As we come to terms with the increases in COVID19 cases, a resurgence that was inevitable unfortunately. We can still find solace in reading stories. Our choices can be a variety depending on our state of mind. These are some of the benefits of reading.
Reading as an escape – we can forget the ‘real’ world and ‘live’ in a fantasy, a thriller, a romance. Or we can plunge into a ‘end of world’ tale, that is far worse than what we are experiencing. It is personal choice.
Reading helps you sleep better – to be immersed in a story – preferably with no backlight to activate our brains – the act of reading settles our mind, gives us focus on a make believe world. It also rests our minds and contributes to a relaxation that enables us to sleep.
Reading makes us more compassionate to others as well as ourselves. A new perspective on the world makes us empathetic and give us new understanding of those around us. Perception of how others react to the social situation increases our awareness.
Reading for stress relief – to have our minds concentrating on something other than the constant flood of ‘news’, we are able to physically and mentally relax. This in turn has a physical consequence of lowering our blood pressure and heart rate and reducing the ‘fear’ hormone.
What have you found to be your genre of choice during COVID19?
As I am participating in National Novel Writing Month my reading time will be reduced. However, I am enjoying this novel. It is a clever device to inform the reader of the consequences of current decisions in the ‘management’ of water sources. Set in the future by way of diary entries, we come to see what may happen.
I also bought a couple of books that will be research for my NaNo project, which is a detective trilogy.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 