Booked For A Break: Why Taking Time Off Helps Us Read Ourselves Better

Nowadays, being busy is often something people are proud of. Between school, work, and activities, it can feel like there's always something that needs to be done. Because of this, taking a break can feel like you aren't accomplishing anything. However, people aren't always meant to be "on."

I've noticed that when I'm tired or overwhelmed, reading isn't as enjoyable. It starts to feel like another task, and it's difficult to focus.

Taking the time to rest can change that. When we slow down, reading becomes something we want to do again instead of something we should do. Reading can also feel like a break from everything else. By opening a book, you're stepping away from your everyday routines and getting to read about different worlds, people, and ideas without having to leave home.

Reading can give us things like:

• a break from stress

• a chance to see how someone else could be living life

• a place to imagine different places and experiences

• quiet time to think

This is part of what makes libraries such an amazing space. They are places where people can take a break. Rest doesn't stop learning, it actually supports it. Physical rest helps our bodies recover, while mental breaks help by increasing creativity. Reading is a perfect in between because it's relaxing, but it also helps our minds grow.

In conclusion, being "booked for a break" might mean more than just taking some time off. Sometimes the best way to take a break is to slow down and open a book.

References

Edwards, Scott. “Reading and the Brain.” Harvard Medical School, 2016, hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/reading-brain.

Albulescu, Patricia, et al. ““Give Me a Break!” a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Micro-Breaks for Increasing Well-Being and Performance.” PLOS ONE, vol. 17, no. 8, 31 Aug. 2022, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9432722/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272460.

Akinchina, Alexandra . “Reading Enhances Imagination.” World Literacy Foundation, 11 Sept. 2019, worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-enhances-imagination/.