5 Reasons to Read Before Bed
And make it a new habit in the new year.
After you’re done with the worries of the day and you’re snug and warm in bed, take 20 minutes or more to enjoy a book. Don’t check your phone, don’t let your mind wander to work, finances, or other ongoing problems. For a little while, give yourself over to reading.
Introducing this habit into your life is easy, and it is sure to improve your life. The benefits of bedtime reading include:
1. Stress-Relief and Improved Physical Health
Reading is a great way to stop ruminating before bed. You can stop or prevent the anxiety spirals that keep you up all night.
I used to try to meditate before bed, but I found it challenging — I can empty my mind but then it fills back up again. This is why reading is a godsend for me. It calms me down but it also gives me new things to think about.
“Reading is found to decrease blood pressure, lower heart rate, and reduce stress to significant degrees. According to a 2009 study at the University of Sussex, stress is reduced up to 68% just by reading.” (Word Literacy Foundation)
Apparently, it’s more relaxing than going on a walk or listening to music. Of course, those activities are still worthwhile — as a society…
