Given the opportunity, plenty of people would probably choose to get rid of stress entirely from their lives. Amazing new findings from the University of Georgia, however, indicate that a little bit of stress can actually be very beneficial to both body and brain.
When we’re stressed, we’re usually forced to deal with unpredictable or tense situations that can eat away at our bodies physically. While these scenarios (设想) are almost never fun in the moment, they serve to push us out of our comfort zones ― and that can be a good thing for the mind.
Researchers say that low to moderate (适度的) levels of stress appear to promote improved working memory, which refers to short-term information people use to complete everyday tasks. Not surprisingly, study authors stress that these benefits are limited to moderate stress. Once stress levels reach high levels, it can be dangerous to one’s health. “The bad outcomes of stress are pretty clear and not new,” says lead study author Assaf Oshri, an associate professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, in a university release.
The research team analyzed a series of MRI scans (核磁共振成像) of over 1,000 people from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds. Results show that people who experienced low to moderate stress levels had increased activity in the parts of their brains involved with working memory. Conversely, those dealing with chronic high levels of stress showed a decline in those same brain areas.
Study subjects were asked questions about how frequently they experienced certain thoughts or feelings. For instance, “In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?” and “In the last month, how often have you found that you could not deal with all tie things that you had to do?”
Participants’ social networks were also analyzed via a number of different measures. Examples include how they felt about their own ability to handle unexpected events, how satisfied they were that their lives matter and are meaningful, and the availability of friend-based support across their social networks.
To assess working memory, subjects were shown a series of four types of images of things like tools and individuals’ faces. Then, later on they were asked to remember whether they were the same photos they were shown before. Study authors analyzed MRIs showing subjects’ brains as they completed the tasks.
Notably, people who reported high levels of social support from friends and family were better able to deal with low to moderate stress levels in a healthy way .
“You need to have the right resources to be strengthened by misfortune and stress,” Prof. Oshri concludes. “For some people, being exposed to stress is a good thing. But for others, maybe not. It’s possible that you can sand more stress if you have a supportive community or family.”
1. What does underlined word that in Para.2 refer to?| A．Unpredictable or tense situations are not fun in the moment. |
| B．Unpredictable or tense situations can force us out of comfort zones. |
| C．Low-to-moderate levels of stress can promote improved working memory. |
| D．A little bit of stress can be very beneficial to both body and brain. |
| A．By comparing experimental data with previous ones. |
| B．By analyzing participants, medical reports and social networks. |
| C．By referring to research reports of existing researches. |
| D．By asking the participants to fill in questionnaires. |
| A．Every coin has two sides. | B．No sweet without sweat. |
| C．Time waits for no man. | D．One man’s meat is another man’s poison. |
| A．A proper amount of stress can benefit us mentally and physically. |
| B．It’s confirmed that high levels of stress can do harm to our health. |
| C．Working memory is an important indicator of our present health. |
| D．A supportive community or family can help us deal with stress in a healthy way. |
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【推荐1】Batik is a traditional Indonesian coloring method used to make designs and drawings, usually on cloth and finished textiles. Batik makers use dyes— colors added to cloth and other materials— to create the colorful designs.
In central Indonesia, many batik makers are using natural dyes instead of manufactured ones. The natural dyes used come from mangrove forests that grow along the coast. The trees grow in salty water on a complex system of tall roots.
Mangrove forests serve an important purpose. They provide a barrier against destructive (破坏性的) ocean waves called tsunamis. They also are important to water life like fish and crabs. And the forests are more effective in taking in carbon dioxide gas, a gas linked to climate change, than rainforests or similar environments.
Erwin Ardli is a mangrove ecologist at Indonesia’s Jenderal Soedirman University. He says the natural dyes may not be as bright as manufactured ones. But they are better for the environment. Ardli said, “We’ve seen the interest for natural dyes increasing, and especially for middle-to upper-class people, they seem proud to wear clothes using these natural dyes rather than synthetic (合成) ones.” Iiting Budiarti, who owns an art gallery that shows Batik designs, agreed with Ardli, adding that objects with natural dyes can cost two or three times more than the synthetic ones.
