Thought Back on Track
SELF-HELP BOOKS CAN’T DO IT ALL How Reading Fiction Can Benefit You
LESS STRESS AND BETTER SLEEP When we read fiction specifically, we tend to disengage from the world — and that’s a good thing! Our brains can’t always be functioning at their peak capacity. We need breaks, or else we’ll stress ourselves out and negatively affect other areas of our lives. Stress tends to keep us from sound sleep, but reading fiction before bed engages the imagination, taking us away from the stresses of everyday life before we drift off. MORE COMFORT WITH UNCERTAINTY Even though many stories (particularly those portrayed in popular movies) have nice happy endings, most people would agree that life sometimes leaves things a little more open-ended. While this fact might stress out some people, researchers have discovered that fiction readers don’t need “cognitive closure” as much as nonfiction readers.
Many CEOs and other successful individuals continually espouse the benefits of regular reading. Many times, leaders read self-help books to improve their leadership skills and become more successful. This is all well and good, but even the most successful people in the world could be missing out on the unique benefits that come specifically from reading fiction. But what are those benefits exactly?
GREATER EMPATHY When a psychologist analyzed 86
GREATER HAPPINESS Even if none of the benefits of fiction interest you, everyone wants to find ways to make themselves happy — and for many, that is reading fiction. According to one survey, 76% of participants said that reading makes them feel good and improves their lives. So, what are you waiting for? Dust off that novel you’ve been meaning to read and crack it open!
functioning MRI (fMRI) studies, he found that the same parts of the brain that fire up when reading fictional stories also fire up when we’re seeking to understand the thoughts and feelings of others. That’s because when the characters in the book we’re reading are thinking or feeling a certain way, we tend to think or feel that way with them.
Upcoming Events at the Education Center
GET INFORMED
When the Education Center at Van Dyck Law first opened, we created a vision that this center would be the one-stop resource where people could receive materials and information about services and support related to dementia. We have some valuable, informative events coming up soon that you don’t want to miss. All programs take place at the Education Center at Van Dyck Law (located at 707 State Road, Suite 102, in Princeton) from 10–11 a.m. These events are open to all members of the community, clients, and professionals unless otherwise noted. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — TIME TO TAKE THE KEYS AWAY When: Wednesday, Oct. 13 Did you know that a person over the age of 70 who is involved in a car accident is more likely to be seriously injured, require hospitalization, or die than a younger person who is involved
in the same crash? This program will discuss the signs that it may be time to take the keys away from a loved one — while also sharing ways to have that conversation. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — MAKE YOUR WISHES KNOWN BEFORE THE CRISIS When: Wednesday, Nov. 10 It’s always smart to have a plan before disaster strikes. This program will take an in-depth look at how to get all of your ducks in a row before it is too late. Conversations about this are never easy, but this program will help you learn how to open the door to the conversation and proceed through the process. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA CARE SEMINAR When: Thursday, Oct. 14, Thursday, Nov. 18 This seminar is required for health care workers who want to obtain their Certified Dementia Practitioner Designation.
Attendance will count as CE hours for social workers, certified case managers, nurses, CALA, LNHA, and ADC. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Reach out to our director of life care resources at Leslie@VanDyckFirm.com for more information. HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION — AGING IN PLACE AT HOME VS. LONG-TERM CARE When: Wednesday, Dec. 8 If you’ve been wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of aging in place at home versus at long-term care
facilities, this is the program for you. In addition to looking at the advantages and disadvantages, this program will also help you learn how to begin this conversation with a loved one.
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