2 . Selecting gifts for your beloved ones can be one of the most difficult parts. But don’t worry! We can help! Here are some gift ideas to suit all pockets.

Do you have a loved one who suffers from allergies (过敏) or other skin diseases? Why not gift him or her an air cleaner? Research has shown that air purifiers can help reduce allergy reactions, remove asthma (哮喘) causes such as dust by improving air quality in your home. Look for purifiers with more than one filter and, especially, a high efficiency air filter.

One review of 56 studies has found that a powered toothbrush resulted in a 21 per cent reduction of plaque and an 11 per cent reduction in gingivitis (牙龈炎) after three months, compared with a manual toothbrush. It’s also a fun way for children to look after their dental hygiene.

Nothing screams a gift quite like chocolate. Good news is that dark chocolate is associated with several health benefits. Small amounts of this sweet treat may lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain function and give your immune system a boost, potentially reducing infection.

Quality time spent with your nearest and dearest is completely free, but is the most precious gift you could give them. If you’ve been too preoccupied of late, determine to put aside more hours to do fun things together, or if you have time to devote to others outside your immediate circle, consider volunteering with Age UK as a friend to an elderly person.

4 . Nowadays, poor sleep and anxiety are common among young people, causing too much pain and even severe physical and mental problems.     1    .

Wind down

Reading a book can help slow breathing and relax muscles, while yoga stretches or even a gentle walk can reduce anxiety.     2    . Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that bathing in water of 40-42.5℃ one to two hours before bedtime was related to better sleep.

Protect the bedroom

Keep the bedroom as a place for sleep. Blackout blinds or an eye mask (眼罩) can help block out light,     3    .

Go to bed at regular times

Going to sleep and waking up at regular times — even on weekends — will strengthen your body clock. Regular mealtimes are also an important reminder for your circadian rhythm. Avoid exercise too close to bedtime, as it can cause restlessness and an elevated body temperature.

    4    

If your mind is buzzing from the day, try keeping a journal or worry book. The experts also recommend writing to-do lists for the next day in order to organize thoughts and clear the mind.

Get ahead on the next day

    5    . Choose your clothes for the next day when you reach for your pyjamas or pack your bag while brushing your teeth.

Some habits will help you more than others, but when all of them are combined, the real magic happens.

5 . Recently, video clips of Zhang Jianna, a city cleaner from Chaoyang Sanitation (环境卫生), have gone viral online.

The 49-year-old Zhang is from a village in Hebei province. With only a high school diploma, she had previously worked as a restaurant server and a store seller. In 2012, she took on the role of a sanitation worker in the embassy area of Sanlitun in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. One morning, a foreigner came to her and spoke a long string of unfamiliar words to her. Zhang didn’t know how to react. The special experience deeply moved Zhang and she was determined (下定决心) to learn English.

“I just want to help whenever someone is in need,” said Zhang. Without a teacher, she began learning English from her children’s textbooks, starting with basic words and phrases. With no fixed study hours, she used every free moment. While others rested, she memorized vocabulary and practiced speaking. Upon arriving home after work, she would note down new knowledge points and review them until thoroughly understood.

“Learning English at 40, I would easily forget the words I learned the previous day,” Zhang said. However, she persisted (坚持), reviewing words at night and then repeating them one more time the next day morning. She also downloaded over a dozen English learning apps on her computer and phone. “Learn step by step, learn every day.” Zhang said. To date, she has collected a vocabulary of around 3,000 English words, enabling her to talk fluently with foreigners. “Growing up without a college education, I sometimes feared being looked down upon. But every time I help a stranger in English, I feel incredibly achievable.”

“To serve others makes me happy and it’s where I prove my self-worth,” said Zhang. “After retirement, I also want to introduce my hometown in English and develop local tourism.”

“World record broken!” On Aug 12, 2022, 17-year-old Ma Jiajun from Jilin excitedly posted    1     (he) certificate (证书) on social media, with a picture of him from Guinness World Records.

He has set a new world record for “the most consecutive jump rope triples (连续三摇跳绳)” with 701 times. Ma is more than 180 centimeters tall, but he used to be short and thin in primary school.     2     (build) a stronger body, he took part     3     the school’s jump rope team. At 9, he competed in a national game and     4     (successful) broke a record. “My coach said I have a talent in this sport and suggested that I should keep doing it,” said Ma. So he joined a jump rope club and kept training for six     5     (year).

“The training was much     6     (hard). I needed to practice every day for at least four to fivehours,” Ma said. “The jump rope triple has a high standard for physical ability. Every night     7    I lay on my bed, my arm and back were in pain.” But     8     kind of strong wish to break the record keeps him going. “My favorite TV show is Guinness China Night (《吉尼斯中国之夜》). I always dreamed of     9     (get) a certificate of my own,” he said

After breaking the record, Ma     10     (catch) lots of attention from the public and said “I hope more people could enjoy jump rope, since it’s good for your health and full of fun.”