Today, on September 6th, we celebrate National Read a Book Day! This day is in place to help us switch off the real-world issues we deal with every day and relax, by slipping into the sweet bliss of a fiction or even a nonfiction book. Books can give mental  escape that so many of us crave and release us into a world that is all our own.

HOW TO CELEBRATE
The best way to celebrate this day is to set aside some time, sit down, and read a book! However, if you want to add to the celebration even further, you can give some books to your local library or find a friend or loved one to read to. Reading is always a fun thing to do, but it is even better when done with someone you love.

THE BENEFITS OF READING
Book reading isn’t just for kids. It is very important that adults take time to read every day. Some of the benefits are:

Physical Health – Studies have shown that reading is an important part of your daily routine. It helps to calm your mind and body, which will reduce the stress of the day. Take a nice hot bath, grab a mug or glass of your favorite beverage, sit on your back porch, or just curl up on your couch and relax and let your mind delve into a different world.

Mental Improvement – There are so many books in the world, fiction and non-fiction, and all of them can improve your mind. Fiction can help expand your vocabulary and teach you to use your imagination and think outside-the-box. Non-fiction can teach you new skills or improve on old ones. When your mind is constantly learning, it becomes more active, stronger and you can control and use it more efficiently.

Emotional Wellbeing – When you calm your body and focus your mind away from your problems, it can relieve stress, quiet your nerves and cause a feeling of tranquility and peace. What a wonderful way to end your day!

CURRENTLY BEING READ BY THE DESTINATION SOUTH TEAM
Reading is a habit that we encourage the team at Destination South Meetings + Events to partake in. It’s been proven that a good book can be a catalyst to help spark the process of creativity and innovation. Want to know what our team is currently reading? We’re sharing below!

Rachel Maguire: The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Jamie Lea Shiver: Boss Bitch by Nicole Lapin
Tim Barrett, CMP: The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South by John T. Edge

Lorri McQueary: Meet Me In The Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011
by Lizzy Goodman
Andy Williams, CMP, TMP: The Southerner’s Handbook: A Guide to Living the Good Life
by the Editions of Garden & Gun

So, what are you waiting for? We encourage you to sit back, relax, and open the gift that you can experience over and over again…a BOOK!