Hello, and welcome back to a holiday season edition of the Travel Hi Five. While I was thinking of what to share with you this month, I began to think about the things this season brings. We can talk about the shopping, holiday parties, gift giving, family traditions and on and on ... Quite frankly some of that is a little stress inducing. It is all a given and hopefully worth that bit of stress so that we can make memories with our friends and families. What I really want to talk about though, is our need sometimes to quiet our mind.
My wife has always been a voracious reader. Her sisters and mom often trade books. When we have traveled to visit family, there are invariably one or two books that go with us to give away, while at least one or more comes back in the luggage. Now is a really good time of year to find some quiet moments to curl up with a good book. Reading is more than a leisure activity; it's a powerful tool that enhances brain function and alleviates stress. Engaging with books stimulates mental faculties, sharpens cognitive abilities and offers a sanctuary from daily pressures. So is travel, by the way, so why not combine the two, right?
Cognitive Enhancement Through Reading
Regular reading serves as a workout for the brain, promoting mental agility and resilience. It has been linked to improved memory, concentration and analytical thinking. Engaging with complex narratives and diverse vocabularies challenges the brain, fostering neural connections that enhance overall cognitive function. This mental stimulation can slow cognitive decline associated with aging, keeping the mind sharp and responsive. What to read? You know yourself best, so pick something you really like and get into it.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being
Immersing oneself in a good book can significantly reduce stress levels. In fact, a 2009 study by the University of Sussex found that reading can lower stress by up to 68%, surpassing other relaxation methods like listening to music or taking a walk. This effect is attributed to the escapism reading provides, allowing individuals to detach from daily stressors and engage in a different world. This mental diversion relaxes the body, reduces muscle tension and lowers the heart rate, contributing to overall emotional well-being.
Empathy and Social Understanding
Reading, especially fiction, enhances empathy by allowing readers to experience diverse perspectives and emotions. This practice improves social cognition and understanding, fostering better interpersonal relationships. By delving into characters' lives and challenges, readers develop a deeper appreciation for human experiences, promoting compassion and social connectedness.
For those seeking to combine the cognitive benefits of reading with the inspiration of travel, here are five notable travel-related books from 2024:
- "The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel" by Paige McClanahan: A favorite from Smithsonian Magazine, this nonfiction work examines the global tourism industry's impact, exploring both its benefits and challenges. McClanahan provides insights into sustainable travel practices and encourages readers to become mindful travelers.
- "My Vietnam, Your Vietnam" by Christina Vo and Nghia M. Vo: Also recommended by Smithsonian Magazine, this book is a dual memoir that contrasts the experiences of a Vietnamese father who fled his homeland and his American-born daughter who returns to explore her roots. This poignant narrative delves into themes of identity, heritage, and intergenerational trauma.
- "A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon" by Kevin Fedarko: Here, Fedarko recounts his ambitious journey traversing the Grand Canyon, offering a vivid portrayal of its landscapes and the challenges faced. This memoir highlights the beauty and perils of one of America's natural wonders and comes highly recommended from Live Wildly, a UK-based travel blog.
- "James" by Percival Everett: While this novel is not specifically “travel related,” it continues to show up as a top fiction book of 2024, including on lists scribed by the New York Times. It is a reworking of Mark Twain’s classic “Huckleberry Finn,” this time though, from the view of the enslaved man James who travels with Huck down the Mississippi River. Described as a literary hat trick, readers enjoy the way the book confronts the “horrors from American history” and “emerges as a work of exquisite originality.” Side note: If you have not been on the mighty Mississippi River, I highly recommend reconnecting to its own part of American history as a travel destination right in our own back yard.
- "Voyages" by Sidetracked Magazine and gestalten: A visually stunning compilation that celebrates adventures in the world's wildest places, from ski mountaineering in Tajikistan to sailing remote areas of the South Pacific. According to Live Wildly, this coffee table book serves as both inspiration and a visual journey for travel enthusiasts.
Incorporating reading into your daily routine not only enriches the mind but also provides a tranquil escape from life's stresses during this holiday season. By exploring travel literature, readers can embark on journeys of discovery and reflection, all from the comfort of their own space. Happy reading, and here’s to your success as well as a joyous holiday season and new year!
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