Why read when I can watch TV?
When many of us were growing up, reading was a regular pastime. Having a good book on the go was a recreational ritual or a habit for anyone who was curious or wanted to learn. No one needed to be reminded of the benefits! Today, gone are the times where we’d fall asleep turning the pages of a book or scrolling through a magazine. Now, it’s not unusual to nod off watching Netflix, the news or scrolling the internet.
Most of us spend time on screens at work, for hobbies and family communications or to stay up-to-date in varying levels. But, sometimes, it’s nice to take a break and disconnect from the phone, the internet and the TV during our free time. And indeed, aside from being better for your eyes, there’s a mountain of positive evidence heralding the benefits of good old-fashioned books and magazines.
Also, research suggests that too much screen time isn’t good for us. So here are just a few of the benefits of reading that just may convince you to put down that remote:
• Mental stimulation: Reading books stimulates mental activity, which is known to slow down mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
• Stress reduction: Anxiety has a way of bothering you until you do something to divert your attention. Reading gives you space to occupy yourself with something interesting
and enriching.
• Better memory: Reading is a great exercise for your brain. Remembering events and the names of characters from a book strengthens your existing memory, helps to recall mood and short-term memory.
• Improves focus and concentration: Training yourself to focus on one book for about 20 to 30 minutes a day is a great way to counter the instantaneous and ever-changing landscape of our digital world.
The list goes on. I think you get the point. How can we stay mentally sharp as we age? Read a book!
Publisher/Editor-In-Chief
Caroline Tapp-McDougall
caroline@bcsgroup.com
