Aprender Inglês com 7 Artigos Fáceis
Textos Simples para Estudantes de Inglês
Walter Truck
Aprender Inglês com 7 Artigos Fáceis
Textos Simples para Estudantes de Inglês
Walter Truck
Copyright © 2015 Walter Truck Todos os direitos reservados. Os nomes de personagens e de lugares, bem como como os acont acontecim eciment entos constantes deste livro são obra de ficção, produtos da imaginação do autor. Qualquer semelhança o identidade com nomes de pessoas, vivas ou mortas, lugares o acontecimentos, é mera coincidência.
DISCLAIMER
This book is presented solely for educational and entertainmen purpos purposes. es. Th Thee aut author and and pu publ blis ish her are are not offering it as legal, accounting, or other professional services advice. While best efforts have been used i prepar preparin ing g this book, book, the aut author and and publ publis ish her make ake no repres represen enttati ation onss or warranties of any kind and assume no liabilities of any kind with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents and specifically disclaim an implied warranties of merchantabilit or fitness of use for a particular purpos purpose. e. Neit either the aut author nor the
publisher shall be held liable or responsible to any person or entit with respect to any loss or incidental or consequential damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, directl or indirectly, by the information or programs contained herein. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or writte sales materials. You should seek the services of a competent professional before beginning any improvemen program. The story and its characters and entities are fictional. Any likeness to actual persons, either living or dead, is strictly coincidental.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How you can improve your English Skills by Reading Texts How the Internet Changed our Lives Tips for Writing Your First Book The Amazon Kindle Revolution Why Some People Adopt a Morning Ritual Stress Management - 7 Free Activities and Hobbies to Ease Your Mind The Slow Living Movement
How you can improve your English Skills by Reading Texts DICA: Se você estiver lendo este livro em um Kindle com função “touchscreen” (Kindle Paperwhite, Voyage, ou outro), basta clicar e uma palavra para ver a definição da mesma.
English is one of the most spoke languages in the world. In fact, in mos countries the world over, English is considered to be the first official language before any other language. And just like any other language, learning English requires concentratio and dedication in order to master and speak it fluently. So, if you are one o those people whose command of the queen’s language needs some polishing, you need not worry because we are going to help you.
There are several ways in whic ou can improve your English skills. You can master the language b listening to music written in English, attending English lectures and talks, watching English movies and so on. However, one of the best and fastes ways to improve your English skills is to read texts written in English. So the question therefore is, how do you go about it?
to go about doing something = to do something in a particular way; abordar um assunto, fazer uma coisa de uma determinada maneira
Sign up for regular English tips
to sign up for something = to
agree to participate in something (in this case, to agree to receive English tips); matricular-se em, cadastrar-se ara
There are some websites on the Internet where you can subscribe to receive daily English lesson tips through your email account. This is the simplest and easiest way to keep learning and improving your Englis skills. You can receive email notifications on your phone on a daily or weekly basis as you head to work or school. However, this should only be used to polish your skills and should not substitute your primary learnin method.
on a daily basis diariamente, todo dia
=
daily;
Read the lyrics to a song
As earlier mentioned, listening to English music is a great way o improving your command of the language. How about listening to music while reading the lyrics of the song yo are listening to? These lyrics can be sourced from the Internet or even the CD booklet. You can first go throug the lyrics with a dictionary to try and understand the meaning of the song. Then, you can listen to the music as ou go through the lyrics to try and understand the meaning and pronunciation of the specific words as they are constructed in a sentence.
to be sourced from = to originate rom; originar-se de try and (do something) = try to
(do something); tentar fazer
Read a book you have read i your language or whose movie yo have watched
To advanced language learners, reading an original book or journal from the Internet can be a great way o improving their linguistic skills. However, reading a book you have already read in a different language can also be a great motivator to help ou understand the book in your language of interest – English, in this case. Reading a book you already know the story about helps you guess vocabulary and understand the flow o language since you already know the author’s intention. If you have not read
the book already, you can find the summary of its plot on the Internet to get a rough idea of the storyline.
Read text that translated into English
has
bee
Another way to improve Englis skills is to read books or texts tha have been translated into English, preferably from your language or fro a language you understand well. This is because texts that have bee translated into English are much easier to understand because of their simplicity. Sometimes you may eve find it is a direct translation from your original language.
