Alright, ladies, time to dust off those specs and pull out your library cards, because this mama is taking “Wellness Wednesday” in a whole new direction.
Time to hit the books! 
There are numerous health benefits to those that love to read regularly, so why not reap those benefits and curl up into a good book? Plus, just think, reading costs pennies compared to a trip to Disney World, and you don’t even have to suffer motion sickness to reach your destination.
Stressed out because of work and everyday life? Simply open up a book and feel your stress just melt away. Stress can contribute to the onset of several illnesses and diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, depression, digestive problems, heart disease, obesity, sleep problems and skin disease, like eczema. Enjoying a fictional novel before bedtime helps calm your nerves and reduce your stress levels. Reading is a common coping mechanism that many individuals use to deal with stress.
So, you say your sleeping habits aren’t that great? You’re restless and can’t relax at night? Have no fear a good book is here! Not only does reading reduce stress, but its calm and relaxing effects will benefit your sleeping patterns. Why? Simply because, if you become accustomed to reading before bedtime, it activates your internal clock and sends signals to your brain that it’s time to sleep. After a while, your body will start to relax as soon as settle in with your book. You’ll be totally refreshed in the morning, after a well-deserved night’s rest.
Reading will also help you concentrate better and train your brain. (I dig this benefit, because I’ve been prone to the occasional moment of ditsyness from time to time.) Reading exercises your brain. Think of a book as being a Bowflex for your noodle! Reading keeps your brain in order so it can function perfectly and become more intelligent in the process. In order for this to work, however, you must read routinely.
Want some matching leg warmers with that wicked-cool, terrycloth headband? Reading actually helps you build focus, too! You not only concentrate better in everyday life, but also develop objectivity and decision making skills! Winning!
And finally, there’s my favorite benefit of reading good books on a regular basis – it helps to keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. By reading, you can immediately increase the power of your brain tissue! While you’re reading, your brain becomes stimulated. The regular stimulation can help to prevent brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss, because it causes brain cells to connect and grow.
So, crack open a book, relax and amp up those brain cells! A healthy mind and a healthy mindset lead to a happy, healthy life!
~Amy~
Photo: flickr.com/photos/emiline220/4340980647
