【推荐1】As the days get shorter and the cold weather rolls in, we all want to curl up in a blanket and sleep until spring rolls around. But making time to get outside in the sun, even when it's cold out, could have bigger mood benefits than you might realize. New research finds that sunlight exposure is by far the greatest weather-related factor determining mental health. In other words, more sunshine, more happiness.

For the study, a psychologist, a physicist and a statistician from BYU teamed up to compare daily environmental data from the university's Physics and Astronomy Weather Station with emotional health dataarchivedby day for 16,452 adult patients who were being treated at the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Other weather variables(可变因素) including temperature, pollution and rain were not found to have an impact on mental health.

“We were surprised that many of the weather and pollution variables we included in the study were not significantly related to patients' scores once we had accounted for sun time," said Dr. Mark Beecher, a professor of psychology at the university and the study's lead author.

Exposure to sunlight is a significant factor in seasonal affective disorder. Research has shown that the brain produces more of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin on sunny days than it does on darker days. What's more, lack of sunlight is linked with lower vitamin D levels, which in turn has been correlated with depression and low energy.

In addition to seeking professional help if you need it, taking a walk in the sun can help. Walking in nature is known to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, lighten the mood and even put the brain into a peaceful state.

【推荐2】It’s natural for parents to praise their children, but offering this praise could actually backfire, according to New Science.

In the study, researchers at Michigan State University looked at 123 children who were about 7. The team assessed the children to determine whether they had a “growth mindset” (believing that you can work harder to get smarter), or a “fixed mindset” (believing that your intelligence is unable to change). They then asked the children to complete a fast-paced computer accuracy task while their brain activity was recorded.

Based on the data they collected, the researchers concluded that children with a growth mindset were much more likely to have a larger brain response after making a mistake, and in turn were more likely to improve their performance by paying closer attention to the task after making an error.

While previous research has shown that people with a fixed mindset didn’t want to admit they had made a mistake, this study found that children with a fixed mindset were able to- “bounce back” after making an error, but only if they gave their full attention to the mistakes. “The main implication(暗示) here is that we should pay close attention to our mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn.” study author Hans Schroder told Science Daily.

For parents, the lessons are clear-if a child hands you an A+ test, don’t say “You’re so smart!”

Instead, say “Wow, that studying really paid off!” or “You clearly mastered this material-way to go!” Note the effort, not the intelligence.

Second, focus on using errors to work together and learn. Many teachers and parents avoid addressing children’s mistakes, telling them “It’s OK. You’ll get it next time...”,without giving them the opportunity to figure out what went wrong. Dr. Schroder says, “Instead, it’s better to reassure(安慰) children that mistakes happen, and to pay attention and work to figure out where and how they made the mistakes.”

China is famous for its various hot pots, but the Japanese also love this delicious cuisine, where hot pots are known as nabemono. Here’re four tasty versions worth eating.

Shabu- Shabu

Many types of hot pots exist, but one of the most popular in Japan is called Shabu-Shabu. Featuring thinly sliced cuts of meats, fish and vegetables, the dish, whose name imitates the sound “swish swish” as the food is cooked in the boiling pot, is said to have been created in Osaka in the 1950s.The food is typically dipped in a sauce with a citrus(柑橘)flavor.

Chankonabe

Since the late 1800s, Chankonabe has been served to sumo(相扑)wrestlers looking to gain weight. Interestingly, there is no fixed recipe fr this style of hot pot. In other words, any type of meat and vegetables can be thrown in. It’s served in large portions, often with other food such as fried chicken so that sumo wrestlers can keep their significant body weight.

Mille-Feuille Nabe

A less fattening Japanese hot pot that has an attractive visual element is Mille-Feuille Nabe. Made with mostly pork and cabbage, it’s easy to prepare since this hot pot requires fewer ingredients(原料)than other kinds of nabemono. The remaining soup can also be enjoyed with steamed rice or noodles.

Yaminabe

Yaminabe is a dining experience like no other. Everyone brings their own ingredients to add to the pot,but with their eyes covered, they don't know what else is being added. Therefore,no one knows exactly what they’re picking out of the pot. Sounds like the ultimate surprise,doesn’t it.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to nabemono. These hot pots are just the start of a wonderfully delicious nabemono journey!

【推荐2】This is not a diet. It’s a simple way to lose weight. You don’t have to give up the food you love or join a gym. You just follow some habits thin people have. Keep them, and you’ll become thin.

When you wake up in the morning, sit up slowly without using your hands. With legs straight out, lean forward(前俯) until you feel sore(酸痛的) in your back. It will use up 10 calories.

Order a clear soup, and have it before the main food. In this way, you’ll feel fuller, so you’ll eat less when the main food comes.

Apples are full of fiber(纤维) and water, so your stomach will want less. Studies show that people who eat at least three apples or pears a day may lose weight.

Every time you use the cell phone, stand up and walk around. Heavy people sit on average two and a half hours more each day than thin people. This skill is very important as standing up and walking around will burn up 50 or more calories.Use these skills, and you will have a big weight loss.