Read books or texts that have lots of dialogs in it
forma no inglês norte-americano > dialog forma dialogue
no
inglês
britânico
>
Before buying a book, it is imperative that you flip through the pages to see how much dialog is in the book. Books with lots of dialogs no only help you understand the punctuations and tenses, but also make it easier to understand the speec intonations that will help you make sensible conversations.
sensible = showing good sense; ensato (não confudir com sensitive sensível)
Read “easy-reader” texts meant for learners
You should find English texts tha have been written for early language learners like yourself. Although it’s hard to find interesting things to read from such books, the authors of suc material have students like you i mind. They have therefore simplified the text to help you understand most o the material inside. From these texts, ou can also learn a lot about the cultures and literature of the Englishspeaking countries.
Read a whole book dictionary reference
without
It is always advisable to read wit the dictionary to help you understand
some of the difficult vocabulary in a book. However, this kind of readin tends to slow you down and demotivates you from reading, especially if you do not understand most of the English words. Try and read the entire book without referrin to the dictionary as this will help yo enjoy the text and also understand jus how fun English, or a differen language can be.
Read and learn all the words in a book
Another way of improving your English skills is by getting a boo written in simple English and readin it from word to word with the help of a dictionary. Make sure you understand all the words in it and their meaning. This will not only significantly expand
our knowledge of English but will also give you a sense of satisfactio after completing a book written in your language of interest.
Read English children’s book
Children’s books tend to be more simplified than adult books wit several illustrations. You will also ge to enjoy the simplified way in whic the stories are told, and this will help ou appreciate the English language.
Make a habit of reading a English daily newspaper
The local newspaper usually has very interesting stories that can help
ou understand English easily. Although this requires you to be at a advanced stage of learning, regularl reading the dailies will significantl help you in improving your Englis skills because of the descriptive language in them. The newspapers also have plenty of humor and idioms, and this is what you need to have a proper command of the English language. However, you should avoid newspapers that are too complicated with a lot of slangy language as this will only confuse you rather than help ou improve your English skills.
idiom = a group of words that has a particular meaning; expressão idiomática slangy = relating to slang , which is a vocabulary of expressions use by a certain group of people; slang =
íria
All the above tips will help yo greatly in improving your Englis language skills. Although there are other ways in which you can improve our skills besides reading texts written in English, reading is the bes way of going about it. However, yo need to adopt a positive attitude whe trying to learn a new language. This will simplify the whole learnin process.
How the Internet Changed our Lives
A report released in January by the Pew Research Centre estimated tha approximately 87 percent o Americans use the Internet. This is a enormous number by all means considering the fact that we are onl looking at a single country. However, the Internet is used not only b Americans. Over 34 percent of the global population are connected online. This number continues to grow daily with social media sites like Facebook trying to expand Interne access to countries that are not alread connected.
by all means = certamente, com certeza
certainly;
But have you ever stopped to imagine how life was before the Internet age? In the 21st century, the Internet affects almost all facets of our lives. It has revolutionized the way we interact with each other as well as the way we do business. The following is some of the ways in which the Interne has changed our lives.
facet = aspect; aspecto, faceta
1. It is much easier to connect ith people all over the world
Friendship in the Internet age is much easier and distinctively differen than in the pre-Internet age. Several social networks including Twitter and
Facebook have made it easier for people to connect. Today, it is possible to have a thousand friends, half o whom you have never seen or met bu constantly keep in touch. A study b Statista indicates that people have 350 friends on average on Facebook. This is absolutely different from the preInternet age where friends had to be real and within your reach at all times.
on average = em média
2. Learning has been made easy
The age when earning a college degree required that you physicall attend class are long gone. In fact, to some people, physical class presence is not among their vocabulary. In the Internet age, people are now able to
attend class at the comfort of their living rooms. In the past five years, online class attendance has surged by a staggering 96 percent according to research conducted by Campus Technology. According to SRI Department of Education, persons who attend online classes tend to perfor much better than those who physicall attend class. Whether that is true or false depends on how you look at it.
3. Internet has brought about impatience
It has been proven that the Interne tends to provide almost everything we require in the shortest time possible, even though the timing does vary. This has created a scenario where mos people are getting used to getting things done fast and therefore cultivatin
impatience. In the pre-Internet age, people had to content with the slow pace of doing things. Those looking for information had to do thoroug research which may take days or months. The Internet age allows us to access plenty of information at the press of a button. This kind o impatience could end up havin adverse effects on our growth and progression.
to content with = to be satisfie with; contentar-se com
4. We can access informatio instantaneously, everywhere
In the pre-Internet age, most of the news and information could only be obtained from a single source, and in a
particular location. The Internet has made it easy for us to access news from wherever we are. According to Pew Research Center, 50 percent o Americans access information fro online sources. Most people the world over access information from the Internet through their digital devices including mobile phones, tablets as well as computer laptops. Only a small number of people get news from the paper.
