NOT YOUR AVERAGE BOOK CLUB Book clubs have become today’s quilting circles of old. Women especially have found a healing place to vent, share, dream and socialize, all while eating yummy food and making lifelong friends. Oh, and reading books, of course! And the mental health benefits are astonishing!
READING IS GOOD FOR YOU! Reading has been scientifically proven to make us happy. In fact, a European study shows that reading for only six minutes lowered readers’ stress by 68%! Reading outranked taking a walk, having a cup of tea or coffee or even listening to your favorite music. That’s incredibly powerful mental therapy at a fraction of the cost of a counselor! Other studies have also shown that reading: •
improves brain connectivity (may even promote growth of new brain cells)
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aids in sleep readiness, as it’s a great relaxation technique
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reduces stress
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lowers blood pressure and heart rate
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prevents cognitive decline as we age because it increases memory, creativity and knowledge
So, we know reading is good for us. But why do we need to do it with others? So many reasons.
PG.6
ISSUE #9