Reader’s Corner: Read those magazines!

Where does a good night’s sleep intersect with keeping up on the news? In a print book or magazine, that’s where! 

Call me old-fashioned (or just old), but while I’ll acknowledge the convenience of electronic reading for travel or an unanticipated delay in a customer lounge, I like the feel of a real book or magazine in my hand. And the research is on my side—studies and tests cited in a recent article on the Global English Editing website, as well as other sources, point to better sleep quality if one reads a print book or publication to wind down, as opposed to scrolling screens that emit blue light and mess with circadian rhythms. 

The topic got personal some months back, in talking with a friend whose struggles getting to sleep were actually creating medical issues. Not wanting that to happen, I started setting a definite screen shut-down time in the evenings, and then I discovered some really interesting things lying around my living room just waiting to be read! 

Books, obviously—I always have a stack on the side table and nightstand. But I had sometimes just allowed another great resource to pile up, too: Magazines! 

Some magazines come with the territory of being a donor or member of something, while others require an intentional subscription. I have both, and here are some of my favorites: 

• Christian Herbal Magazine – I had to subscribe to this one, but it’s well worth it! Just as the name implies, it’s about herbal medicine and remedies and overall wellness, without the New Age vibe and with a few recipes and garden tips thrown in. 

• The AMAC Magazine – I’m in the age demographic for the Association of Mature American Citizens, and this comes with the membership. It’s a great combination of health information, current events commentary, ideas for family time with grandkids and a decent crossword puzzle!  

• Arkansas Living – When we bought our house, we landed in the area between Table Rock Lake and the Arkansas state line that is served by an Arkansas rural electric cooperative. Since I have lots of relatives in our neighbor state and love to visit, I really enjoy the hiking trail suggestions and restaurant reviews, plus a great gardening column. Oh, and another good crossword puzzle! 

• Focus on the Family – This nonprofit’s baseline publication, sent to donors, is a wealth of ideas for parenting, grandparenting and marriage enrichment! 

• Imprimis – News and commentary from conservative Hillsdale College, with some of the best-thought-out responses to current events I’ve ever read. 

• And of course, the print Branson Globe! 

So, in addition to reading each evening from whatever book(s) I have going, I try to read an article or two from the current issues of these, and I’m so glad I started doing that! You may have your own stack—let me know some of your favorites!