Are we disrespecting our books by opting to spend our downtime engaged with our phones and TVs? Maybe if we perceived choosing our phones over a book as a metaphor for, “stepping on something”, we would read more novels, more poems and more literature.Ī book that I am currently reading is “Dune” by Frank Herbert, which is a science fiction novel written in 1965. In Nepal, stepping on things is considered an ultimate disrespect. My mum always used to tell me to “never step on my books”, because you shouldn’t disrespect something that provides you with knowledge. Growing up in Nepal, being respectful is ingrained upon us as an important cultural lesson.
Ultimately, using our platforms as a way to educate ourselves and each other. We should aim to be selective about how we utilise our time on our phones and the things we want to read, share and post. Of course not all social media consists solely of videos and pictures, for example, you will be reading this blog piece on your phone, ipad or desktop. Today, a quick video on Instagram is a replacement for a short poem, moreover a show on Netflix can even be preferred to a book. It’s no surprise that in present times, social media has taken over how we view/experience entertainment. Not only does it help you to escape from reality, but it also improves your vocabulary, your memory, analytical thinking skills and concentration – why wouldn’t we want to benefit from that? Take some time before you go to bed to read just one chapter or 10 pages, you will thank yourself in the morning. The blue light emitted from screens disrupts melatonin levels (the sleep hormone) which causes disruption to our sleep/wake cycle. In this time of constant technological connection, our sleep is suffering. Reducing your stress levels is a proven way that allows you to sleep better. By taking your mind into a new world, where your own stresses don’t exist, you are able to relax for a moment.
In terms of mental stability – reading helps you to reduce your stress levels in under 10 minutes. Communication is key for almost every human relationship being able to empathise with others and understand their view will build the skill of communication enabling more healthy relationships. It helps you understand people’s perspectives from their points of view and not just your own – which is something that a lot of us need to work on. By viewing the world from a point of view that is not your own, you become more empathetic. It is proven to have incredible benefits towards our mental wellbeing and ability to empathise with people.
Even if it is just for a moment, reading provides us an escape from reality and expands our imagination.
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