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Did you know that reading before bed is a healthy habit? Experts everywhere agree that even a few minutes of reading before falling asleep can benefit you greatly.In fact, this simple activity that we tend to dismiss as being archaic (who reads books anymore?) can be the path to a better self, with improved focus and creativity, and a healthier lifestyle!
Let’s see how and why this happens:
#1: Reduces Stress
In today’s crazy world it’s almost impossible to live without being stressed about something. Whether it’s a work project or you’re worried about the bills, stress is forever present in our lives. This leads to an array of health problems, but it also affects the way we sleep.
One way to reduce stress is to make sure you have the right mattress (check NolahMattressCoupons for some great ideas), but if you’re not on the market for a new bed, reading is an alternative.
According to a recent study, reading for 30 minutes before bed reduces stress by 68%, which is in opposition to browsing on your phone (which will only increase your stress).
#2: It’s a Way of Meditation
More and more health specialists recommend meditation as a way to reduce stress and cope with daily challenges. However, the practice eludes many and it takes some time to master it.
On the other hand, we’ve been reading since childhood and it’s an activity we enjoy. Furthermore, the mind gets entangled in the book’s plot and we get lost in the story, which is a form of meditation.
#3: Boosts Brain Power
Reading is a mental exercise, that’s more challenging than speaking or watching a movie. This happens because different areas of the brain are involved in the process, creating a wider neuronal circuit than the aforementioned activities.
Furthermore, the type of book you’re reading determines different reactions, which changes the way the brain is creating the connections (for a great brain teaser, here is a great book idea).
#4: Creates a Restful Sleep
The very act of reading puts your own thoughts on the side and creates the path for a restful sleep. Your worries are alleviated by the fictional world you are discovering, and your eyes get slowly tired which sends the necessary signals for a satisfying sleep cycle.
#5: Boosts Creativity
Through books, we learn about different worlds, we imagine the story in our own light, and we discover new and wonderful ways to enjoy imagination. Books don’t limit your thoughts and make everything possible, which, in turn, stimulates creativity.
The big CEOs of the world don’t just read about marketing or how to build rockets. They read everything that falls into their hands, so they can explore unknown dimensions of their creativity.
#6: Improves Focus
We live in a world filled with distractions. Emails, social media, news, and more are chipping away our power of concentration, one piece at a time.
So, if you find you’re easily distracted, try reading more (even if it’s just 30 minutes before bed). The process of deciphering symbols on a page and then transforming them into a whole new world that we explore with the power of our minds is a fantastic exercise for concentration.
After all, I’m sure it’s happened to get completely lost in a book. In fact, we can get so lost that we tune out the world around and we fail at registering other stimuli such as sound or images. Now, imagine how useful it would be to have this power of concentration at work or when you’re studying for a test.
#7: Reduced Screen Time
If you’re spending your day glued to a computer screen, then you shouldn’t continue the habit during your commute or in the bed! The light emitted by electronic devices (TV, phone, tablet, and so on) is harmful to our eyes and our peace of mind.
Even that tiny LED that stays on to show the devices are active and ready to go, can be disturbing. So, for a healthy lifestyle, make sure to reduce the presence of electronics in your bedroom and increase the number of books!
