Many of us may not know that every year on August 9th, people around the US celebrate National Book Lover’s Day! However, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many of us most likely haven’t had the chance to really sit down and enjoy a good book.

What many of us don’t realize is that reading books offers many mental health benefits reading has such as helping you relax, sleep better and have overall lower levels of stress and depression. In fact, if you read less than 6 minutes a day your stress levels are reduced by 60%, your muscle tension is at ease and it can alter your state of mind as well as preventing memory loss. In many ways’ books can also act as an escape from reality, so it’s a great way to fill in extra time during the pandemic!

No matter if you’re an avid reader or if you’re just getting back into it, are some things you can do to celebrate National Book Lover’s Day:

• Stop by Your Local Library. If able, walking to your nearby library is a great time to stray from social media and technology and take in your surroundings. When at the library you may want to try to check out a book or two that you normally would not. If your library is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, check on their website about checking out books online.

• Start A Book Club. Hosting a book club is a great way to celebrate with fellow book lovers. Reading can submerge you and your fellow book lovers to a new world. Reading with others and holding discussions can also improve your mental health. Zoom and Facebook are great ways to keep in touch and connect with others while practicing social distancing.

• Take Part in A Book Exchange. A book exchange can bring you closer to your community, when we are feeling alone and or separate from ourselves. we can turn to each other and a common interest. Not only do you learn more about those in your community. You can organize book exchanges through free apps like next door. Or there may be donation sites in your neighborhood, such as a “take a book leave a book” and others.

• Donate. Do you have any old, new or maybe a book you haven’t read in a while? If so, donate them! Libraries are always accepting donations and it is a great way to give back to your community.