2 . In the workplace, it’s crucial to avoid making promises we can’t keep. But how can we do this?

One way to do this is by being realistic about our capabilities and timetable. For instance, a workmate asks us to complete a task within an extremely tight deadline, but we’ re already busy with other work.     1     We could say, “Let me check my current workload and get back to you on whether I can meet this deadline.”

    2     If we’ re not sure about the requirements of a task or project, we should ask questions before committing. For example, when a manager assigns a complex project, we can ask for more details about the resources available, and potential challenges. This way, we can make a more informed decision.

Moreover, we should learn to say no when necessary.     3     It shows that we respect our own limitations and the importance of delivering quality work. For example, if we’ re asked to take on a task that we know is beyond our expert knowledge or skills, we can politely decline and suggest alternative solutions or people who might be better suited for the job. This action will earn us the respect of our workmates.     4    

Furthermore, it’s important to manage expectations. If we’ re asked to do something that may have uncertainties, we should communicate them upfront. For instance, we’ re asked to prepare a presentation, but we can’t collect all the necessary data in time. Then, we could say, “    5     But I’ll do that and keep you updating on my progress.” This way, our superiors are aware of the potential risks and won’t be blindsided.

3 . While there is no denying that plastics are convenient, it has led to a severe global plastic pollution.     1     . The biggest impact you can have is reducing single use plastics. Here are some ways on how you can help.

●Bring your own cup everywhere.     2     . I have a large stainless steel (不锈钢) bottle for water. Whenever I have longer trips, I bring 1-2 Nalgene bottles. Yes, these are made of plastic, but I've had one for 16 years so I don't want to replace it now. Stainless steel is better though, as it contains nothing possibly affecting your health.

●Refuse bags and really reuse the ones you have. Keep reusable bags in your car for shopping and if you have a large purse, just put small items in your purse rather than getting a bag.     3     . Even paper bags are not the best for the environment because of their carbon footprint.

●Put produce directly in your cart. Your apples, oranges, and tomatoes don't need a bag! I can only think of a few items that are hard to put directly into the cart (e. g. green beans, mushrooms) .     4     . For the items that do need bags, you can use these reusable produce bags.

●     5     . There may be as many as 8 billion plastic straws (吸管) littering shorelines around the world, many of which end up damaging ecosystems and harming ocean creatures. Metal and paper straws are better choices for those who need to use straws and are able to make the change. But if you can avoid the straw altogether, even better.

4 . More than two billion tons of rubbish is created around the world every year. Rubbish influences not only the environment but human health. To mark the World Earth Day, let’s learn about the harm rubbish does and     1    

A history of rubbish

On the Greek island, waste was put in pits (坑) and covered with soil as far back as 5, 000 years ago.     2     However, in many countries, waste was once just left in the streets. In the 19th century, governments realized this caused air pollution and spread diseases.

Environmental problems

It is said that around one billion tons of waste are burned each year.     3     Burning waste can also produce chemicals that can make people ill. Landfill (废渣埋填法) also causes climate change and pollutes rivers where people get their drinking water.

The role of recycling

    4     Rubbish that is recycled for future use won’t go into landfills or be burned. Recycling allows the Earth’s natural resources (资源) to be reused to make new products. Natural resources include fuels (燃料) under the ground like gas and oil, and things like fresh water for drinking.

    5    

Reducing the rubbish and recycling are important for the environment and the planet’s future. World Earth Day 2024 pays attention to the problems caused by rubbish. It has an activity called the Great Global Cleanup to encourage people to pick up rubbish from beaches, parks, rivers and streets.

5 . Taking care of our skin is highly important, and healthy skin is key to protection from harmful elements. There are a lot of skincare advice and it may be confusing to choose which one is good for us.     1    .

Clean your skin properly

Clean twice, not once, according to Marie Claire. The first cleaning will simply remove all the surface make-up and dirt.     2    . Proper cleaning produces new skin cells, and that will improve your complexion.

    3    

Aside from applying moisturizers (润肤膏), our skin can become moist thanks to enough water intake. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to ensure your metabolism (新陈代谢) works well, and good metabolism contributes to hydrated, supple and clearer skin.

Get enough sleep

“Sleep is nature’s most powerful beauty treatment,” wrote Fitness Magazine. When we are asleep, our bodies produce a human growth hormone that contributes to collagen production. Hair, face and body products also recover better when we are at rest. Get enough sleep.     4    .

Have a proper diet

Glowing skin is a sign of inner organs (器官) that function well.     5    . Make sure that your daily intake includes high antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. You might as well consider eating super foods or use skincare products that contain them.

6 . They say scuba diving opens up a world of possibilities, from learning new skills to exploring places beyond your imagination. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to experience all these on a reef dive at the Gili Islands in Indonesia.

After my first dive, I realized that it has far more in common with yoga than it does with extreme sports. On land, switching off your brain can be a struggle. Breathing is something that just happens without thinking. When you’re diving, it’s a totally different ball game.     1     You’re suddenly aware of how your movements connect with each intake of breath.

