| How to Lead a Happy Life |
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| Thứ ba, 29 Tháng 9 2015 07:51 |
How to Lead a Happy Life
Stop Existing and Start Living This essay of mine takes the inspiration from one of Michael Jackson’s top famous songs – Heal the World. Can you guess why I entitle it “Stop Existing and Start Living”? Your question will be answered in a few minutes! Before we move on, may I tell you my little story? What is your goal in life? I’ve had mine since I was an infant(1), perhaps at the age of four – that was becoming a teacher. At first, I wanted to work in a kindergarten. But as time elapsed, my mind changed quite a lot of times. When I was six, I thought teaching in an elementary school would be better. But it was last year that things began to mess up – when I started to care about money. Often, when we choose our career goal, one of the first things that cross our mind(2) is salary. Should I choose a well-paid(3) job or one that I take interest in? This question kept spinning in my head and I’m sure I was not the only to feel that way. So it was problematic(4), I spent sleepless nights just thinking about it. However, last month, after I put my faith in Christ, the answer was revealed – I should do what I truly love, working with young children, and stop obsessing(5) about money. I must admit that ever since then, the dark days of my life have faded away. It will be challenging, I’m not afraid, though. So what do I imply(6) in my story? I guess you’ve already known. What I’m trying to emphasize here is our attitude. Life is not happy until we start to make it happy. Some people say we can’t treat others with sincerity(7) because they will take advantage of us. But my perspective is different. Why do we keep waiting to be loved but hesitate to create love ourselves? Giving isn’t demanding. You can simply start by offering to wash the dishes for your mother, carry heavy bags for the elderly or donate(8) your old stuff to help the poor. Why not? To sum up, my only purpose for writing this essay is only to encourage you. The difference between “existing” and “living” is major(9) yet minor(10). The answer all lies in just a word – “giving”. When you give, you’ll lead a livelier and happier life, but when you try to hold back, you’ll only feel lonely. Then why not open your heart to welcome joys? (Written by Dieu Linh) Vocabulary for the Day:
Lead a Happier Life with Exercise Regular exercise prevents serious diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and obesity(1). Furthermore, it can also improve your mood, lift your spirits and make you feel better about yourself. In other words, exercising regularly can make your life happier. Exercise promotes the generation(2) and release of endorphins, while reducing the activity of hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol, which promote feelings of anxiety and tension. Endorphins reduce the perception of pain, improve immunity, and enhance feelings of optimism and relaxation. Regular exercise can help you attain a happier state of mind and a better quality of life. Exercise provides a distraction(3) from your worries, whether you exercise by yourself at home or in the company of friends. It also gives you an opportunity to socialize. As you widen your social circle and strengthen your bonds with people, you will feel happier. You will lose weight, get fitter and healthier. You can greatly reduce your risk of chronic(4) illnesses, which are major contributors to stress and anxiety. You do not have to take demanding physical activities to reap(5) the psychological benefits of exercise. The Harvard Medical School says that walking, stretching, mental exercises, breathing techniques and muscle relaxation techniques can all be effective in combating stress. To alleviate(6) stress, practice slow, relaxed breathing anywhere and at any time. You can also perform chores such as gardening and housecleaning, which can provide substantial(7) exercise and lift your spirits. Exercise can be a useful substitute for antidepressant(8) drugs, according to a 1999 study, originally published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine." In the study, men and women who used aerobic exercise to combat depression had the same success rates as participants who used antidepressants or a combination of exercise and antidepressants. According to the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, long-term exercise programs of 10 weeks or longer durations offer the best defense against depression symptoms. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that boost your sense of well-being and suppresses hormones that cause stress and anxiety. Physical activity is an effective tool against depression and you can find many different ways to make it a pleasurable pastime. (By Lakshmy Nair) Vocabulary for the Day:
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