Since the start of COVID-19, many people have been stuck(困住的) indoors. Online classes and working from home mean sitting around a lot.

We already know that if we don’t move much, we get fatter, we get heart problems and maybe we get diabetes(糖尿病). But new studies have shown that it could be bad for our mind, too.

A study of 937 American adults during COVID-19 found that about one-third of them sat around for more than 10 hours per day. It reported that people who sat for too long often showed more symptoms of depression(抑郁的症状).

Another study studied children aged 12, 14 and 16. It found that the longer they sat, the higher depression scores they would get by age 18. According to the study, if eighteen-year-old children sat too often, they had depression scores 28 percent higher than those who were more active.

Scientists are not sure yet about the connection between too much sitting and depression. But an expert named Mats Hallgren said, “sitting for too long can slow blood flow(流动) in the body including blood flow to the brain. It might also influence the growth of neurons(神经细胞) in the brain. And couch potatoes might do other unhealthy things while sitting on the sofa, such as eating on junk food. All these may lead to depression.”

Is there any good news? It’s easy to deal with the problem. Aaron Kandola from University College London, UK, said “all kinds” of movement might help, even light activity.

“It is great to exercise and play sports,” said Kandola. “But anything you can do to avoid sitting for too long will help with mood(情绪), stress and thinking clearly.” The key message is just to move more, more often.

“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade (柠檬汁).” This is a common saying in English and it encourages positive attitude (积极的态度). Lemons tastes very sour. However, by adding water and sugar to them, you will be able to enjoy a delicious drink.

Because of COVID-19, life has given you a lot of lemons lately. It’s autumn time. Nature is fascinating and the weather is cool. You should be outside playing. But if you do that these days, you will probably become ill. You have no choice but to stay indoors. So, what should you do? Just sit there and eat lemons, or learn how to make lemonade?

Home quarantine (居家隔离) is giving people the chance to do things that they didn’t have time to do before, such as reading, learning to cook, taking up their hobbies and spending more time with families. For younger people, the home quarantine could also be a chance to learn an important life lesson directly: While life can be difficult at times, it can still be enjoyed if you have the right attitude.

There are some things you can do to keep a positive attitude. First, stay healthy. Don’t stay up late or sleep too long. And do some exercise every day. Second, make a time plan for study and hobbies, or just some quiet time for yourself. Third, care about others. Your parents may have much stress these days, so don’t make their lives any more difficult by, for example, arguing with them.

The pandemic (疫情) will finally end, but you will always remember it as a big event in your life. Hopefully, it will make you and all of China’s younger people stronger and more positive so that you will forever be known as the “lemonade” generation (一代), and not the “sour” one.

Presentation(展示) skills are important at school and in other areas of life.     16     Some don’t like it because they get nervous about public speaking. Here’s some advice to help you make presentations easier and more interesting.

Get organized

The best presentations are well planned and clearly organized. Think about topics(话题) and choose a proper one. In one topic, three or four main ideas will be fine. The beginning of your presentation should be interesting.     17    

Use photos or videos

Try to use photos or videos. These things make your performance more exciting and help you remember what you’re going to say.     18     The “star” of your presentation should be you, not your photos or videos.

Practice before your performance

You need to practice many times before the “big day”. Practice saying any unusual words. Then write the main ideas on small cards to help you remember.     19     Finally, you can record your performance or ask a friend to watch you and then make suggestions for improvements.

    20    

Always look at the people who watch your presentation. Stand up straight, but don’t stand still or move around much. Finally, be sure to thank your audience when you finish speaking. It’s a simple but good way to end any presentation.