Self-Help Books Can’t Do It All
HOW READING FICTION CAN BENEFIT YOU
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 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. 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 COMFORTWITH 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. 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!
Work Out and Stretch Your Dollars 3 AFFORDABLE (AND FREE) PIECES OF EQUIPMENT!
LOW-COST: GLUTE RESISTANCE BANDS If you’re interested in strength training without the cost and space of dumbbells, look to resistance bands. These bands are loops of rubber that are made for light to heavy resistance (weight). You commonly wear these between your knees, and as you expand and contract your legs together with squats, lifts, and dips, the resistance of the band stimulates your thighs, glutes, and other leg muscles. These bands are versatile, too! Try similar moves with your arms for a great upper body workout. FREE(ISH): CANNED GOODS Because canned goods come in all shapes and weights, you can use these items as free weights for strength training. Start by
Your workouts don’t have to be expensive to be effective. Dr. Sladic believes keeping your routines simple allows you to create healthy habits that easily fit into your lifestyle. Follow this powerful principle and save some money with these affordable exercise tools! FREE: YOUR STAIRS Nearly everyone has a set of stairs in their house, and these can actually be a great way to stay active. Taking the stairs activates your leg and abdominal muscles, while providing your heart with the workout it needs to stay strong. To get the most out of your stairs, Dr. Sladic recommends setting a timer for anywhere from 3–15 minutes and walking up and down the stairs. Go as fast or as slow as is safe for you, and do this regularly. As you do it more, increase your time.
determining which products are easy to lift and which are challenging. Then, try simple weight-lifting exercises, like bicep curls, overhead presses, and side raises. If you can keep proper form with a light canned good, move up to heavier ones! Add more complex moves as you progress. And if you need better grip, try looping rope or rubber handles onto your canned items. Creating an exercise routine doesn’t have to be expensive nor does it require hours of your time. For more ideas or guidance on the best workouts for your body’s needs, consult with Dr. Sladic. He can create a plan that targets your goals while protecting your body! Call him today at 1-877-861-5927.
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