1 . Running is often tiring and a lot of hard work, but nothing beats the feeling you get after finishing a long workout around the track.
But while it’s long been believed that endorphins (内啡肽) —chemicals in the body that cause happiness—are behind the so-called “runner’s high”, a study suggested that there may be more to this phenomenon than we previously knew.
According to a recent study published by a group of scientists from several German universities, a group of chemicals called endocannabinoids (内源性大麻素) may actually be responsible for this familiar great feeling.
To test this theory, the scientists turned to mice. Both mice and humans release high levels of endorphins and endocannabinoids after exercise. After exercising on running wheels, the mice seemed happy and relaxed and displayed no signs of anxiety. But after being given a drug to block their endorphins, the mice’s behavior didn’t seem to change. However, when their endocannabinoids were blocked with a different drug, their runners’ high symptoms seemed to fade.
“The long-held notion of endorphins being responsible for the runner’s high is false. Endorphins are effective pain relievers, but only when it comes to the pain in your body and muscles you feel after working out,” Patrick Lucas Austin wrote on science blog Lifchacker.
Similar studies are yet to be carried out on humans, but it’s already known that exercise is a highly effective way to get rid of stress or anxiety. The UK’s National Health Service even prescribes (开药 方) exercise to patients who are suffering from depression. “Being depressed can leave you feeling low in energy, which might put you off being more active. Regular exercise can improve your mood if you have depression, and its especially useful for people with mild to moderate (中等的) depression,” it wrote on its website.
It seems like nothing can beat that feeling we get after a good workout, even if we don’t fully understand where it comes from. At least if we’re feeling down, we know that all we have to do is to put on our running shoes.
1. What did scientists from German universities recently discover?| A．Working out is a highly effective way to treat depression. |
| B．The runner’s high could be caused by endocannabinoids. |
| C．Endorphins may contribute to one’s high spirits after running. |
| D．The level of endorphins and endocannabinoids could affect one’s mood. |
| A．To find what reduces the runner’s high symptoms. |
| B．To see the specific symptoms of the runner’s high. |
| C．To identify what is responsible for the runner’s high. |
| D．To test what influences the level of endocannabinoids released. |
| A．Effect. | B．Goal. | C．Opinion. | D．Question |
| A．They can help ease depression symptoms. |
| B．They are the best way to treat depression. |
| C．They only work for those with serious depression. |
| D．They can help people completely recover from depression. |
2 . One can never find his/her potential until he/she has a try. When I retired five years ago, I started running. I was not a natural
When I started training running, I was just trying to build up stamina (耐力), and just the idea of even going two miles, but even walking was a
I
Running the Los Angeles Marathon for the first time was probably the greatest
I could never have
| A．student | B．athlete | C．teacher | D．coach |
| A．good | B．traditional | C．convenient | D．funny |
| A．hold back | B．give up | C．come back | D．show up |
| A．chance | B．dilemma | C．challenge | D．dream |
| A．walking | B．exercising | C．pushing | D．running |
| A．witnessed | B．considered | C．met | D．left |
| A．confuse | B．entertain | C．warn | D．inspire |
| A．schedule | B．experience | C．adventure | D．trip |
| A．construction | B．graduation | C．separation | D．preparation |
| A．unless | B．so | C．because | D．until |
| A．point | B．site | C．end | D．top |
| A．get through | B．apply for | C．take over | D．listen to |
| A．noticed | B．suggested | C．hated | D．imagined |
| A．made | B．earned | C．watched | D．selected |
| A．choose | B．direct | C．find | D．follow |
3 .
Enter to become a BBC young reporter Young people aged from 11—18 are invited to send stories about “Me and My World” as part of the BBC Young Reporter Competition. Here’s some information about it.
● The thing needed To take part, you don’t need to send us a finished report. Just provide your story idea. You can either write it down or record it as a video. ● The prize for winners With the help of BBC programme makers, winners will produce and share their reports on the BBC’s TV and radio channels and online. ● More information Visit our website at tinyurl.com/TWJ-BBCYoungreporter and send your story idea before June 30. |
| A．Tom aged 6. | B．Lucy aged 10. |
| C．Ben aged 16. | D．Amy aged 20. |
| A．the winners’ parents | B．BBC programme makers |
| C．the winners’ teachers | D．BBC interview directors |
| A．write songs about “Me and My World” | B．prepare a finished report on your own |
| C．read news reports on the BBC website | D．provide your story idea before June 30 |
4 . Nowadays, Tai Chi has already spread throughout the world and is practiced by millions of people. It’s a major division of Chinese martial art.
▲It’s easy on the body.
Tai chi is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. It is low-impact, meaning there is minimal risk of damage to your joints.
▲Falls could be prevented.
A 2019 review of studies suggested that Tai Chi might reduce the risk of falls in older people.
▲
Tai Chi may boost brain power. Studies have found that regular Tai Chi can improve cognitive functioning in older people with dementia(痴呆)and without. Given that it’s considered safe and suitable for the elderly, this is a definite win. It also has the feel-good factor. A reduction in stress and anxiety, and increased confidence, are other mental health benefits of Tai Chi, according to research, though further research is needed.
▲You can do it at home.
Classes are useful not just for teaching the movements but also for meeting like-minded people.
| A．It has mental benefits. |
| B．You can go at your own pace. |
| C．It does good to both body and mind. |
| D．But there are videos available online too. |
| E．Meanwhile, it relaxed muscles and there is no stretching or straining. |
| F．Tai Chi is so slow and smooth, but it can improve both upper-body and lower-body strength. |
| G．The emphasis is on balance, with movements helping strengthen muscles required for stability. |
5 . If you are already making the time to exercise, it is good indeed! With such busy lives, it can be hard to try and find the time to work out.
Your productivity is improved. Exercising makes you more awake and ready to handle whatever is ahead of you for the day.
Your metabolism(新陈代谢) gets a head start.
There are a lot of benefits to working out, especially in the mornings. Set your alarm clock an hour early and push yourself to work out! You will feel energized all day long.
| A．You will stick to your diet. |
| B．Your quality of sleep improves. |
| C．You prefer healthy food to fast food. |
| D．There is no reason you should exercise in the morning. |
| E．You can keep your head clear for 4-10 hours after exercise. |
| F．After you exercise, you continue to burn calories throughout the day. |
| G．If you are planning to do exercise regularly, or you’re doing it now, then listen up! |