5. More and more people are finding their life partners online
The dating scene is the one area that has been fundamentall revolutionized by the Internet. Ver few people ever imagined that yo could get hitched at the comfort o our bedroom. A research conducted
by the Boston Globe placed online dating as the number one way in whic most people find their spouses at 31 percent. This was followed b introduction by a mutual friend at 26 percent. Only 6 percent met their spouses at a bar. This shows how online dating has become very popular among most youngsters. It has become much more comfortable to download love from the Internet rather than to physically find someone.
get hitched = get married; casare
6. Apps are now being used to increase our productivity
There is an app for almos everything in this world. Fro
traveling apps to Bible study apps, music to fitness apps and so on. All these apps can be downloaded fro the Internet to your smartphone or tablet. Over 30 percent of the world’s population have access to the Interne and can, therefore, use all these apps to run their daily lives comfortably. And it is not a bad thing, at least accordin to the Pew Research Center.
7. No queues at grocery and department stores
Never has it been easier to shop than it is in the Internet age. People no longer have to queue to shop a groceries since there are a lot of online shopping stores all over the world. Today, you can purchase almos anything on Amazon or E-bay. And this can be shipped directly to your
doorstep if you so wish. All payments can also be done directly over the Internet. This means that from the comfort of your couch, you ca literally furnish your house and stoc our refrigerator for a whole month.
to queue = to get in line; entrar na fila furnish = mobiliar
8. People are becoming more creative
The Internet has provided a enabling environment for creative people to pen their art and get the published on the Internet. Some people have also started blogs that have catapulted them to overnigh
celebrities and therefore millionaires. Through this, they have been able to get their material out there for people to read.
to pen = to draw or write with a en, or as if with a pen (not really with a pen); produzir uma obra artística
9. It is now much easier to get movies and music.
In the Internet age, it is a lot easier to get your favorite movies and music ust by clicking a button. Rather tha having to buy a hard copy of your favorite music album, you can just lo on to a website such as iTunes, Spotif or Pandora. Movies and TV shows ca be downloaded from sites such as
Netflix.
10. People watch sports online
Today, many young people prefer watching their favorite sports online rather than on TV. While live shows are still common, more and more people have been watching their favorite teams online, prompting major sports channels such ESPN to launch online streaming sites.
to prompt = to induce to action; induzir à ação, levar alguém a fazer alguma coisa
Tips for Writing Your First Book
At some point in life, you may wan to write a book or become an excellen writer because of some things you have to say. You are looking for a way to express them to a big audience. That is one of the reasons why there are a lo of blog writers these days. However, most of us who are novice when i comes to writing don’t know where to start. To get started, here are some helpful tips for writing your first book.
novice iniciante
=
beginner ;
novato,
Give some careful thought to plot/have a plan
Writing a book can be a daunting undertaking, especially if you are writing your first book. The process o editing will become easier if only yo devote enough time to plot your stor before starting to write. For some authors, this simply means an outline o the book while others use index cards to put a different scene on each plot. There are also others who only have a general idea before starting writin their first book. It is, therefore, important to plot what you should write about.
daunting desanimador
=
discouraging;
undertaking = task; tarefa to plot = to plan; planejar, esboçar um plano
Know the fundamentals riting a good book
o
Knowing the basics of good storytelling is also key to writing your first book. Everyone knows that there are a lot of books or novels coverin almost if not all topics that you ca imagine, but do not let that hinder or discourage you from writing. By jus narrating a good story, you can still catch the attention and interest of your audience and also make it a unique one.
key = (here it means) a crucial element; fundamental, crucial to hinder = to obstruct; impedir
By
simply
writing
somethin
unique and interesting, you will definitely give your audience a reaso to buy your book and read it. This will be possible possi ble if you underst ders tand and wha really makes a good, unique story. So, it is advised to do some research and also read various books written b different writers you admire. After that, write something captivating and unique.
