This Is How Reading Can Be Beneficial for One’s Health

Although she previously lived and worked in Paris, France, Justina Helkov currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she cares for her family and spends time outdoors. In her leisure time, Justina Helkov loves to read, a pastime that can have numerous mental and emotional benefits.

Sitting down and getting engrossed in a fantastic story is a simple way to alleviate stress. According to a study done at the University of Sussex, reading for even a short, six-minute span can lower stress levels by as much as 68 percent.

Reading before bedtime can also improve the quality of one’s sleep when compared to pre-bedtime activities like watching television or looking at smartphones, which research has shown lead to getting less sleep overall and having a harder time winding down at night.

Research done at Yale University shows that getting into the habit of reading may reduce one’s risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and improve memory overall. Reading activates the parts of the brain relating to language and associative learning.

Reading different types of stories and narratives can also make people more empathetic by teaching them to see things with a different perspective.

Keeping a Pantry Stocked With Healthy Foods

A family-focused mom, Justina Helkov enjoys outdoor activities and has completed a number of half marathons. Passionate about yoga and fitness, Justina Helkov practices healthy eating and works out on a daily basis.

One of the keys to maintaining a healthy diet is to keep a pantry stocked with the right ingredients. A wide selection of herbs and spices is a must, with many, from ginger to basil, high in antioxidants. In addition, having healthy herbs on hand ensures you are able to access a full range of flavors with no fat, sugar, or calories. They are ideal for low-sodium stocks and broths, which are an optimal way to create flavorful meals without a lot of calories.

When it comes to legumes, focus on dry lentils, peas, chickpeas, and beans. Select whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, bulgur, oats, and barley. Natural items high in antioxidants such as molasses, honey, and date purees provide sweetness. When baking, blends of sugar and stevia contain as much as 75 percent less caloric content than table sugar.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - A Social Document of the Early 20th Century

Possessing an extensive background in Parisian fashion, Justina Helkov formerly served as a commercial analyst with Poloco, where she coordinated with merchandisers to sell the Ralph Lauren menswear and boyswear lines to retail stores. An avid reader, Justina Helkov is a book club member whose favorite work of fiction at the moment is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. 

Published in 1943, the coming-of-age novel focuses on protagonist Francie Nolan within the setting of Brooklyn’s Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods. In the early 20th century, the area was a true melting pot that encompassed multiple waves of immigrants, including Germans, Irish, Italians, and East European Jews.

At the core of the book is a mother-daughter relationship and the love and conflict involved in growing up amid challenging circumstances. More than simply a coming-of-age story, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is what a New York Times book review has described as a story of “triumph over adversity.”

One aspect of the book that has made it beloved for generations is that it serves as a social document in vividly recounting a specific place and time. Barber shops, neighborhood restaurants, and period details about Halloween give a particular resonance to those who live in Brooklyn and want to learn more about the roots of one of the most diverse urban locales in the United States.

An Introduction to Atlanta Artist Donna Thomas

Atlanta resident Justina Helkov spends her time caring for her family, supporting charities, and pursuing various interests. An art enthusiast, Justina Helkov enjoys collecting pieces created by local artists, including Donna Thomas. 

A Georgia native, Donna Thomas has been involved in the local art scene for more than three decades. As a young artist, Thomas studied painting at the University of Georgia’s School of Fine Arts before shifting to a career in physical therapy. She eventually returned to painting and worked to improve her skills under the tutelage of well-known regional and national artists. 

Over the years, Thomas, whose body of work covers many mediums and techniques, has owned art galleries, written a book on art, and worked as an art instructor. In 2005, she founded The Art School in Sandy Springs, which continues to offer workshops for those throughout the Southeast. Thomas’ work has appeared in exhibits at the Atlanta Art Center, the David Gallery, Buckhead Library, and many other locations.