Forty-eight-year-old Sodikin is a batik maker. Over the past four years, he and his group of batik makers have changed from using chemical materials for dyes to mangrove-based products. The change has reduced their costs and helped the environment.
Harvesting involves gathering a handful of what looks like string beans-seeds within a covering. Sodikin then takes the mangrove fruit home to make natural dye from them.
“We use natural materials so as to preserve the mangrove forest at the same time,” Sodikin said, as he processed dried fruits before boiling them to extract the colour for use as a dye. “We do not cut down the trees,” he added, “and we only take fruits or leaves that have fallen.”
1. Where do the natural dyes used by Indonesian batik manufacturers come from?| A．Some string beans. |
| B．Salty water. |
| C．The roots of coastal trees. |
| D．Mature seeds or leaves of mangrove forests. |
| A．Resisting harmful ocean waves. |
| B．Preventing carbon dioxide emissions better. |
| C．Providing more high-quality wood products. |
| D．Providing a growth environment for marine organisms. |
| A．The development trend of Batik. |
| B．People’s attitude towards synthetic dyes. |
| C．Advantages and disadvantages of natural dyes. |
| D．The relationship between natural dyes and people’s identity. |
| A．A biology textbook. |
| B．A tourist guide to central Indonesia. |
| C．A report concerning traditional culture. |
| D．An assessment report on ecological balance. |
【推荐2】AQ, or Adversity Quotient (逆商), refers to an individual’s capacity to effectively navigate and overcome adversities. It shares similarities with concepts such as resilience (应力) and persistence. Those with a high AQ have the ability to bounce back after facing setbacks.
Adaptability to shifting circumstances
Similar to how creatures in the natural world must adapt to survive, individuals in the professional realm must also embrace change. Individuals with high AQ understand that change is constant and inevitable, and instead of resisting it, they embrace it as an opportunity for growth and development.
Emotional stability is a crucial quality when facing adversity. Individuals with a high AQ possess the capacity to manage their emotions effectively, ensuring that they do not get overwhelmed by negativity or despair. They remain calm under pressure and approach problems with a clear and rational mindset.
Positive Mindset
High AQ individuals maintain a positive and optimistic outlook on life. They usually view adversities as temporary hurdles and believe in their ability to overcome them.
Problem-Solving Skills
| A．Ability for self-management. |
| B．Capacity for emotional regulation. |
| C．Cultivating AQ is essential for personal growth. |
| D．Such individuals often exhibit the following qualities. |
| E．High AQ individuals excel at finding effective solutions. |
| F．They actively pursue growth through challenging situations. |
| G．Their ability to adapt enables them to overcome diverse challenges. |
【推荐3】In the 1960s, anthropologist (人类学家) Jean Briggs set out on a trip to the Arctic Circle (北极圈). Living in an environment cut off from all the usual creature comforts, Briggs survived thanks to the kindness of one Inuit family who took her in to their home. During her time among the Inuit, she came across a surprising phenomenon: Inuit people have an extraordinary ability to control their anger.
Briggs documented certain occasions where it might have seemed plausible to fly off the handle. A fishing line that had taken many days to make broke on its first use. The simple response: “Sew it together.” A hot pot of tea that ended up all over the floor of an igloo (冰屋), damaging it, was met with no real acknowledgement. The person who knocked it over just got up and made a new pot.
Briggs was left with the burning question of how the Inuit manage to raise such level-headed adults. In a meeting with the elders, it was revealed that the Inuit have a golden parenting rule: “Don’t shout at small children.” One mom, Lisa Ipeelie explained, “When they’re little, it doesn’t help to raise your voice. And this is even the case if a child bites or hits a parent. If a child is turning to this behavior, it’s because there’s an underlying issue that needs to be dealt with, calmly.”
