Read More, Feel Less Stressed and Live Longer

 

Photo by Ed Robertson on Unsplash

Various suggestions were made on the radio today on how to overcome the disappointment of Christmas plans shattered, and how to maintain a positive mental attitude as we navigate the 'tier' system and face another potential lock-down.

The usual were suggested: get plenty of sleep, go outside and get some fresh air and exercise, keep communicating with friends. The final piece of advice was read more! There's lots of evidence about the healing power of books; reading can improve your mental health, reduce stress levels, prevent depression and help you to relax. 

There are physical benefits too. Those who read for three-and-a-half hours a week or more can expect to have a longer life span, get better sleep and perhaps even avoid dementia. 

Most of all, at a time when some of us are feeling very isolated and lonely, books can be our friends. Here's what the poet Edgar Guest has to say:

Good books are friendly things to own.

If you are busy they will wait.

They will not call you on the phone

Or wake you if the hour is late.

They stand together row by row,

Upon the low shelf or the high.

But if you’re lonesome this you know:

You have a friend or two nearby.

The fellowship of books is real.

They’re never noisy when you’re still.

They won’t disturb you at your meal.

They’ll comfort you when you are ill.

The lonesome hours they’ll always share.

When slighted they will not complain.

And though for them you’ve ceased to care

Your constant friends they’ll still remain.

Good books your faults will never see

Or tell about them round the town.

If you would have their company

You merely have to take them down.

They’ll help you pass the time away,

They’ll counsel give if that you need.

He has true friends for night and day

Who has a few good books to read.

Writing Prompt:

• I'm reading 'Waiting for Sunrise' by William Boyd at the moment. What about you? Are you reading a good book, or have you read something recently that you really enjoyed? If so, write about it.
• Do you agree that books can become your friends? If so, who is your 'best friend'?
• Are you an avid reader? If you are, explore for a few minutes what you like about reading.
• Do you have a happy (or an unhappy) memory of reading? Perhaps you remember a book that was read to you as a child. Maybe you hated being made to read aloud at school. Explore you memories for ten minutes.