As a child, I had a nightly ritual of diving into books from the comfort of my bed. My childhood bedroom was illuminated by a streetlight right outside my window, providing enough glow for me to get lost in my stories, even when my lamp was off. (For the record, I don’t recommend squinting in the dark to get your reading fix if you’re nearsighted like I am.) But nothing could deter me from my literary adventures.
I would get so wrapped up in my daytime reading, often cozied up in a big chair, that I became oblivious to everything around me. My brothers occasionally hurled objects my way, hoping to break my focus, though they only succeeded on rare occasions.
One of my obsessions as a kid was the Narnia series. I loved it so much that I would tear off little pieces of paper from the pages just to… well, eat them. Strange, I know. I was reminded of this quirk recently when my daughter came in, reporting that my son had done the same thing, which oddly made me feel a sense of pride.
So, should you munch on your books? Absolutely not! But you should definitely read them before bed instead of scrolling through social media or playing Candy Crush. Doing so can help you get better sleep, enhance your cognitive abilities, improve memory retention, and give your brain a workout. We often invest in our physical health, yet we neglect our mental well-being, which is just as crucial.
Another advantage of reading is that it fosters empathy, making you a more compassionate individual. While I appreciate TV, which can transport me to fantastic realms and teach me about everything from medicine to history, it’s reading that allows me to experience life through another person’s perspective. I’ve traversed the Cultural Revolution in China, hiked the Pacific Coast Trail, faced poverty in India, and even lived through the struggles of slavery in America.
However, in recent years, I’ve fallen into the trap of binge-watching shows and playing games on my tablet, and I must admit, I feel a bit duller for it. Cognitive neuropsychologist Dr. Alex Johnson states, “It’s not about what book you choose; immersing yourself in a captivating story lets you escape the stress of daily life and allows you to explore the author’s imagination.” This engagement stimulates your creativity and can even put you in an altered state of consciousness.
Let’s make a pact: I’ll pick up a book again if you do too. And if you’re interested in further insights about fertility and home insemination, check out this other blog post here. Also, if you’re looking for quality at-home insemination supplies, you can find reputable kits at Make A Mom. For more information on fertility, Science Daily offers excellent resources.
In summary, prioritize reading before bedtime over screen time. Not only will it enrich your mind, but it will also foster empathy and creativity. Embrace the power of books—just don’t eat them!
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