Establish your target audience
Before you start writing your firs book, book, you need first rst to establish establi sh you our r target audience, and this is ver important. You need to determine clearly who you want the message to be passed passed on to or what messag essagee yo are trying to deliver. Just like in business where yo
need to know your potential customers, knowing your audience when writing a book will creat createe an easy path path for choosing the right theme for your book, the message to send across, the perfec steps to character development and the right language to use. It will be impossible or difficult to write a boo without knowing who the targe audience is.
Get your first draft down
Getting your first draft down is what you should be determined to do. Do not write your book chapters separately. If you are writing a lon book or novel novel,, it it is a good good idea idea to draf it all before revising or editing an part part of it i t. Most people people who writ ri te their eir book for for the first rst time tend end to do awa aw a with each chapter separately; this ca
highly affect the plot. Instead, focus o getting the whole story down first o paper. paper.
draft = a preliminary document; esboço, rascunh rascunho o
Stay motivated
While learning how to write your first book, always remember that it is important to remain motivated. In some cases, there can be a situation where ou may experience writer’s block and feel like wanting to stop writing. Don’ let anything stop you from your determination to write, just keep moving even when it proves to be ver hard for you. At last, the satisfaction of sellin
our first copy, publishing your ow book and and gett etting first ir st good revie review ws will outweigh the difficult times and the struggles you went through while writing it.
to outweigh = to be heavier than, to be more important than; ser mais importante do que, ter um peso maior do que
Get prepared to edit or revise
Just drafting your book is no everything. There is a lot of wor involved between editing your boo and publishing it. The process is quite tedious and demanding – so it is important to give more attention whe revising your already drafted book.
In one way or another, your firs draft may probably appear to be bad. For instance , it will be disorganized and confusing; even the whole chapters will drag. Sometimes the dialog can be unconvincing. Do not get discouraged, rest assured that is how it is for everyone. So, just like any determined writer, ou have to work very hard to make our draft readable and as muc interesting as possible.
for instance = for example; por exemplo
Put it aside
If you find yourself having the same problem with every draft you create,
consider doing something else for a while. For instance, there are a lot o great authors who took ages writin some of their favorite books. Try to create something new and read for fun. You will definitely learn new things from each story you read or each new project you undertake. Now, when yo embark on writing something seriously, ou will have sharp ideas.
to take ages = to take a very lon time; levar muito tempo, levar “séculos”
Believe in yourself
One reason most writers stop writing at their first book is because o the rejection letters and
discouragements they receive fro their publishers. Always, there will be that individual who will tell you tha our story or book isn’t enough or jus discourage you completely. Ignore them and continue with your writings. Getting a rejection letter does no mean that you are a bad writer. Maybe the publisher or editor did not connec with your story. Keep on trying until ou make it. to keep on (doing something) = to continue (doing something); continuar to make it = to succeed; ter ucesso, alcançar um objetivo
Solicit feedback
Before you start contacting your
preferred agents for publishing your book, it is good to get feedback fro our trusted writers. Do not ge surprised if you are sent back to the desk for another draft. Be calm and address any structural problems firs before going through every chapter o our book. If there is any major concern or problem, try to rectify the with the professionals.
to rectify = to correct; retificar, corrigir
Conclusively, if you get the advice of professional writers, you will know that it takes a lot of determination, hard work, and persistence to write just an book for the very first time. If you have been thinking o becoming a great writer, it is time to
start your journey to becoming a grea and successful writer.
The Amazon Kindle Revolution
People read in English to improve their language skills, or even just for fun. Sometimes people read on their laptops and even computers. People can read on mobile phones too. Bu reading for long hours on these devices can make your eyes hurt. So mos people prefer reading from books. Bu even books have drawbacks. Take James, for example. He is a oung boy, and he loves reading. Bu he had finished all the books at home, so he needed to buy another one. Jus as he was leaving the house, his mother asked him, "Where are you going, James?" "To the bookshop." said he. "No, James, not again!" said his mother. She was angry.
"Why not? I have finished readin all the books at home, and I need another one." "James," said she, "You just bough two books last week. Books are no cheap. You shouldn't buy so many." Sad, the young boy went back to his room. He picked up a book he had already read, reading the pages again. He knew what happened on the nex page. He knew how the book ended. This was not fun. He just wanted another book, but his mother was right. He had spent $25 last week buying two books. He wouldn't even read the again. Maybe he should join a library, tha way he wouldn't have to spend so much money on books. But he liked to keep the books he read. That way he could read the parts he liked agai later on. But now he wasn't allowed to
buy new books. So he sat on his bed, going through the books he had jus read, wondering what he could do.