Still, you might be wondering how the Inuit get their children to behave, or even to stay safe. Well, it’s thanks to the storytelling tradition in the culture. These stories can be quite frightening. “Our parents told us that if we went out without a hat, the northern lights are going to take our head off,” shared Inuit film producer, Myna Ishulutak.
However, psychologist Deena Weisberg believes “kids learn best through stories, which are interesting to them.” Interestingly, she states that stories with a peppering of danger have even more appeal to kids. “If we tell children stories they are in awe of, which help them to behave, they will pass them on to their own families,” she says.
1. Why did Briggs find Inuit people amazing?| A．They care little about personal belongings. |
| B．They always keep calm. |
| C．They live comfortably under extreme conditions. |
| D．They treat strangers like family. |
| A．Reasonable. | B．Preferable. | C．Unacceptable. | D．Debatable. |
| A．Shout at him. | B．Turn to others. | C．Find out the reason. | D．Beat him. |
| A．It improves parent-kid relationships. | B．It brings about dangerous behavior. |
| C．It is harmful to kids. | D．It should be promoted. |
【推荐1】From the moment you arrive at Houtong Village in northern Taiwan, you’ll have no trouble knowing who the real stars are. There’s a cat-shaped bridge, pet food bowls on the side of the walkways, street signs with cat pictures, cat-themed cafes and, of course, furry friends wandering freely everywhere.
In the early 1900s, Houtong, in New Taipei City, was the biggest and most technologically advanced coal-mining site in Taiwan. It was a prosperous town with about 6,000 residents and workers, before the mine fell into disuse in 1990.
As most young residents moved away for better opportunities, Houtong became a sleepy village with about 100 residents. But in 2010, Houtong gained popularity after a cat-lover and photographer started blogging about the village’s growing stray (无主的) cat population.
Houtong was transformed into a cat-lover sight while also providing a source of income for local villagers. Many of the stray cats, now given affectionate nicknames, are taken care of by local villagers as well as a troop of volunteers.
In addition to the village’s many cute kitty-themed shops and cafes, the local government has also seized the opportunity to highlight its long history.
An award-winning pedestrian cat bridge was built. A cat information and education center opened in 2014, featuring higher cat walkways in front of the building. A museum park dedicated to the town’s former mining life opened in 2010, later hosting a cat lantern festival in 2012.
But Houtong, now under the spotlight, isn’t completely perfect. According to local reports, the town has become an attraction for those looking for a place to abandon their unwanted pets. During the most recent survey, it was estimated that the village is now home to about 286 cats—50 heads more than two years ago.
With the constant patting and feeding from visitors, some also flagged concerns about the health of the furry residents. The department works with local residents and volunteers to vaccinate (接种疫苗) the cats and provide regular medical treatment. Signs have been set up around town advising visitors how to behave while also pleading for the pet owners’ responsibility.
1. Why does Houtong become popular recently?| A．Because it is a town with the biggest coal-mining site. |
| B．Because it is a town with a long history. |
| C．Because it is a town where the mine falls into disuse. |
| D．Because it is a town featuring cats culture. |
| A．Young residents moved far away for better opportunities. |
| B．The development of the village cannot meet the demands. |
| C．There are not enough volunteers in the village. |
| D．The cats are not in good health condition. |
| A．Applying. | B．Begging. |
| C．Fighting. | D．Registering. |
【推荐2】While a lot of things have changed in 2020, the end of summer once again saw pupils preparing to go back to school. Though the start of term in September was unlike any other, with many students having been absent from class for months, the benefits of returning are considerable. “Interacting with friends face-to-face, enjoying creative play, being out in the fresh air and moving their bodies - these are all crucial for children’s mental health and academic success later in life,” says parenting expert Dr. Kalanit Ben-Ari.
The home learning period has seen an increase in time spent on screens. “Screen addiction is becoming a problem—kids are finding it hard to put aside, which can make them anxious and restless at night. For teenagers especially, who are at the peak of their development, they’re easily affected by the increased use of things like social media and so the longer they’re out of school, the more anxious they can become,” he added.
