Reading = wellness | bac massage therapy

WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT READING ​IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

That 30 minutes of reading has found to be just as effective as yoga at lowering blood pressure, heart rate and feelings of psychological distress!

Or that reading increases brain connectivity both during active reading and for days after ... the brain literally lights up with activity when viewed under an MRI during reading.

Would you run and grab something to read or would you need a little more convincing?

Here is more research that I found to support reading being good for your health ...

• a 2009 study found that reading reduces stress levels by 68%, making it more effective than taking a walk (42%) or drinking a cup of tea (54%) ... now imagine what would happen if you drank a cup of tea while reading?!?!
• another study from 2013 found that reading literary fiction elevated levels of empathy
• it can boost brain power, increase general knowledge
• reading helps improve memory ... as you remember character names, their nature and their place in the story your brain is creating new pathways and synapses with every knew memory
• studies have found that people who engage in mentally stimulating activities, like reading, all their lives are less likely to develop age-related cognitive decline.
• it can be motivating and inspiring as well as an escape from your reality
• reading can be a part of a healthy bedtime routine for some people (some of us have a hard time putting a book down when we get sucked in lol)

What should you read???

Now, if you are at all like me, that first line already had you running for the nearest book and hollering to your family that you were taking a wellness break and are not to be disturbed ... although if you are really really like me, you probably already had a book or two sitting right beside you ready to go lol.

For the rest of you ... The answer is simple ...

Read anything and everything you can get your hands on!

Mix it up between fiction and non-fiction (but stay the heck away from the news ... that shits depressing).

Try something motivational or life changing.

Step out of your comfort zone and try a new genre ... or a subcategory of your favourite genre.

Pull out your old favourites, or a new book from your favourite author.

Find something with a little sizzle (or a lot - thanks to RHD for that awesome word hahaha), some suspense, or action, or adventure ... something set in your favourite location ... something that teaches you something fun.

Ask friends for recommendations and give them a try ... even if they aren't the typical books you read you never know what amazing world you might stumble across.

Try the website whatshouldireadnext.com for suggestions based on a book you loved.

Check out your local library.

Sign up for bookbub.com and get emails once a day or once a week highlighting e-books that are being offered for free or sale from the publishers and accessible though your favourite book reading apps. You get to pick the genres and subcategories that you see offers for.

Light and heartwarming
​or deep and thought provoking
​... it does not matter. 

​JUST READ.

EVERY DAY!

It's good for your health and wellness!

PS. try making reading something you do together as a family by setting aside 30 minutes in the evening for quiet reading together ... lead by example.