Why a Book Should Be in Your Nightly Routine
By Genevieve Cunningham
Keeping a nightly routine is a good idea. These kinds of rituals help us wind down, get ready for sleep, and ultimately rest better. But if you don't already have one, you may be left wondering what a routine should look like. The truth? It should look however you want it to. But if you’re looking for suggestions, a good thing to add to your nightly routine is a book. Why? Take a look at these great reasons to read a few pages before crawling into bed at night.
It’s Good for Brain Health
There's a lot of information out there about how to boost body health. But the brain? Even though this is one of the most important parts of our bodies, there's not near as much information available for keeping it well. Luckily, reading every day is an easy way to do it. Reading forces the brain to become engaged and focused, and this is good for memory, critical thinking, and longevity. If you need an easy way to keep the brain sharp, make sure books are a regular in your life.
It Can Calm the Nerves
If you read books that you enjoy, it can lower stress and calm the nerves. And doing this nightly is excellent for your overall health. Too much stress is hard on the body. Anything that you can do to reduce it is beneficial. Choose books that are both interesting and relaxing. Soon, you'll associate books with relaxation and your body will respond accordingly when it sees those crisp white pages.
It Helps You Wind Down
Reading is a calm and quiet activity, which is another reason why it’s so great for nighttime. Reading will help your brain slow down, your body to begin the resting process, and may even make you sleepy. Since you’re adding this to your wind down routine, feeling relaxed and sleepy is perfect. Read just a few pages, enough to calm the whole body, and then slip into bed for some deep and restful sleep.
If you’re not currently into reading, maybe it’s time to start. It doesn't have to be a classic novel … just any book, paper, or magazine that interests you is good enough. By adding a book to your nightly routine, you may find better rest, a more relaxed evening, and a nightly routine worth keeping long into the future.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Johns Creek, Ga.