A good book helps us to stay fit, healthy and sleep well…

Sunny days and warm evenings are the perfect time to sit down with your favourite book, especially if you are just about to head off on a summer break. 

Reading has many benefits, it strengthens the brain and builds our vocabulary and also helps to prevent cognitive decline. It’s also a great way to relieve stress, as it allows the mind to focus on something else, this relaxes us and in turn helps us sleep better. It is also thought to help prolong lifespan, so a good book is more than just a great read, it’s full of health benefits too!

With social media so dominant in our everyday lives many of us feel we have lost our connection with reading, English Mania highlights a survey in the UK that explores whether social media is killing books and concludes that reading enriches ones’ intellectual abilities. Depth in reading helps to develop the mind and personality of a person; it provides insights into human problems, and influences attitudes and behaviour. In other words, reading helps to mould a person’s character. 

So what to read… there is so much out there it’s often hard to choose, many of us rely on the bookshop or online retailer to suggest reads, a top ten or reviews to point us in the direction of what we should be reading. Whatever you choose to read in the words of Dr Seuss, “ The more that you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go”

At Dust & Pine we strongly believe all women should feel confident and comfortable, whether that’s on a walk outdoors, at the gym or hitting the pavement but we also believe that feeling fit and healthy isn’t just about getting outdoors, it’s a feeling and strength that comes from within so we often find a moment to reap the benefits and enjoy a good book. Fiction helps us escape for awhile and let our imagination run free, whereas a spot of non-fiction teaches us something and leads us to consider new ideas and opinions.  

Here are some of our current favourites - 

The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Prevent Dementia by Dr Lisa Mosconi

Taking on all aspects of women's health, including brain fog, memory lapses, depression, stress, insomnia, hormonal imbalances and the increased risk of dementia, Dr. Mosconi introduces cutting-edge, evidence-based methods for protecting the female brain, encompassing diet, stress reduction and sleep. She also examines the effectiveness of hormonal replacement therapy, addresses the perils of environmental toxins and explores the role of our microbiome. Luckily, it is never too late to take care of yourself. 

FUELLED FIT AND FIRED UP: UNLEASH THE POWER OF A HEALTHY LIFE by David Rogers

Realise your potential using a straightforward approach to living a healthier and happier life. Equally impactful in personal and professional life, Fuelled, Fit and Fired Up provides practical techniques that will enhance your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Be empowered to make sustainable lifestyle choices, take control and create new long-lasting habits. Are you ready to unleash the power of a healthy life?

Luster by Raven Leilani

Leilani’s story of Edie, a broke 23-year-old black woman who gets involved with a wealthy older white couple, cuts to the quick of the often grim realities of being young and black in the US today. But it’s wincingly funny, too, Edie’s dry observational narration dissecting office, racial and sexual politics – and the way all three intersect, uneasily – amid the grind of city living and online dating. Recently reviewed by The Guardian it’s definitely worth a read.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

If you loved Big Little Lies and The Undoing then you are sure to love this. Shortly to be screened on Amazon Prime as a drama set in a rural Australian boutique health and wellness resort, where nine stressed out city dwellers come for some much needed rest with a side of personal transformation. It has a great cast including Nicole Kidman - so if you like to read the book ahead of watching, now is the time!

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston 

A magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time. August's subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there's one big problem: Jane doesn't just look like an old school punk rocker. She's literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it's time to start believing in some things, after all.

So wherever and however you choose to read this Summer we hope we have given you a little inspiration. As an outdoors brand we usually grab a flask of tea or a bottle of water and head off to one of our favourite places to read but you might prefer to hit the sofa, throw your legs in the air and just escape!