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Shelf-care: 5 Reasons Why Reading Improves your Wellbeing
31 Jul 2024
In pursuit of better self-care, people are increasingly seeking the latest products, experiences, or practices to achieve their wellness goals. By 2027, the wellness market is set to skyrocket to a staggering $8.5 trillion, driven by our collective desire for a holistic approach to a healthy and joyful life. But what if the key to wellness lies in something as simple as a captivating novel? While studies over the years have struggled to pinpoint exactly what makes this pastime so special, it's clear that reading is more than a hobby—it's a life hack with numerous positive effects. Reading can prevent feelings of loneliness, reduce stress, enhance empathy, improve sleep quality, boost self-esteem, and even contribute to a longer life. Earlier this month we sat down with our friends at
Country & Town House
to explore this idea further. We've shared some of the key points here. ~
In today's digital world, where excessive screen use is common, our body's natural sleep-wake rhythm is easily disrupted. Better sleep hygiene has become a key priority for many, but instead of rushing out to buy sleep gadgets or aids, top experts propose a simple alternative to combat insomnia: forget counting sheep, and instead get out of bed, find a cosy spot, and lose yourself in a good book until you feel tired.
~Sleep is a key focus for wellness travellers, with 43% viewing their holiday as an opportunity to improve sleep quality. Embracing the sleep tourism trend, we've collaborated with hotels to curate collections of books that complement their pioneering sleep programs. At Six Senses Kanuhura guests can see a sleep doctor, attend yoga and meditation classes, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, and unwind with a book to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.
They say reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Books are not only a great source of knowledge, but also unearth new dimensions of ourselves and the world around us, boosting our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The term 'bibliotherapy', coined by Caroline Shrodes in 1949, hinges on the idea that literature accesses our unconscious mind through our imagination. Identifying with characters in books who face challenges similar to our own helps us process difficult emotions and activates the brain areas that control real-life experiences. A study by Emory University shows that even imagining activities described in books, like running, stimulates neurons associated with the physical activities, improving brain connectivity for days, honing skills like decision-making, planning, and prioritising.
Reflecting on the transformative power of reading, Maya Angelou remarked, 'when I look back, I am so impressed again with the life-giving power of literature.' This notion has been backed by countless research. During Lockdown, a study by the Scottish Book Trust found that an impressive 98% of participants reported that reading significantly boosted their overall well-being. And Reading Agency's nationwide programme, aimed at alleviating loneliness in adults with dementia, found that 88% of participants valued the increased social interactions stemming from reading-inspired discussions.
By curating libraries with accessible philosophy books for lifestyle hotels like Nobu London, we provide guests with global insights that pave the way to a more fulfilling and enriching state of being.
According to neurophysiologist Dr. David Lewis, 'losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation.' His researchers monitored the stress levels and heart rates of test subjects during various activities and found that reading a book reduced stress more effectively than listening to music, drinking tea or coffee, or taking a walk. While some might think that reading requires intense mental effort, making it seem less relaxing, the opposite is true. The ability to linger on or skim through words makes reading an immersive experience, perfect for escaping the day's challenges. In fact, 92% of readers agree that books have provided them solace during times of stress or anxiety and 97% find it helps them relax.
And finally, reading a chapter a day might actually keep the doctor away! A Yale University study of 3,635 people discovered that bookworms tend to live nearly two years longer on average. Additional research highlights that reading can significantly slow brain aging, leading to improvements in memory, visuospatial skills, and attention.
Recognising these benefits, Ultimate Library have collaborated with later living residences across London to curate dedicated library spaces. The collection at Riverstone Kensington spans genres such as classic literature, biographies, visual arts, natural history, and sustainable living. Carefully chosen books provide residents with a blend of entertainment, inspiration, and practical knowledge, creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment that enhances their overall wellbeing and mental health.
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We believe in the power of books to create a sense of place and new perspectives. Our bespoke book collections have a great impact on a guest’s overall experience of a hotel or resort. It’s small extras like books in rooms and library spaces that make a guest’s stay extra special, and many of our clients receive high praise for their book collections. For private clients they make a house their home.
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