that when he’s discussing these benefits, he’s excluding scrolling on our phones. It appears that the benefits are tied to how we consume text and the subject matter. This does not mean having to only read from a book instead of electronic sources. Rather, the type of text, e.g. a novel or a social media post, can either confer benefits, or negative effects.
Is there a book you’ve been interested in reading, or a subject you’ve been interested in learning? Just five minutes a day of reading these could change your mood for the better. Get started today!
See you next week!
Myron Manns