【推荐1】When it comes to happiness, our present selves habitually get deprived (剥夺).     1     In the middle of a busy workday, you think, “I’ll be happy when I get this done.” When you get the task done, you think, “I’ll be happy when I’m on vacation…”

When we are doing these, it’s as if we put true happiness in a package addressed to us at some future time when circumstances will be just right for it to happen. Yet, the package keeps getting lost.     2    

What causes this? How can we avoid this result? We should know the reason why we make such choices and why our future selves seem like strangers to us is partially due to the abstractness of tomorrow. The solution is to make the future more vivid and create an emotional connection between the present and future selves. Here are several ways to strengthen the connection.

    3     Write a letter to your future self and send back a reply. Then you may gain insights into your future self’s needs that would get you to take helpful action now.

Visualize the best version of yourself.     4     Importantly, focus on the contrast between now and later. What are the barriers that stand in the way of turning into that ideal future later? Once you recognize them, you could start working on them now.

Imagine yourself in old age. Looking back at now, what do you wish you would have done more or differently with your time?     5     And how can you prioritize the future now, so that when you look back on it later, you think of it fondly?

Once you do such things, you will make choices that will benefit both your present self and future self.

【推荐2】How to help your cat lose weight

There’s perhaps nothing cuter than a chubby (圆胖的) cat.    1    Obesity (肥胖) in cats can lead to some health problems. Researchers at Virginia-Maryland College just launched their findings of a study on how to keep indoor cats at a healthy weight.    2    Just like humans, cats need to eat less and move more.

In a “food is love” culture, it often happens that you overfeed your cats. So you should stop “free feeding” — only feed your cat the vet (兽医)-suggested amount at the same time every day.    3     If you have a cat that’s screaming for food, you still need to keep their food under control and try feeding them vegetables.

    4    Cats are most playful early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so try to schedule your playtime when they’re most active. You don’t need to try hard to find anything fancy — an empty box or old newspapers might be all your cat needs to get moving.

The most successful weight loss involves a meaningful connection between you and your cat. Dodd, one member of the study, actually dieted with her cat.    5     So it was kind of like that social support, where if she couldn’t eat, the cat couldn’t eat either.

【推荐3】Going to the gym after a long day at work can be a tiring task. However, once you get into the habit of making exercise a priority (优先事项), it gets easier! David Stine, author of The Whole Life, explains how you can make fitness a lifestyle choice.     1    . His physical activities have become a must on his calendar. He shared some of his thoughts with me. No matter what fitness plan you use, these points are practical and will do good to you.

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Based on your age, physical condition and body type, choose workouts that are realistic as far as what you can and should do. What was appropriate for you at a certain age or life stage may not work for you today.

Find workouts that you will enjoy

Try doing different kinds of sports, like tennis or basketball as well as exercises and workouts. By doing so you will not get bored.     3    .

Create chances to motivate yourself

Activities, competitions, and classes are offered year-round, both indoors and outdoors.     4    . It can encourage you to carry out your fitness plans.

Use your calendar to keep yourself accountable (负责任的)

My tennis nights differ each week, depending upon with whom and when I can play, but I practice at least three nights a week, after the kids are off to bed, early in the morning, or even on my lunch hour.     5    , since I can still be with my family at night and have time to walk. Putting these times in my calendar forces me to make room for workouts.

【推荐3】How to make exercise a habit that sticks

There’s a reason why so many New Year’s resolutions to get in shape crash and burn before February rolls around. And it’s not that you simply don’t have what it takes.     1     Follow these steps to make exercise one of them.

Remove obstacles.     2     Do you tend to run out of time in the morning? Get your workout clothes out the night before so you’re ready to go as soon as you get up. Do you skip your evening workout if you go home first? Keep a gym bag in the car, so you can head out straight from work.

    3     A goal of exercising for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week may sound good. But how likely are you to follow through? The more ambitious your goal is, the more likely you are to fail, feel bad about it and give up. So, it’s better to start with easy exercise goals you know you can achieve.

Reward yourself. People who exercise regularly tend to do so because of the rewards it brings to their lives, such as more energy, better sleep, and a greater sense of well-being.     4     When you’re starting an exercise program, it’s important to give yourself immediate rewards when you successfully complete a workout or reach a new fitness goal.

Choose activities that make you feel happy and confident. If your workout is unpleasant or makes you feel clumsy or inept. you’re unlikely to stick with it. Don’t choose activities like running or lifting weights at the gym just because you think that’s what you should do.     5