My research into brain health and head injury recovery hasn’t been easy or heaps of fun. Reading has been gratifying and illuminating. The gratification comes from so many directions. Expanding my knowledge of diet, exercise, emotional connections, creativity, and the importance of rest. There’s been plenty of “aha!” moments and no shortage of “well duh” moments. I changed my diet and saw changes immediately. I started exercising and had more and more “well duh” phases. Diet and exercise…” duh”.
Trying to pass on my own illumination has made me realize, I don’t know what I’m talking about! I have no authority to tell people how to diet or exercise. I shouldn’t be telling anyone how to eat or to try and grab your ankles while lying on your chest. Your venture into wellness or brain health should include a visit to a TRUSTED healthcare professional. If I can prescribe something that might have little to no harmful side effects, that’s reading.
Reading has always been difficult for me and even more arduous as I’ve gotten older. I’m not embarrassed to say children’s books, Audible and following along with my finger cultivated my reading skills. I still reread entire chapters before moving on to the next, finding pages I just turned had already been lost. It can be exhausting reading the same words over and over, but don’t let it stand in the way of getting to your next chapter. Reading abilities improve with practice. The side effects happen to be increased vocabulary, knowledge, understanding, memory benefits…on and, and on. Listing the benefits of reading brings me back to “well duh”. Perhaps “well duh” as a statement contradicts the increased vocabulary side effect, but I’m still learning.
There is no magic bullet when it comes to reading. Listening to an Audible book isn’t reading. It is entertaining and can be informative, but the brain doesn’t get the workout it deserves. Reading is a workout and just like physical exercise, it gets easier with practice. To reap the benefits, you have to do the work. I sometimes read with my dictionary next to me. My dictionary is filled with highlighter and notes now, while trying to understand just what the hell Chrissy Taylor (the author of “The Puppy Who Lost His Way”) is trying to convey.
Relationship benefits, a sense of humor, understanding and knowledge of new ideas and topics all come from reading (duh). Improving your knowledge of politics, religion and other cultures should be in high demand as the world becomes more fragmented. The more you learn the more you will want to learn. Increasing your capacity to be informed will boost your self-confidence and that can lead to more social contacts, more money, excitement for life and exuberance for each day. DUH!
I haven’t got time to get into how reading keeps you feeling young or living longer. How improving your sense of “self” ripples to others. Practice will lead to bigger books and beautiful words. Taking care of your brain isn’t always enjoyable but the fulfillment can be a thrill.
Use it or lose it!