Reading makes you healthier and happier
There's reading - and then there's reading while you're doing something else! Emergency-room visits from distracted walking are up 35 percent over the past half-decade, and reading and texting on your cellphone while walking down - or across - the street accounts for over 10 percent of pedestrian injuries. Don't get us started on texting and driving. None of that is the kind of reading that makes your RealAge, the actual age of your body as compared to your calendar age, younger!
But neuromarketing researchers from the University of Sussex's Mindlab found that reading an old-fashion, open-a-book-and-learn-something text (start with "You: The Owner's Manual," revised) or an escape-to-the-beach novel (try James Michener's "Hawaii") for even six minutes a day is more relaxing than listening to music, taking a walk or even (these were English researchers) having a cup of tea. The study says getting into a good read eases muscle tension and slows down your heart rate. That dispels stress and makes your RealAge significantly younger!
In addition, reading keeps your brain sharp, improves sleep and makes you a more interesting social animal. Also, if you know someone, especially a child, who has difficulty with reading, spend some time with them and read aloud together. Lots of kids have a hard time learning to read, so if you're a parent, grandparent or just a good neighbor, be aware and help them out. You're giving a gift of learning. Traveling the world through the written word opens doors in the mind and in life!
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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