to wonder = to be in doubt about; estar em dúvida sobre
The increasing expense of books is a problem faced by many book lovers. While a library and second-hand boo stores can be good alternatives, these don't always give you what you want. Instead, using the best technology, Amazon has created a solution. The created the Amazon Kindle, a small tablet meant just for reading. You ca download thousands of books onto tha little tablet and read at your leisure. Unlike other electronic devices such as the iPad, computers or eve mobile phones, the Amazon Kindle
does not hurt your eyes. This is because it is made without a backlight. A backlight is what lights up the scree of the electronic devices, allowing yo to read even in the dark. This, however, is not present on the Kindle, so reading from it is very similar to reading from a book. Unlike a book, however, it is thi and light. Because of this, it is easier to carry with you, wherever you go. Moreover, after you once download a book, you are allowed to keep it too.
moreover = besides; além disso, ademais
As a result, this would have bee the perfect solution to James' problem. Unfortunately, the Amazon Kindle is a lot more expensive than an average
book. How is it cheaper then? The answer is simple. It reduces expenses in the long run. Today, the price of a average Kindle is $75 or more. Bu many of the books you can download are available for free, or at a minimal price. Because of this, you spend eve less money after buying the Kindle. After the first Kindle had come out, Amazon made many changes. The created multiple different versions o the Kindle to suit different readers. While some may want the backlight, others don't. Some readers want to see the meaning of different words. Man readers with glasses also want the Kindle to have a greater font size. Amazon took all this into consideration, and now there are man different kinds of Kindles. You ca choose whichever one you want. Eac has a unique combination of features, built for the convenience of the
readers. In the Kindle Paperwhite, Amazo has created a screen that feels like paper. With the texture being like paper, it is even better than a book. I feels like reading a book, but wit many more impressive features. I gives you dictionary definitions for an word or phrase you may not know. A the bottom of the page, you can see how many pages are left. If you want, ou can select a Kindle with WiFi and 3G to allow you to access the Interne as well. And what's more, when you finis reading a book, the Kindle will give ou recommendations on what you ca read next. The battery life on the Kindle is also very long. It goes on for eight weeks, which is nearly two months. As a result, the Kindle is perhaps the best reading tool available in the market today.
James would've been ver impressed with this little device. Instead of going to the bookstore, he would then be able to buy books fro his own home. Instead of spending $25 on books, he would be spending $5, or none at all in some cases. Moreover, i he didn't know a word, the Kindle could look it up for him. Going back to the young boy, he was sitting in the kitchen with his mother. They were having dinner. His mother felt sorry for telling him not to buy any books, so she had gone out tha day and bought a present for him. Quickly after dinner, she gave him a small thin rectangle covered in gif wrap. "What is it?" he asked. "Open it." she told him, excitedly. James unwrapped the paper quickly. It was an Amazon Kindle! He
hugged his mother tight. They no longer fight about buyin books. After every book he finishes, the Amazon Kindle suggests whic other books he may like. He can bu new ones straight from his home. He can even read newspaper articles and magazines on the little device, and tha too wherever he goes. Some Kindles come with a 3G connection. With this, he doesn't have to pay for Wi-Fi at all. He can access the Internet at all times. Now James reads three books a week, and he doesn't spend quite as muc money on them either. He can carry the books with him everywhere he goes, because the Kindle is not heavy at all. Just like James, many readers across the world have switched to the Kindle instead. They find it more useful, helpful and interactive. This increasing shift from physical books to the Amazon Kindle is known as the
Amazon Kindle Revolution.
to switch = to change from one thing to another; mudar, alternar
Why Some People Adopt a Morning Ritual Do you have a morning ritual?
Many people remember growing up with parents who started their day the same way. Maybe they got up and made breakfast first thing. Other people may have started the day b reading the newspaper. While everyone has a slightly differen morning ritual, most people have one. You may be wondering why people adopt a morning routine. There are a few reasons why they're common.
Starting Your Day
When you have a morning ritual,
ou're getting yourself warmed up to the day ahead. Most people are drowsy in the morning. You may find that it's hard to get out of bed. Whe ou have a routine already in place, it's easier to start waking up. There are many ways to create this routine. Some people enjoy yoga; others may take a shower, or drink coffee.
drowsy = sleepy; sonolento
Having a morning routine gives yo a reason to get out of bed in the morning. We all need something to motivate us in the morning. Once ou've found a mix of action and stillness, you're able to get your day of to a good start. And, when you find a routine that works well, you'll never want to miss out!
