Do you have a favourite reading spot? For some it may be curling up in your bed, relaxing in your favourite chair or sat in a quiet corner of your home, away from the hustle and bustle of life. However, perhaps it’s time to take the books outside, as there are benefits of combining Bibliophilia with Biophilia…
What Are Biophilia and Bibliophilia?
Put simply, Biophilia is the innate instinct of humans to connect with nature and other living things; this can be achieved by becoming more at one with nature and going back to basics. Bibliophilia is the absolute adoration of books and reading; putting these two things together and adding a Breeze House into the mix, is sure to create a perfect idyll.
For Breeze House owners, their wooden gazebo provides everything they need to make it their ideal book snug; good literature and the great outdoors are a match made in heaven, and your garden retreat is the perfect spot to enjoy the two.
Exercise Your Mind
Reading is a great way to embrace a daily digital detox, allowing your mind to wander to new places, escape the stresses of modern life and distract you to the point of relaxation. Of course, technology is fantastic, but sometimes we need to learn to embrace switching off from the constant distractions and notifications and allow ourselves to get truly lost in a great book, taking pleasure in every page turn and letting time run away.
After a long day at work your automatic reaction may be to switch on a Netflix series and mentally check out for the evening, but your brain is like any other muscle in the body – it needs to be exercised to stay fit and healthy. The more you use it, the more you can help it ward off diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. But not only that, reading actually improves your memory too. As there is so much to remember when reading fiction, for instance (characters, plots, sub-plots, places, back-stories), your brain does a great job at picking it all up right where you left off. For every memory you create like this, your brain creates a new synapse and strengthens existing ones. This means better short-term memory overall and a healthier, more active brain.
Switch Off and Switch Up
Reading can also improve your day-to-day focus and concentration. In our digitally obsessed world, an average 5-minutes time slot in the day can involve your attention being pulled in a myriad of directions which can over time allow stress levels to rise and productivity levels to plummet. On the other hand, when you’re reading a book, the world around you melts away as you are absorbed in the pages. If you incorporate 15-20 minutes reading before work in the morning, you may be surprised how much easier you find concentrating on the task in hand at the office.
The peacefulness of a lush garden setting can only enhance the time spent with your nose in a good book, turning it into a multi-sensory experience; The rush of the wind through the trees, the chirping of birds, the scent of the earth after rain… an idyllic spot to quietly enjoy some time to yourself.
Studies have shown that sometimes the subject you read about can bring about immense inner peace and tranquility too; reading spiritual texts can lower blood pressure and bring about a sense of calm, while reading self-help books is proven to boost people’s moods as they put the reader on a path to self-improvement and fulfilment.
Be sure to find time to curl up inside your Breeze House this autumn and get lost in a great read.
Top Tips for Reading in Your Breeze House
Get Comfortable
You’re probably already kitted out with bench cushions and a selection of plush scatter cushions, but don’t be afraid to bring more outside to make yourself the ultimate pillow fort. If your Oval Breeze House has the daybed conversion, we highly recommend setting this up. You’ll never want to leave!
Set the Mood
We don’t know about you, but sometimes music with lyrics can become quite distracting when you’re concentrating on your favourite novel. Keep your ears entertained with this chilled classical selection or this funky lo-fi playlist.
Keep Warm
As the weather starts to edge towards autumn temperatures, make sure to keep toasty. Switch on the heaters and make sure to bring your comfiest throw into the garden with you, as well as your fluffy socks.
Bring Sustenance
We’ll leave exactly what snacks you choose to devour up to you, just make sure to bring them with you. Fill up a flask to save trips to the kitchen for top ups of your hot drink, or just reach over and open the fridge for your favourite bottle of chilled vino, if your Breeze House has a wine cooler cabinet.
To find the right Breeze House for your reading nook, head to your nearest showsite and speak to a member of our expert team.
