More confidence in social situations:
We've all seen them... they walk into a room and everyone's head turns. There is a buzz about them. People want to meet them, talk to them, just be in their circle. And don't we all want to have a little of that magic? They aren't necessarily the richest or most powerful or the most beautiful. But they have a compelling presence that comes from a seemingly natural confidence. Were they born with it? Well, the truth is, yes! We are ALL born without self-consciousness and with a natural curiosity. Smart Acts classes help restore that confidence and curiosity that we are so drawn to in others. We are all fascinating! We just have to let it out!
Reduced anxiety speaking in front of a group or audience:
"I could never do that!" If I had a nickel for every time I heard that. There is of course the Seinfield joke that goes:
"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."
At Smart Acts, our classes will show you proven techniques to reduce the anxiety associated with speaking in front of a group, whether it's a book club or The Sierra Club.
Improved cognitive abilities as we age:
In 2010 the Alzheimer's Society of Canada commissioned a study entitled "Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society". It predicts that within a generation, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will more than double, the costs related to care will increase tenfold, and the number of hours of informal care provided by Canadians will more than triple. That's a very sobering message for anyone over the age of 40. You may very well be suffering from, or caring for a loved one suffering from some degree of dementia. Is there nothing to be done? Of course there is. While much research is being conducted in the field, experts agree that to keep your brain sharp as you age, you need to:
• Be socially active
• Be physically active
• Learn something new
• Challenge yourself
• Eat well
Professors Tony and Helga Noice are a husband and wife research team at Elmhurst College just outside of Chicago Illinois. He teaches drama and she teaches psychology, and they are convinced of the benefits that a drama based program can slow down, and in some cases even reverse the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Their research over the past 25 years has been supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as well as other national organizations dedicated to promoting healthy ageing. Other experts have noted that the sooner you embark on a program to maintain cognitive abilities, the better.
Smart Acts classes are engaging, fun, and connect you socially with other interesting people. The exercises will engage you, mind, body and spirit.
Learn about drama, acting, and the theatre
There is something truly magic about the theatre. For some, it's the opportunity to shine on stage. For others, it's the satisfaction of working together as a group to bring a production to an audience. It's an opportunity to learn a new skill or craft, to exercise artistry, to overcome obstacles, to create community. Smart Acts is about creating a supportive environment where people can explore that which makes us all such unique individuals with our own stories to tell, where we all get to stand up and take a bow!
Boatloads of fun!
"Fun is the genetic reward for learning." - Dr. William Glasser, psychologist, and author of Choice Theory.
This is an opinion that is mirrored by many experts in the field of education, and in adult education in particular. Fun is nature's reward for learning. We see it in the rough and tumble play of young animals, and young children. Playing is about learning... about having fun. At Smart Acts, we expect you'll learn a lot!
We've all seen them... they walk into a room and everyone's head turns. There is a buzz about them. People want to meet them, talk to them, just be in their circle. And don't we all want to have a little of that magic? They aren't necessarily the richest or most powerful or the most beautiful. But they have a compelling presence that comes from a seemingly natural confidence. Were they born with it? Well, the truth is, yes! We are ALL born without self-consciousness and with a natural curiosity. Smart Acts classes help restore that confidence and curiosity that we are so drawn to in others. We are all fascinating! We just have to let it out!
Reduced anxiety speaking in front of a group or audience:
"I could never do that!" If I had a nickel for every time I heard that. There is of course the Seinfield joke that goes:
"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."
At Smart Acts, our classes will show you proven techniques to reduce the anxiety associated with speaking in front of a group, whether it's a book club or The Sierra Club.
Improved cognitive abilities as we age:
In 2010 the Alzheimer's Society of Canada commissioned a study entitled "Rising Tide: The Impact of Dementia on Canadian Society". It predicts that within a generation, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will more than double, the costs related to care will increase tenfold, and the number of hours of informal care provided by Canadians will more than triple. That's a very sobering message for anyone over the age of 40. You may very well be suffering from, or caring for a loved one suffering from some degree of dementia. Is there nothing to be done? Of course there is. While much research is being conducted in the field, experts agree that to keep your brain sharp as you age, you need to:
• Be socially active
• Be physically active
• Learn something new
• Challenge yourself
• Eat well
Professors Tony and Helga Noice are a husband and wife research team at Elmhurst College just outside of Chicago Illinois. He teaches drama and she teaches psychology, and they are convinced of the benefits that a drama based program can slow down, and in some cases even reverse the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Their research over the past 25 years has been supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as well as other national organizations dedicated to promoting healthy ageing. Other experts have noted that the sooner you embark on a program to maintain cognitive abilities, the better.
Smart Acts classes are engaging, fun, and connect you socially with other interesting people. The exercises will engage you, mind, body and spirit.
Learn about drama, acting, and the theatre
There is something truly magic about the theatre. For some, it's the opportunity to shine on stage. For others, it's the satisfaction of working together as a group to bring a production to an audience. It's an opportunity to learn a new skill or craft, to exercise artistry, to overcome obstacles, to create community. Smart Acts is about creating a supportive environment where people can explore that which makes us all such unique individuals with our own stories to tell, where we all get to stand up and take a bow!
Boatloads of fun!
"Fun is the genetic reward for learning." - Dr. William Glasser, psychologist, and author of Choice Theory.
This is an opinion that is mirrored by many experts in the field of education, and in adult education in particular. Fun is nature's reward for learning. We see it in the rough and tumble play of young animals, and young children. Playing is about learning... about having fun. At Smart Acts, we expect you'll learn a lot!