It’s hard to feel distracted (分神的) when diving. Nature is putting on such a show-stopping performance that your attention is fully absorbed. You’re right there on the stage, in the moment.     2    

Something I hadn’t really considered before my first scuba dive was just how human-centric our lives are on land. Everything seems to go around the human experience. But when you dive, it’s a different story entirely.     3     A guest in someone else’s home.

    4     Almost everything in front of you is alive and part of a delicate ecosystem of life. Here, clownfish weave among the anemones (海葵) and parrotfish feed on their favorite coral (珊瑚).     5     Nothing is ours to take or touch. Suddenly, your own world feels rather tiny and you realize you’re just part of the world.

7 . It’s normal to face math anxiety. Here are three ways to overcome it.

Working in groups, discussing math problems, and teaching each other can be beneficial.     1     , they improve their understanding and build confidence in their abilities. Realizing are not alone in their struggle’s, students can find comfort in collective learning. Sharing coping technique and study methods can create an environment helpful to overcoming the fear of math.

Some inter active platforms and alps meet the needs of math learners, offering personalized experiences. These platforms sometimes gasify(游戏化) the learning process.     2     hey allow students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they grasp basic theories before moving on to difficult topics.

    3     . A teacher who recognized the signs of math anxiety can perform targeted strategies to help a student.

Regular feedback(反馈), constructive criticism(批评), and constant encouragement can work wonders. It’s necessary for teachers to create a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failure.     4    

Understanding math anxiety and its far-reaching meaning is important in today’s education. Math anxiety isn’t an indication of one’s wisdom or abilities.     5     The strategies mentioned above, when used effectively, can help in reducing and overcoming the fear of math.

8 . For many people, moving to a new home means a beginning of the next phase in their lives. In China, some people take it extra seriously.     1    . Here’s a list of 5 Chinese traditions when moving into a new home that die-hard believers will follow.

1. Choose an auspicious day

When Chinese people move to a new home, they first choose an auspicious day.     2    . To choose a suitable moving date, people will always first check out the Yellow Calender (黄历, Huang li).

2. Get up early for moving

The best time to move into the new house is early in the morning, preferably before noon. But people will make sure to move in before sunset.     3    .

3.     4    

On the moving day, when everyone walks into the new house for the first time, they shouldn’t enter empty-handed. They must hold something valuable or some daily necessities in their hands to symbolize the fortune or a stable life.

4. Housewarming

    5    . The hosts will cook a meal in the new home for the guests, informing the kitchen god that the family will be living there.

5. Keep the lights on for a night

Chinese people believe that keeping all the lights on the first night at a new home will increase the Yang energy and reduce the bad influence on the household.

9 . Studies have shown that physical activity can improve mental alertness and cognitive function. Your brain works better and you can think more clearly after exercising.     1     If you are looking for a way to boost your studying, try incorporating daily exercise into your routine.

Try light exercise while you study.

A few studies have shown that performing light exercise while studying can help recall of information. These studies found that vigorous exercise while studying may hurt recall because your brain is focused on the workout instead of the information.     2     You can use the stationary bike while you study for at least half an hour, making sure to keep the intensity light.

Exercise at your desk.

You can get your blood pumping at your desk while you study. If you don’t want to leave everything and go for a quick 15-minute stroll, try getting some physical activity in where you are. Do some chair squats at your desk.     3     Hover just above the chair for about 10 seconds. Repeat this 20 times.

Take a walk on breaks.

If you are studying in the library, break up your study sessions with physical activity.     4     You can also do this if you are studying in your dorm or a coffee shop. Taking a break helps refresh yourself and gets blood flowing to the brain, which can help you think and remember better.

    5    

Consistent daily workouts, integrated with your study and class schedule, are more effective than cramming 150 minutes of physical activity into the weekend. Regular physical activity throughout the week enhances brain function when you need it most — during your study sessions — rather than isolating it to the weekend.

10 . If staying optimistic (乐观) is something you struggle with, you`re certainly not alone. Here are five ways you can frequently practice to be optimistic.

The majority of negative thoughts are about the past and future, which can`t be changed. To be present, you need to exactly figure out whether they are in the past, present or future and bring them back into the moment.     1    

The thoughts of giving thanks can help improve your body functions and overall happiness. Start by writing down at least three things you`re thankful for each day.     2     This practice could transform into a formal habit of recalling things you`re grateful for and writing them down.

Laughter really is fantastic medicine. Loud laughs can calm the brain`s stress center. Watch one of your favorite TV plays or even try laughter yoga. It might be a good choice to reach out to others for help to laugh out loud.     3     It can help lift your mood during difficult times.

    4    

Acts of kindness can increase your sense of well-being. Even something as simple as giving someone a smile can leave you both feeling happier. Challenge yourself to do at least one kind thing for someone else each day, such as buying a stranger a cup of coffee or donating to a cause that matters to you.

Exercise produces pleasurable brain chemicals and relieves bad emotions. When you participate in physical activities that bring you joy, your thinking will clear. If it’s hard to find time to get to the gym, there are many exercise videos you can follow online.     5     Then you’ll likely feel more positive afterward.