Settling back into the daily routine of school is something that benefits the whole family. At school, children are stimulated and develop more self-discipline by being in class on time and doing homework. Once those habits are back in place it becomes easier to get back into the rhythm of set bedtimes or to get them to spend less time on their phone.
To support children as they go back, Dr. Ben-Ari recommends encouraging them to vocalize any concerns. If you sense they’re worried, start by reflecting on what they’re saying. Let them know that you trust they’re capable of coping with it, and you don’t have any doubt that they’ll succeed.
Lifestyle changes can make the transition easier, too. Simply walking or cycling to school— if you have to drive, parking further away and walking the final 15 minutes - improves circulation and boosts mood before the school day begins. He reassures parents, though, that there’s no need to worry about them settling back in. “A lot of people are concerned about an academic gap—but children, especially young children, tend to catch up very quickly. Kids are much more resilient than we think.”
1. What does Dr. Kalanit Ben-Ari expect of children?| A．They should interact with friends frequently. |
| B．They must return to school as soon as possible. |
| C．They can keep mentally and physically healthy. |
| D．They can realize the result of absence from school. |
| A．It makes children lazier and more worried. |
| B．It’s more effective in building up confidence. |
| C．It’s more likely to affect children’s intelligence. |
| D．It affects children’s sleep quality. |
| A．Deliver. | B．Organize. | C．Express. | D．Prove. |
| A．To stress the need of reflecting in learning. |
| B．To inspire students’ love for learning at school. |
| C．To provide guidance on returning to school life. |
| D．To state the benefits of returning to school for students. |
【推荐3】The European Space Agency(ESP) wants to build a village on the moon, said Woerner, the head of the agency, in a video interview posted on its website on March 21.
“I would like to build a base station on the moon, meaning that it’s an open station...for different states around the globe,” Woerner said to Euronews. He said the village could replace the International Space Station(ISS) in the future, which will be ended in 2024. In December Nexgen Space, a consultant(咨询) company for NASA, said that a lunar refueling station could “reduce the cost to NASA of sending humans to Mars by as much as $10 billion per year.”
According to the ESA’s plan, starting from the early 2020s, robots will be sent to the moon to begin building different facilities(设备), followed a few years later by the first humans to live there. Instead of bringing expensive resources from Earth, the moon’s natural resources like metal and frozen water could be used to build the village.
Having a lunar base could be challenging because of space radiation(辐射), meteorite(陨石) and extreme temperatures from 123℃ to 153℃, according to CNN. But Woerner said these risks could be made smaller by choosing the right locations on the moon.
“If we go into the shadow on the moon, we’ll have places where we don’t have the radiation... At the South Pole, we can find water,” he said.
Right now, the moon village is just an idea. But as the BBC said, there is a growing interest in returning to the moon and the idea will be taken seriously.
“Inside all of us there is something that goes beyond being practical,” Woerner said. “We like to discover. This is humankind and this is what brings us into the future.”
1. What is most likely to happen after robots finish building different facilities?| A．Humans will be sent to Mars. |
| B．Humans will be sent to live on the Moon. |
| C．Expensive resources will be sent to the moon. |
| D．International Space Station(ISS) will be ended. |
| A．It is too hot to live there. |
| B．There is too much radiation. |
| C．It’s too far away from the earth. |
| D．There may be rocks landing from outer space. |
| A．Humans are very practical. |
| B．Humans want to experience the future. |
| C．Humans don’t like to stay in the same place. |
| D．Humans are nature-born to explore the unknown. |
| A．To inform. | B．To analyze. | C．To persuade. | D．To criticize. |
【推荐1】Stress is a fact of life but there are a number of ways you can change your lifestyle to cope better with stress. VideoJug has given you the best tips on how to change your life and reduce stress.
Step 1: Exercise
Pressure and anger releases adrenaline(肾上腺素) into the body. Physical exercise can reduce this and instead releases “good mood(心情)” or “happy” hormones into your brain. You don’t have to be a gym fanatic to stay fit and healthy, even just 10 minutes walking 2 to 3 times a day is enough to build stamina(耐力).
