Washing habits have changed over the years. In the 16th century, most people had a bath once a month…if they were lucky. Up until the 1950s, it was once a week. Only just recently has the concept of daily showering become popular. But now, according to the New York Times, things are changing again.

The latest trend is known as “soap-dodging”. It basically consists of washing less, having fewer showers and using less soap. “I just wash my hair once a month now,” said Brett Dawson, a 32-year-old management consultant. “I have just one bath a week,” said Miriam Bayliss, a 28-year-old accountant.

And it appears to be growing in popularity. A poll last year for tissue manufacturer SCA found that 41% of British men and 33% of women don’t shower every day. And 12% of people have a proper wash just once or twice a week. Further research by Mintel found that more than half of British teenagers don’t wash every day-with many opting for a quick spray of deodorant (除臭剂) to mask any smell. But why?

There are a variety of reasons. Some claim that daily hair-washing is unnecessary. Commentator Matthew admitted that he hadn’t shampooed his hair for a decade. Others say they just don’t have the time. In 2008, the chemist Boots reported a 45% rise in sales of dry shampoo - a product that can be sprayed on hair between showers.

And some people want to help the environment. “I limit my showers to about twice a week,” said Nigel Hamerstone, a 42-year-old architect. “The rest of the time I have a sink wash.” he adds. “I believe that I’m as clean as everyone else, and it’s helped get my water consumption down to around 20 litres a day - well below the 100 to 150 average in the UK.”

So, will you be joining the new “washing revolution”?

Having self-confidence can be the difference between being successful and being unsuccessful. Self-confidence is one of the best assets(资产) a person can have. If your self-confidence is low, loneliness and depression can set in. To avoid this problem, try some kind of new lifestyle adjustments(调整) to improve your self-confidence.

Take care of your appearance. 【小题1】. Because when you look good, you feel good about yourself. You become more confident when interacting(交往) with others.

【小题2】. Because they may inspire you to be confident, too. Watch how they behave, speak and carry themselves and try to put these actions into your own life.

Praise yourself for your achievements. 【小题3】. Realize that it’s your talents and abilities that helped you reach your goal.

Learn from your mistakes instead of blaming and criticizing yourself for your failures. Always thinking about your failures only develops a lack of self-respect and doesn’t allow you to move forward. 【小题4】.

Step outside your comfort zone(安逸区). 【小题5】. Even if it may be uncomfortable at first, your self-confidence will improve. People that hide in the back and don’t want to get noticed often lack self-respect and self-confidence. By staying in the back, they are not doing anything to improve the situation.

Why I Love Cycling

One of the first things I did when I moved to a new city was hire a bike. Why?【小题1】 You travel much faster than on foot and you notice so much more of your surroundings than w hen in a bus or a car. It’s more appealing to wander down small streets if they seem interesting, as you can quickly get back to the main road.

Besides, I soon discovered plenty more benefits to cycling.

A bike means that fewer places, especially in a small city like the one where I live now, feel far away. For example, cycling to work takes me half the time that it would to walk. 【小题2】

Of course, there are obvious health benefits of cycling—a bit of extra movement as part of your daily routine can help you keep fit and healthy. Cycling on my way to work also makes me feel more energetic in the mornings.

【小题3】 While cars pollute the environment, bikes are carbon-neutral. Furthermore, thanks to being petrol-free, bikes are cheaper to run, buy and fix than cars. Even if you don ‘town a car, a bike can pay for itself when compared to the price of bus tickets.

【小题4】 Always wear a helmet, pay attention to other traffic and don’t forget your lights at night. Make sure you know the road rules, especially in a new place. Some cities are more cycle-friendly than others. 【小题5】 Luckily, where I live now is pretty easy to ride a bike around, thanks to having lots of cycle lanes and not too many hills!