Page 31 - Cornwall Issue 6 2024

LEISURE MATTERS

n this digital age where screens is derived from wood, it acts as a carbon Include variety if you’re already a big reader:
dominate daily life, the idea of sink, storing the carbon dioxide absorbed by If you love fiction, challenge yourself to give
reading a physical book, magazine trees during their growth. This sustainable non-fiction a try. You might find that topics of
or newspaper may seem old- cycle continues as harvested trees are a different nature create a more balanced
fashioned. The Paper Manufacturers replaced with new saplings, ensuring intellectual ‘diet’. Similarly, if you prefer
IAssociation of South Africa (PAMSA) that wood and paper remain renewable reading in a digital format, which
suggests that reading paper-based material resources. offers convenience and accessibility, add a
can be compared to maintaining a healthy paper book once in a while to offer a well-
diet. Digital devices are often considered ‘eco- rounded counterbalance.
friendly’, however e-readers and tablets
Jane Maloney, executive director of PAMSA, require significant resources to produce, Bring and share: Just like we bring a plate
says that just as a balanced diet is vital and irresponsible disposal contributes to of eats to a social gathering, take along a
for our physical health, so print and paper electronic waste. Additionally, the energy book that you think a friend may enjoy. You
provide benefits that nourish the mind in used to power and recharge digital devices can also donate books to a charity shop or
ways that digital formats can’t. “Reading can add up over time. second-hand bookstore.
paper books feeds the mind through
a more captivating experience, where BOOKS HELP TO DIGITALLY DETOX Jane Moloney concludes: “From my own
readers can absorb ideas and develop a Addiction expert Dr Anna Lembke, in her experience, I find that paper books truly
deeper understanding of the material,” she article entitled Constant Craving: How nourish my mind. They help me relax,
explains. Digital Media turned us all into Dopamine disconnect and escape into another world.
Addicts, says that our smartphones are In an ‘always on’ world, books remain my
Digital platforms are notorious for their making us dopamine junkies, with each healthiest choice.”
distractions such as adverts, hyperlinks swipe, tweet and like feeding our habit.
and notifications that draw our focus away We’re forever ‘interrupting ourselves for a
from the core content. In contrast, paper quick digital hit’.
books provide an uninterrupted reading Opting for a magazine or paper book over
experience, allowing for deep engagement digital content can help mitigate digital
with the content. People benefit from the overload, much like avoiding sugar or
more deliberate pace of reading paper- alcohol can curb unhealthy cravings.
based material, which enhances the
understanding and retention of information. TIPS TO GET YOU READING MORE
This is attributed to reduced distractions PAPER BOOKS
and the physicality of paper, which Read at regular intervals: Carve out ten
enhances spatial awareness and allows minutes each day to read a magazine,
for pen-to-paper annotations. An article newspaper or novel. You can even read
in Psychology Today entitled The Case for while enjoying breakfast or lunch, or treat
Paper: Books vs E-Readers, states that yourself to coffee and cake with a book as
turning pages in a book creates an ‘index’ in your date!
the brain, mapping what we read visually to If you’re a new reader, opt for bite-size
a particular page. reading: Large, hardback books can be
daunting, so opt for short, ‘snackable’
Just as consistent, healthy eating is key ones. It’s a great way to feel a sense of
to physical well-being, regularly reading accomplishment when you finish them.
paper books cultivates strong mental Discover the pleasure of your favourite
habits such as concentration, memory topic: Most people have a favourite meal
and critical thinking. Eating isn’t just about or treat, so find out what type of reading
nourishment; it’s also about savouring taste, material brings you the most pleasure. It
texture and smell. Reading paper books might be fiction in the form of romance,
appeals to our senses in a way that digital comedy or suspenseful thrillers, or non-
books fail to do. It has something to do with fiction on a range of topics.
the sensation of running our hands over a
beautifully illustrated or embossed cover, Keep ‘reading snacks’ in your car, handbag
or leafing through the pages. There is also or laptop bag: While waiting in a queue,
the appealing smell of a new novel, or even doctors’ rooms or sitting in the car, most
yellowed ageing parchment. of us will reach for our mobile phones and
scroll mindlessly through social media
PAPER BOOKS ARE AN ‘ORGANIC’ platforms. Instead, make sure you have a
CHOICE book or magazine on hand to while away the
Paper books store carbon and since paper time and feed your mind.

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Cornwall View • Issue 6 2024