Step 2: Sleep and Rest
Sleep and rest are essential to survival as your brain won’t work properly if it’s sleep-deprived(剥夺). If you start skipping sleep or waking frequently, this has an increasing effect, and the worry of losing sleep can often cause its own stress.
Step 3: Diet
Try not to skip meals. Missing out on food will leave you feeling tired and irritable. Eat smaller meals more frequently to ensure your energy levels remain high. Make sure you have enough vitamin B complex, C and E in your body. These help with mental activity, cell(细胞) repair and fighting infection(感染). And try to keep your body hydrated with 2.5 litres of water per day,
Step 4: Alcohol(白酒，烈性酒，酒精)
Excessive(过量的) alcohol consumption can lead to health and behavioural problems. It can cause lack of sleep meaning you won’t have adequate rest and your body will not be able to work efficiently. Moderate(适量的) alcohol consumption however can help to reduce your stress levels
Step 5: Social Life
Giving yourself a break from the activity which is stressing you is as good a relaxation tool as any. Make sure you make time to meet up with your friends. Catching up on all the gossip(八卦) and reminiscing about the old fun times will take your mind off your anxiety and will calm you down to approach tasks in a cool manner.
| A．although this doesn’t have to be done at a time. |
| B．while also reducing your chances of developing coronary heart disease. |
| C．Getting enough exercise will also help you to sleep better. |
| D．By keeping organized, people can successfully manage and reduce stress. |
| E．Remember maintaining a healthy lifestyle gives you a head-start on beating stress. |
| F．Try getting into a routine of going to bed and waking at the same time for one week and you’ll notice the difference. |
| G．In addition, people need some relaxation, such as watching movies, listening to music, reading a magazine, or chatting with friends, in order to release their stress. |
【推荐2】All of us have moments when we say to ourselves, “I can’t do this anymore.”
If so, you may have gotten to the point where you feel a lack of empathy(共鸣) towards others, and a feeling like you “just don’t care” anymore. You may feel as though nothing you do really matters, and that you are unable to accomplish anything. Burn out can have physical expression as well.
If experiencing burn out, you shouldn’t feel that you are inadequate in any way. Often, when someone has reached this point, it’s because there is too much on their plate.
Sometimes people are quick to brush off feelings of “I can’t do this anymore”, thinking that they should try to toughed up or push themselves through.
Reaching a breaking point like this isn’t enjoyable. However, when looked at the right way, it can be thought of as a wake-up call to figure out new ways of managing your stress.
| A．But burn out is a real thing. |
| B．Burn out isn’t the same as feeling generally tired. |
| C．The truth is that there’s too much for one person to handle. |
| D．In fact, addressing your feelings of burn out isn’t a sign of weakness. |
| E．Burn out is on the rise and you are not alone if you are experiencing it. |
| F．Usually, these are times when you feel exhausted, unable to manage life’s stress. |
| G．You may experience headaches, muscle pain, and changed sleep and eating patterns. |
【推荐3】While no one can avoid all stress, you can work to handle it in healthy ways that increase your potential to recover.
Eat and drink to improve your health. Some people try to reduce stress by drinking alcohol or eating too much.
Exercise regularly.
Reduce triggers(触发) of stress. If you are like most people, your life may be filled with too many demands and too little time.
Study and practice relaxation techniques. Taking the time to relax every day helps to manage stress and to protect the body from the effects of stress. You can choose from a variety of techniques. These includes deep breathing, imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation. There are many online and smart phone apps that provide guidance on these techniques.
| A．Examine your values and live by them. |
| B．Stop using tobacco and nicotine products. |
| C．These actions may seem to help in the moment. |
| D．You should try your best to meet the expectations of others. |
| E．For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. |
| F．Although some need purchase costs, many are available free of charge. |
| G．Besides physical health benefits, it has been shown to be a powerful stress reliever. |