Morning Rituals Create Habits
People are creatures of habit so once you have a morning routine, it's hard to break out of it. When your alarm goes off in the morning, you jus get up. You don't even have to thin about what you're going to do next. Yo simply do what you always do. Whe ou've had a routine for a few weeks, months, and even years, you may eve enjoy it. If you're sick or miss your morning routine, you'll probably notice that you don't have a very good day. Keeping up with this habit helps you to stay focused on the day ahead.
Your Own Time
If you get up early, you have some time to spend on yourself. You'll probably have to deal with other people in your day, but your mornings can be time just to enjoy peace and quiet. Many people take this time to focus on their goals for the day and think ahead. You can spend the time thinking about your life, or anythin else you want to do. Mornings are good times for you to enjoy time without having others around to bother ou. If your mornings feel rushed or hectic, then you may want to consider having a routine.
hectic = agitated, confused; agitado, caótico, frenético
Reduce Stress
Many people find that mornin rituals reduce their stress. When yo have more time in the morning, yo don't feel rushed. This extra time helps ou prepare. You don't have to worr about missing anything important whe ou have your routine firmly in place.
Good Morning Rituals
Everyone has a different mornin ritual, but there are some great ones. One of the good ways to get started is to exercise in the morning. At the end of the day, you may be too tired. However, if you get your exercise firs thing in the morning, you'll wake up better, and you won't have to exercise at the end of your day. You can stop b the gym on your way to work. Or, i ou don't enjoy gyms, why not try yoga or a brisk walk? Even a few minutes is
a good way to start your day.
brisk = fast and energetic; rápido e energético
If you enjoy keeping up wit current events, you may want to tr watching the news. When this is your routine, you'll be caught up on the bi news stories of the day. If you don' want to watch television, you can also read the newspaper in print or online. Browse through the articles to find ones that you'll enjoy reading. You ca even listen to the news on the radio i ou'd prefer. While this routine is no as popular as others, it's still a good way to start off your day.
to keep up with (something) = to
stay informed about (something); estar a par (da situação, das notícias, etc)
Setting goals is a good thing to do when you wake up. Think about wha ou want to get done that day. You ma even want to write down a list o things to accomplish. Some of the world's most productive people star their day this way. Set a plan for your day and you'll be more productive. Your goals can be personal or business-related, but make sure tha ou can complete them in that day. Save your bigger goals for a differen time. Make and eat your breakfast. While breakfast is important, many people forget to enjoy their breakfast in the morning. Whether you make a large one or just have a piece of fruit and
some coffee, make sure that you take some time to sit down and enjoy the morning meal. You can eat breakfas while reading the news or a book. A famous author, P.G. Wodenhouse, started every morning with toast and tea before starting his work. You ca do the same thing with your morning. You may want to try listening to music. A favorite song can help yo wake up in the morning. It's also a good way to put you in a good mood. Try to choose music that has a uplifting tone. This way, you'll be able to start your day on a bright note. Man people wake up to music or listen to their favorite songs on the way to work. When you're ready to start your day, think about adding music to your morning routine.
Structure Your Morning
Now that you understand wh people have morning rituals, you ma want to start your own. Think abou choosing one of these ideas or create our own. Make sure that you wake up early and have enough time to enjo our morning. Try out a few mornin routines to figure out what works bes for you. Getting started with a mornin ritual isn't difficult because we all tend to do the same things every morning. Keep in mind that a morning ritual should help you achieve a particular state of mind and prepare you for the day ahead.
to figure out = to understand; entender, descobrir (uma ideia)
Stress Management - 7 Free Activities and Hobbies to Ease Your Mind
Recent scientific studies have shown that stress shifts the human brai into a so-called reward-seeking state. This means that when we're under stress we crave an activity or a substance our brain associates with the promise of a reward.
to crave = to desire intensely; desejar intensamente
Simply put, this is hard-wired into our brains and won't go away any da soon. So, what's the problem with it? The problem is that we mostly deal with stress by eating, watching TV, smoking, shopping, playing video
games and whatnot. These are all jus quick fixes that won't do us any good i the long run, and they don't reduce the levels of stress hormones in our bodies.
and whatnot = etc.; etc
You're probably thinking by now: "Well, what am I supposed to do then?" Luckily, there are stress-relie strategies (some people call the coping strategies) that work and help ou relax and ease your mind. The science behind this is pretty simple: These strategies help shut down the brain's stress response, while your body produces feel-good chemicals and hormones, all of which in retur reduces the level of stress and helps ou calm down.
to cope = to fight; batalhar, lutar (com uma situação, não é luta física)
My Friend's Story
I was talking to my friend the other day about this very topic. He's a lawyer, so you can imagine how stressful his life is. I came across hi on the street so we chatted a bit. I noticed right away how he looked fresh and healthy, so I complimented him. Then the conversation wen something like this: "Thanks for the compliment. That's because of exercise and meditation." "Meditation? You? Wow, I can' believe it!", I exclaimed.
