With less lawn watering required and other outdoor projects rained out, these recent summer storms have allowed for extra reading. For me, nothing is more satisfying than to read an enthralling account as lightning, thunder, and watery percussion provide soundtrack to fade the world into the background while pulling me deep into the story.
And that allowed more entries in our Adult Summer Reading program. Wasn’t it fun? Many adults completed at least five books to receive a mug with the welcome commands: EAT, SLEEP, READ. Since those are already favorite activities, the suggestion doesn’t meet with much resistance. However, author Tom Rath is quite convincing as he proposes that we “Eat Move Sleep.”
Having first been introduced to his written work through an all-staff training using Strengthsfinder 2.0, I was familiar with his talent for synthesizing much information into understandable, applicable terms. I’d just waded through a morass of repeated, unnecessary exposition in what was supposed to be an inspirational read, so a book by Rath appealed to my get-to-the-point plea. He did not disappoint.
His straightforward, easy-to-read, and consistent lay-out allows a reader to see, as the subtitle states, “How Small Choices Lead to Big Changes.” He begins by telling us why he has a personal stake in choosing to make healthy choices. Then he illuminates simple ways that we can make changes to create better health for ourselves.
I especially appreciate his disclaimer and allowance for each reader: “Every person has a unique individual situation and should use common sense in combination with advice from a healthcare professional.”
Rath is more than familiar with our need to make our own choices. His style of persuasion is so unobtrusive yet convincing that we are ready to get moving, to make better eating choices, and to try improving our sleep time. On page 10 he explains, “If you eat, move, and sleep well today, you will have more energy tomorrow. You will treat your friends and family better. You will achieve more at work and give more to your community.”
The author also inserts motivating one-liners that lift your thoughts from too-much-effort to I-can-do-it. Here are a few: “To fuel creativity now and prevent memory loss over time, get walking”; “a bit of activity can be more effective than a [sleeping] pill”; and “the quality of what you eat matters far more than the overall quantity.” The narrative isn’t bogged down with medical or technical jargon or reports. He does provide 23 pages of references for readers who need professional documentation. His 30-day challenge precedes the reference section and websites and links are also included.
One way to get moving and improve our mental acuity is by coming to the Green River library to soak in some information. Charlie Love is bringing bones and forensic anthropology accounts to deliver in his enthusiastic style at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17. Love will focus on “Snaggle-tooth Sal” and the search for her identification.
The first of the winter Ghost Walks will be Friday, Sept. 26. If you haven’t purchased tickets, there might be a chance a few are still available.
Photography for Kids in grades 1 through 4 is being presented by Karen Cotton on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. Students should bring a digital camera.
Sept. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. the library is hosting a Super Saturday Lego Party for school-age children. The following Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m., Lego Man Curtis Mork will lead continue the Lego fun.
So, let’s get going. According to Rath and to several fit friends, engaging in reading while moving is not only possible but beneficial in both physical and mental realms. In order to put into action what he’s professing, Rath wrote his entire book on a recumbent bike workstation he put together himself. One friend chooses large print texts that she reads while running on her treadmill.
Some find e-readers are easier to manage while engaging in activity. Many patrons listen to Playaways or books downloaded on their iPods.
It’s obvious by the health concerns of so many of us that we should make an effort to improve our chances of staying or getting healthy. “Eat Move Sleep” is one book that can help illuminate why and how we can make these small choices that will lead us to better choices.
Of course, enjoying a good read while we move, indoors or out, at the gym or around the block, can only help to improve our minds.
Come on in and check it out.
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