Reading is one of the nation’s favourite hobbies and November 13 to 19 marks the annual celebration of Book Week Scotland.
Specsavers has joined forces with Scottish Book Trust to celebrate the national week and the many benefits of reading – and to offer readers the chance to bag a fantastic prize bundle.
About Book Week Scotland
This week, events are taking place in communities all over Scotland to encourage people of all ages to embrace this rewarding hobby.
Scottish Book Trust - a national charity which prioritises changing lives with both reading and writing – has chosen “Adventure” as its theme for this year.
Every year it publishes a book featuring personal stories written by the people of Scotland inspired by the theme. The top submissions have made it into print and 70,000 copies are available free through libraries and community spaces, and audio and e-book versions are also available.
Why Specsavers is supporting Book Week Scotland
Arlene Stephenson, Specsavers' Scottish divisional chair, says: "Specsavers Scotland is proud to join in this nationwide celebration of reading. It’s a wonderful form of escapism, a chance to learn something new, and has an array of benefits.
"During this national week, Specsavers wants to encourage Scots to take a moment to think about their eye health, to make sure their reading environment is as comfortable as possible.
"This is particularly important in today’s world with the increased use of digital devices. Since March 2020 eye strain issues have become particularly common, with one in three people noticing a deterioration in their eyesight as a result of increased screen time during the pandemic."
Top tips for reducing eye strain
- Take regular breaks and remember the 20-20-20 rule – take a break every 20m by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Get the lighting right with the light source behind you, directed onto the page.
- Take advantage of e-book features to change text size and colour and adjust screen brightness.
- Remember to blink. We often blink less when concentrating so give yourself a reminder.
- Go for regular eye examinations which are recommended every two years, or sooner if you have any concerns.
Benefits of reading
It’s widely known that reading has many benefits, not only for your mental wellbeing but also for your physical health. Why not set yourself a reading challenge to read one book a month? If you’re looking for more reasons to pick up a book, keep reading!
Reduces stress
Life can be stressful but Scottish Book Trust’s Reading in Scotland: Reading over lockdown report revealed 92 per cent of survey respondents said reading has been important to them in times of stress and anxiety. An overwhelming majority – 97 per cent – also said reading helps them to relax, so why not put your feet up and get your head into a new novel?
Strengthens your brain
Research shows that reading regularly helps exercise your brain – think of it as a workout for your brain that improves memory function. It also helps improve concentration and focus which is why it’s important to start reading with children at a young age. A study from 2013 also found significant reductions in dementia symptom severity among patients following participation in reading groups in hospitals and care homes.
Reduces isolation
Scottish Book Trust’s 2020 report also highlighted that many people (64 per cent) feel less isolated if they’re reading a good book. As well as providing a great form of entertainment, it can help you bond with other people. Indeed 46 per cent of survey respondents reported that they speak about reading with new people and bond over their passion for books.
Improves sleep
For many of us, our screen time is higher than ever. Remember that by picking up a physical book as part of your bedtime routine, you can help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. Try and set aside your phone and read off-screen instead. Since reading helps de-stress the mind and calm any anxiety, it can improve the overall quality of your sleep.
Your chance to win
To celebrate Book Week Scotland 2023, Specsavers Scotland has teamed up with Scottish Book Trust to offer readers the chance to win a fantastic prize bundle.
Ten lucky winners will get their hands on a £149 Specsavers voucher and a selection of Scottish Book Trust goodies – a tote bag, enamel pin badge, and a copy of this year’s Book Week Scotland book, ‘Adventure’.
If you’re lucky enough to win this exclusive prize package, you can redeem the voucher at your nearest Specsavers store where you can browse our latest spec ranges. You’ll find a range of styles and designer names including Adidas, Hugo Eyewear, Marc Jacobs and Vivienne Westwood to name a few.
The competition runs all week, so if you want to find out more and be in with a chance of winning, click here. (*T&Cs apply)
Find your nearest Specsavers store
If you want to find out more about the glasses and contact lens options available at Specsavers simply visit www.specsavers.co.uk where you can also book eye examinations, contact lens appointments and hearing tests.
*T&Cs apply: Competition ends on 19/11/23