My friend was just smiling: "Yes, i changed my life completely. I can' imagine a day without going to the gy anymore." We just stood there and talked for a bit more. We also arranged plans for a dinner next week. He kept talkin about this great restaurant that served beautiful, healthy food. The more time I spent with him, the more I noticed how happy and healthy he looks. So, finally, I asked: "What has gotten into you, man?" He laughed. "Oh, it's nothing. It's called stress management, and I love it!" After that we said goodbye. I was so happy for him. Keep i mind he's a defense attorney, so his da pretty much consists of spending time with some really bad people, whic
ust makes things worse. Last time I saw him he wasn' really a picture of health. He was chain-smoking his cigarettes and drinking one cup of coffee after another. He was always nervous and always seemed in a rush. Now, he's a entirely different man. Why? Because he learned how to cope with stress, and if he can do it, anyone can.
to chain-smoke = to smoke one cigarette after another; fumar um cigarro atrás do outro
7 Free Activities And Hobbies To Ease Your Mind
As we already know, the bes possible way to ease your mind and
manage stress are stress-relie strategies. Now, we are all different, and we like and enjoy different things, so the number of things you can do to relieve stress in a fun, healthy way is limitless. It's all about relaxing and shutting everything out except your hobby, so you can fully concentrate o it and nothing else. On the other hand, hobbies, especially creative ones, are a great way to learn about new possibilities. So, here are seven free hobbies and activities that can help ease your mind:
1) Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the bes ways to ease your mind and manage stress. If you're not used to exercising, even everyday activities like walkin
or yard work can greatly reduce stress. If you spend a lot of time sitting dow at a desk, try stretching, breathin exercises or even yoga. Muscle relaxation is another great way o releasing muscle tension.
2) Music
Music is, some say, the purest ar form and a form of healing too. According to recent scientific research, music therapy reduces stress, anxiety and even decreases pain. On the other hand, playing music helps you express your emotions creatively, which is another great wa of getting rid of stress.
to get rid of = to eliminate;
eliminar, livrar-se de algo
3) Reading and Writing
Is there a better way to relax tha picking up a good book? Studies have shown that reading reduces stress b almost 70% since it slows down your heart rate and eases muscle tension. However, some people just can' concentrate on reading, and they should instead - write. Writing about your emotions and the things that bother yo helps clear your thoughts.
4) Spending Time Friends and Family
with You
Spending time with your loved
ones and taking time to establish new social relationships is a wonderful way to relieve stress. Not only tha ou're able to have fun when you're with people you love, but havin friends and family also gives you a sense of belonging and security.
5) Cooking
We are all different. For some people, cooking is a mundane task and other people absolutely love it. For those of you who enjoy it though, cooking is a fun, pleasurable way to clear your mind. You will always make other people happy and connect wit them by cooking for them, and that is another great thing about it.
6) Meditation
Meditation is much easier than i seems and has numerous healt benefits. It reduces stress and negative emotions, lowers blood pressure and helps you relax more than anythin else. When it comes to meditation it's all about clearing your mind and focusing your attention on things tha are happening right now.
7) Spending Time In Nature
Not only going for a nice walk i nature provides you with exercise, i can also be fun and exciting, especiall if you enjoy things like biking, for example. Riding a bicycle stimulates our mind and helps you enjoy the present moment. One study found tha walking through nature also improves
attention span and memory.
In the end, it's safe to say that these stress-relief strategies are somethin we should all think about because quick fixes like TV or fast food won' do us any good. Besides, most of these things are way more fun anyway, additionally to being a great outlet for emotional troubles. They are the perfect tool to relax, relieve stress, have fun, ope our mind and build self-confidence.
