As a child, my nightly ritual involved diving into books while nestled in my bed. I had the perfect setup—a bright light from the backyard illuminated my room, offering me just enough glow to get lost in stories even when my bedroom light was long gone. (For the record, I’m nearsighted, and squinting in low light is not the most brilliant idea, but hey, I was determined!)
I would get so wrapped up in my daytime reads, cozied up in a giant chair, that I was completely unaware of my brothers’ antics. They often tried to disrupt my reading bliss by tossing things at me, but only a few times did they succeed in pulling me from my fictional world.
My love for the Narnia series was so intense that I’d sometimes nibble on tiny bits of paper from the pages. Odd, right? I was reminded of this quirk recently when my daughter caught my son doing the same thing, and it made me feel a strange sense of pride.
So, should you snack on your books? Absolutely not! But swapping screen time for reading before bed can work wonders. Instead of scrolling through social media or playing Candy Crush, pick up a book. You’ll not only sleep better but also sharpen your cognitive skills, improve memory retention, and give your brain a workout. We devote so much energy and resources to staying fit physically, yet we often neglect our mental health. Plus, reading fosters empathy, making you a more compassionate person.
While I adore TV—after all, it can transport me to space, teach me about tracheotomies (thanks, ballpoint pen!), and inspire my career choices—nothing compares to the immersive experience that reading offers. Through books, I’ve witnessed the Cultural Revolution in China, hiked the Pacific Coast Trail, lived in poverty in India, survived slavery in America, and even experienced life from the perspective of a superhero.
However, I have to confess that I’ve let reading slide in favor of binge-watching shows and mindlessly scrolling through my tablet, and honestly, it’s left me feeling a touch dull.
Dr. Alex Jennings, a cognitive neuropsychologist, notes that it doesn’t matter what book you choose; immersing yourself in a captivating story allows you to escape daily stresses and explore the author’s imagination. This isn’t just a distraction; it actively engages your mind, unleashing your creativity and transforming your consciousness.
So, how about we challenge ourselves? I’m ready to dive back into reading, and I hope you will join me.
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In summary, prioritize reading over screens before bed to enhance your sleep, cognitive abilities, and empathy. Embrace the literary world and reap the benefits it brings to your life.