If there was a better time to read, then the current pandemic that we are going through is that time.

We have to read to keep abreast of the evolving information about this novel coronavirus, Covid-19. It is a new and deadly virus, and so far no cure has been found, and therefore protection and prevention is the best strategy that can be used.

It is not our intention to go into details about the virus or the signs and symptoms of virus-infected persons nor the health consequences that follow. We are not health experts. You should be following the instructions and advice from the health authorities to get the most accurate and up to date information. Call 1676 for more information about Covid-19 or checkout https://covid19.health.gov.mv

The purpose of this post is to remind you about the beauty of reading and the value of books. Keeping informed is one thing. Reading is also a way to expand your horizon, learn and experience other places and cultures without moving outside of your home. That is why we are saying there has not been any time better than now to read more.

If you have not been a reader before, this is a good time to discover the wonders of reading. In this worldwide pandemic, health authorities are advising us to practice social distancing, or rather a physical distancing, and to stay inside the safety of our homes. As a result of schools being closed, government offices being closed with only basic services kept open, the time has slowed down. Our busy lives have slowed down for many.

We do understand we are living in a generation of boundless access to online information which has reduced our attention span so much more than what it was for our ancestors. According to a study by Microsoft, the average human being now has an attention span of ONLY eight seconds. Most internet users spend less than one minute on the average website. Equipped with our smart electronic gadgets, the quick bytes of information that is shared worldwide on social media is so much more accessible and in some ways more appealing than ‘reading’.

“Our attention span gets affected by the way we do things,” says Ted Selker, an expert in the online equivalent of body language at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US. And he further states that”if we spend our time flitting from one thing to another on the web, we can get into a habit of not concentrating”.

And that is exactly what we see happening. Few people these days have the attention span to read a book from start to end. However, there is so much known benefits for reading. Among many, here are a few:

  • By getting absorbed in the assortment of characters, and backgrounds, and subplots of a book, your memory improves naturally.
  • By exploring the inner lives of characters in literary fiction, you get to understand a variety of human feelings, emotions, pain and happiness, and this can increase your ability to empathise.
  • By keeping your brain active and engaged, reading provides mental stimulation and can be a factor for better health even in your old age.
  • Expand your knowledge horizon by getting exposed to cultures and places where you might never be able to go physically.
  • Reading a well-written novel or engaging article can help distract you, even if momentarily, from any stressful situation you are facing and thereby help reduce stress.
  • By engaging long enough in reading a book (because you can’t multitask while reading) it improves focus and concentration and thereby your attention span.
  • Reading is one way to effectively practise mindfulness, which is so essential for your health and wellbeing.

Stay home, stay safe and take care.

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Written by Aminath Riyaz, MLA Editor

Photo collage virtually coordinated and prepared by Aminath Shiuna, MLA President, supported by Aminath Riyaz

Photo participants are librarians and library advocates from the Maldives. Participants in the order of the placard (right to left, from top row) are:

  • Aishath Thanee, MLA Council member
  • Mahasin Ahmed Didi, Director General, National Library
  • Hawwa Nabaha Amir, Librarian, National Library
  • Athiyya Shakeel, Librarian, Villa College
  • Zaheena Ibrahim, MLA Council member
  • Sanfa Hassan, Assistant Librarian, Maavashu School
  • Salwa Kareem, Assistant Librarian, Afeefudhin School
  • Aminath Shiuna, Director of National Library
  • Aminath Risfa, Library Assistant, Rasmaadhoo School
  • Aishath Shabana, former President of MLA and former Librarian of the Maldives National University
  • Aminath Hasma, MLA Training Officer
  • Laxmi Haawin, Librarian, Ahmadhiyya International School