The Slow Living Movement
We all spend our lives looking for meaning and fulfillment, in one way or another. The world is a different place to what it has been before, and it's constantly changing and evolving. Everything around us is fast. Fast food, meaningless conversations, instan Facebook friendships, instant coffee, instant relationships. It's all so hectic and, at times, confusing. Therefore, it's easy to fall off balance and out of sync. It seems like what we are and what we want to be aren't the same thing at all. Not even close. At least that's what's i like for most people nowadays. A legitimate question arises: Wha can we do to change that? Like most of you reading this, I have asked myself the same questio for years. The answer to that and man
other similar questions was: the slow living movement. Want to hear m experience? Read on.
My Story
Before John walked back into m life, it was hectic. I never thought there was a way to change that. I though that's just the way it's supposed to be. My parents lived like that, my friends live like that and doesn't that mean I should live like that too? I mean, isn' that the way things work? I felt empty, but I thought that was the way I'm supposed to feel. I was wrong, so wrong. It all changed one day. My life changed. I was walking home from work, hoping I'll catch the bus home, so I don't have to pay for a cab. It was a
rainy afternoon, and I felt horrible. I didn't even have an umbrella; I was soaked. I rushed to the bus station and, o course, my bus was gone. I stood there, feeling the rain soaking my clothes. Just then, a car pulled over. The driver honked and opened the door. "Get in!", he shouted, "It's pourin out there." "Excuse me?", I said. "Hey, it's me, John.", he smiled. I met John years ago, but he looked so different now. He looked fresh and healthy and happy. I met him when I go a job at his brother's law firm. Joh worked there too. He was an intense, nervous guy, going through two packs of cigarettes and half a dozen o espressos a day. I never really liked him, he was intimidating, always
shouting at his secretary and arguin with his brother. No one really liked John. He was just that kind of person. One day, he just left. I remember hi storming into his brother's office and shouting: "I can't take this anymore, I quit! I'm going to do what I always wanted to do! I'm done with this!" This was the first time I saw hi since then, and he changed. He changed so much. He was now a mellow, kind man with a smile on his face. His eyes were glowing.
mellow = soft, sweet; suave, doce, agradável
"Here, take this towel, you're soaked."
I was surprised by his behavior and had no idea how to react, so I jus asked: "What happened to you, John? You're so different." He just looked at me and said: "Have you ever heard of the slow living movement?" I had no idea what he was talkin about, but I sensed it's something I didn't want to be a part of, so I replied: "I really don't have time for that." John laughed. "Isn't that ironic? Let's grab a coffee, and I'll tell you all about it." We went for a coffee and talked for hours. John told me what I am about to tell you now.
The Slow Living Movement
Slow living is, by definition, a lifestyle. It is also a choice. But, wha does it really mean? What is slow living all about? In short, slow livin is about arranging your life around meaning, well-being, and happiness, instead of around money. No, it's no some sort of a cult or anything like that. It's simply the best way to lead a happ life, in this day and age. Everyone has that little voice i their head telling them to slow down, take it easy. Sometimes, we should jus listen to that voice. Some call i intuition, and we definitely shouldn' take it for granted.
to take (something) for granted = [in this sentence it means] to treat
(something) carelessly; importância para algo
não
dar
That, in some way, is what slow living is all about. It is about enjoyin the present moment, enjoying what we have, spending time with the people we care about instead of runnin around, trying to make more money to spend on an overpriced smartphone, I would be great if it made us happy and it does, but just for a moment, the what? Individual fulfillment, physical, emotional and mental health, alon with personal relationships are things that have real meaning. Everything else comes and goes. Do we really want to let life pass us by? Do we want to let i slip out of our hands? Of course we don't, but somehow, we get caught up in it and forget what really matters.
That's what slow living teaches us. I teaches us that it's OK to take a break, that it's OK to go on a holiday, that it's OK to spend time with the people we love. Stress and a feeling o disconnection can evolve into man different psychological issues, eve into anxiety or depression. Man people succumb to the pressure and end up doing what everyone expects them to do. They end up doing wha society tells them to do, and in the process they lose themselves. Is tha the way we want to live our lives? O course it's not, and it's not even the way we should live our lives. In fact, it's not the way we have to live our lives. Why don't we just slow dow and enjoy the moment sometimes? Slow living means reconnectin with yourself and others. The solutio is to pay attention and enjoy the presen
moment. We all deserve to lead beautiful, meaningful lives and no one has the right to take that away from us. We have the right to be our best selves and we have a right to be happy. Wh wouldn't we do that? All it takes is to slow down a bit. It is time to rethink our priorities. Rethinking your priorities means slowing down, and living slow means enjoying life and all it has to offer.
