THE IMPORTANCE OF READING IN OUR LIVES

Books play a great role in our lives.

Today, reading is less and less popular with young people and adults. Young people have lost their reading habits due to the influence and impact of social networks. They prefer to consult a Facebook account, check Twitter, send WhatsApp messages, see the photos of friends, publish their own content … in short, they prefer to be up to date instead of taking the time to read a book, a novel, the Bible, a magazine, and so on.

There are many reasons why reading is recommended: reading strengthens the mind, enriches our vocabulary and reinforces our command of language, since every time we read, we come across several words. Reading makes us feel the experiences of others, takes us out of our world, shapes our personality and increases our self-esteem.

Scientific studies (a study published in 2001 in the scientific journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”) have shown that daily reading can ward off and even prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In fact, by keeping the brain active at all times, we maintain and reserve its capabilities. Exercise the brain and stimulate the intellect.

In addition, reading prevents and reduces stress. A 2009 study by the British University of Sussex concluded that reading is the most effective way to combat stress. As soon as we start reading, our mind is forced to concentrate on what is written; In doing so, we forget for a while our worries, concerns … reading even entertains us more than listening to music.

It is better to read a little while we lack sleep and, however, we should also avoid reading on smartphones, tablets, or computers before sleeping.

These electronic devices emit blue light (LED) that alters the quality of sleep, alters the biological clock, and damages the eyes.

Finally, reading helps us understand many things, educates us, raises our intellectual level, and changes our way of understanding the world. Simone de Beauvoir said: “Reading is the key that opened the world to me.”

SR NTUMBA Thérèse and                      

SR TALAMAKU Berthe