HOW READING FICTION CAN BENEFIT YOU SELF-HELP BOOKS CAN’T DO IT ALL
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
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 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. 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!
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 STAY SPOOKY, NOT SCARY 3 Halloween Safety Tips You Must Follow This Year
an adult, and those who go out alone should be given a curfew and route to follow. Always obey traffic signs and stay on sidewalks. Not only is this respectful to homeowners, but it can also protect candy seekers from accidents and various dangers. Finally, if your child has a dark costume, add reflective tape or bright colors so they don’t blend into the night. Watch for Ghosts While creepy figures may be more emboldened on Halloween night, this warning is about the fictitious ghosts and goblins that are out trick-or-treating. If you must travel via car on Halloween, look out for trick-or-treaters. Avoid neighborhoods if possible and drive slowly. Put down all distractions, including your phone or food, to keep your full attention on the road. And if possible, just don’t drive! Walk, bike, or use public transportation to cut down on the amount of vehicle traffic in neighborhoods. Carve the Pumpkin Safely Pumpkins are a must around Halloween, but they can come with a few dangers. For starters, be vigilant when carving and opt for carve-less jack-o’-lanterns when possible to avoid potential accidents. Furthermore, use battery-operated tea lights rather than candles to prevent fire dangers. These lights can last longer and are unlikely to spark a fire. Bonus: Inspect your child’s candy! While razor blades in candy have been debunked, not all of your child’s candy may be safe. Remove any pieces young children could choke on and don’t tempt fate with candy that has a broken seal. Simply toss it out and report any incidents to local authorities.
Most kids can’t wait for Halloween! They can dress up like their heroes or favorite characters, stay up way too late, and receive copious amounts of candy — just by walking through the neighborhood!
Don’t let a tragic mishap ruin this special tradition by following these safety tips.
Stick to Treats, Not Tricks Halloween night is often busy, and it can be just as dangerous as it is fun. Young trick-or- treaters should always be accompanied by
Happy Halloween from the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C.!
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