Focus Artesia Spring 2023 | Books With Benefits Focus Artesia Spring 2023 | Books With Benefits

Spring—the quintessential time for new beginnings, starting fresh, the slingshot from the dregs of winter into the full-swing of summer.

New Year’s resolutions are still (hopefully) alive and well, with hope that this is finally the year we succeed.

Regardless of our specific resolutions and goals for this year (personally, my “get back in the weight room” goal is looking sporadic, to put it kindly, at the moment), most fall under one of three categories—mental, physical, or emotional health. Interestingly enough, there is one thing everyone can add to their to-do list that will help in all three of these categories.

Read.

Hear me out.

I appreciate that reading is not everyone’s cup of tea. It takes patience, time, and a devoted attention span (if you are easily distracted, see the end for tips and tricks on how to maintain focus when reading). All of that is fair. But have you ever considered the benefits of reading just a minimal amount can afford our mental, emotional, and even physical health?

According to healthline.com (and a plethora of other research sites), reading reduces stress, strengthens brain activity, develops vocabulary, eases depression, and even helps us sleep.

The best part is there is no recommended amount to read to enjoy these benefits. Some may have hours to curl up on their couch with a coffee or tea and read while others may struggle to carve out even half an hour. But the point is, everyone can do it at their own pace. Small bits or giant chunks, you just have to start somewhere.

“I don’t have time to read.” You may be thinking. I would bet you may have more time than you realize, it is just occupied by other matters.

A recent study conducted by wordsrated.com showed that Americans spend nearly three hours per day watching TV. What is the average time we spend reading? Less than half an hour. I am an avid movie lover myself, and I do not see that changing any time soon, but there is a reason the phrase “The book is better” has continued to ring true to this day. Movies and shows are great because they are effortlessly entertaining—just flip the show on, shut the mind off, and you are transported into another world. Nothing will ever compare to the depth and details that arrive when you open a book.

Maybe you do not watch a ton of TV. Chances are, there are other distractions, like social media, that you can trim down to carve out some reading time. The average person spends hours scrolling through social media on a daily basis. What if just a small fraction of that time was devoted to reading?

Or what if some of that social media time was used to aid in your reading journey? Ironically, social media has made it easier than ever to jump back into modern literature. Open a search bar in TikTok and type #booktok, or #booktube on YouTube, and you will find more videos on book reviews and recommendations than you could sift through in a lifetime. You can even search content by genre if you know what type of stories that interest you.

Not into physical books? Apps like Audible make it easy to access books through audio narration. You can literally be transported into any fictional world while you do the dishes, mow the lawn, or type away at the nine-to-five.

But Artesians do not have to solely rely on technology for their reading journey. The Artesia Public Library has been a never-ending resource for years in the community, and it continues to provide individualized assistance to would-be readers. In addition to a great digital and physical inventory (and a willingness to order in almost any book upon request), the library holds dozens of events every year that seek to promote literacy and textual engagement for the entire community. One of their biggest events is the Summer Reading Program.

The theme for 2023 is “All Together Now.”

Valerie Martin, our Library’s Supervisor, explains the theme further, “Readers of all ages will be invited to join the Artesia Public Library in reading challenges, programs, and activities centered around themes of friendship, kindness, community, and teamwork.”

In addition to the reading program, there will be the usual story time for families, craft times, and other miscellaneous events and activities for people in all stages of life.

Interested in starting your reading journey but not sure where to start? I have you covered. I have compiled a list of recommendations from every major genre that are perfect for anyone looking to either start reading or dive back in after a long hiatus (check it out below!).

There is no right or wrong way to dive into reading. Find a genre or book that looks interesting, and in your spare time, go for it! If it helps rid you of the lethargic attitude that reading can sometimes generate, download an app like Goodreads to set a goal and track your progress. My hope is not to push people to fall in love with reading (though I hope some of you do!), but that some at least make reading a small part of their journey in 2023.

Whether it is social media platforms, a google search, or the public library, there are thousands of good books just a step away, waiting to help you improve your life. So, open a book. Or pop in your headphones and press play. Your head, heart, and body will thank you for it.

Tips on staying focused while reading:

Go to a quiet place with minimal noises/ distractions.
Find something besides the book to hold in one hand while you read (this could be a fidget toy, stress ball, bookmark, or pen/pencil).
If you get lost on the page, use a piece of paper or your bookmark to follow along the lines while you are reading.
Listen to white noise or background music (same song on a loop, so your mind is not distracted every time a new song starts).*

*Note: this one is not for everyone but is very helpful for kids with ADHD