Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain. Books are the polar opposite of this. The format forces you to dive beneath the surface, understanding the body of water that makes up the shimmering surface. One of my worst nightmares is losing my ability to think as I age. Reading fiction allows us to delve into the emotional journey of a character. Those who read have an increased ability to empathise with the feelings and beliefs of others, according to this study. Reading Well is a scheme by the National Health Service allowing doctors to prescribe self-help books to help manage depression. Through imaging the brain, this study showed that reading improves our ability to process visual and verbal information. Enhancing visual processing can enhance our creativity and imagination. Improving verbal processing allows us to think and, subsequently, speak with more clarity.

Reading Changes your Brain, let me explain. Books are the polar opposite of this. The format forces you to dive beneath the surface, understanding the body of water that makes up the shimmering surface. One of my worst nightmares is losing my ability to think as I age. Reading fiction allows us to delve into the emotional journey of a character. Those who read have an increased ability to empathise with the feelings and beliefs of others, according to this study. Reading Well is a scheme by the National Health Service allowing doctors to prescribe self-help books to help manage depression. Through imaging the brain, this study showed that reading improves our ability to process visual and verbal information. Enhancing visual processing can enhance our creativity and imagination. Improving verbal processing allows us to think and, subsequently, speak with more clarity.

"The Lego Bin". Interesting to see "Lego Bin" being used to describe the process of curating and learning in a collaborative way. Memo: GoOpen OER. We soon learned that the real magic lay in the repository of disassembled Lego pieces. But while our creative process was in full swing, there were some annoyances; for example, having to dig for a long time just to find the tiny (but perfect) piece to turn our idea into a finished product. The entire process was very linear and didn't require me to be creative. Essentially, I was not challenging my thinking very far beyond following instructions and not getting the best fit to my needs. Then I found out about IKEA hacks. There is a burgeoning community of creative individuals who design unique creations or "hacks" with IKEA's parts. They reassemble the furniture in a way that the instructions do not direct or anticipate.

Upon reflection, I realized that there are common points between reading and the Lego Bin. Both activities encourage us to think beyond the surface and engage in a creative process. Reading allows us to explore the depths of a character's emotions and beliefs, while the Lego Bin allows us to experiment and create unique designs. In both cases, we are challenging our thinking and expanding our imaginative capacity.

Furthermore, both activities have the potential to improve our cognitive abilities. Reading has been shown to enhance our ability to process visual and verbal information, which can improve our creativity and clarity of thought. Similarly, engaging in the Lego Bin can stimulate our problem-solving skills and encourage us to think outside the box. By pushing the boundaries of our thinking, we can develop new perspectives and find innovative solutions to challenges.

So, how can we incorporate the benefits of reading and the Lego Bin into our daily lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Set aside dedicated time for reading: Just like setting aside time for the Lego Bin, allocate a specific time in your day to read. Whether it's before bed or during your lunch break, make reading a priority. Start with a manageable goal, such as reading 10 pages a day, and gradually increase it. By making reading a habit, you will reap the cognitive and emotional benefits.

2. Engage in creative projects: Whether it's through the Lego Bin or other creative endeavors, find ways to challenge your thinking and engage in imaginative projects. This could involve DIY crafts, painting, or even writing. By actively participating in creative activities, you can enhance your problem-solving skills and expand your creative capacity.

3. Join or create a community of like-minded individuals: Just as there is a community of Lego enthusiasts and IKEA hackers, seek out communities or create your own where you can share ideas, collaborate, and learn from others. By surrounding yourself with individuals who share your interests and passions, you can foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and creativity.

In conclusion, reading and the Lego Bin offer unique opportunities to stimulate our thinking and expand our creativity. By incorporating dedicated reading time, engaging in creative projects, and joining or creating a community, we can harness the benefits of both activities. So, let's dive into the depths of literature and embrace the world of creative possibilities.