It’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s mental health. This, in turn, has led to our poor performance on tasks that require attention, memory or decision making. Though the worst period of the pandemic may have passed — cases and deaths are falling, 【小题1】. Here are some methods you can use to clear the “fog” away.

Be careful about negative news

Whether we’re trying and failing to make plans or keeping up with the ever-changing recommendations about COVID-19, it’s hard to avoid anxiety about the future, which impacts our brains. Unfortunately, many social media sites make their money by grabbing our attention — and nothing grabs attention better than negative news. 【小题2】. To reduce depression and keep sharp, you can cut down on your media consumption and be careful about news.

Exercise regularly — outside, if you can

【小题3】. When we exercise, we encourage blood to flow through our bodies. If there is a park nearby, try spending some time exercising in green spaces. Research confirms that being out in natural settings is helpful for our cognition.

【小题4】

The lack of socializing during lockdowns may have been particularly hard on people’s cognition. A recent review of many studies confirms that socializing is important in keeping yourself cognitively fit. So, it’s a good idea to try to be with others to keep your brain functioning well.

Try new challenges

While many of us have been at our wits’ end (束手无策) during the pandemic years, we can do something good for our brains at any time: learn new things. Whether there’s a pandemic or not, 【小题5】. Including new things into your everyday routine — such as taking a new walking route or trying out a new recipe — could give your brain a fun workout.

How to Express Thanks to Loved Ones

You may feel grateful to your family and friends, but it may not always be easy for you to know how to express that. To truly express your gratitude (感激), you have to be kind and open. 【小题1】.

Tell them how much you thank them. You may be taking your family members for granted (想当然) without even realizing it. 【小题2】, remember to tell them that you love them every single day, and to show that you thank them for all of the love, food, help and any other offerings they have given you.

Write “thank-you” cards. 【小题3】. You can give “thank-you” cards to whoever has influenced your life in a positive way. You can write these cards to your best friend, and you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to send one along, either.

【小题4】. It is good to than k a person in front of other people. Don’t do this in a way that makes the person embarrassed (尴尬的), but make it clear how much the person means to you. Just a few sentences at work or at a small gathering of friends can make a person feel even more special about his or her role in your life.

Do favors for them. Don’t do favors for your friends just because they’ve helped you out recently or because you want something in return. 【小题5】. This can mean picking up coffee or lunch when they’re busy or finding another small way to make a big difference in your friends’ life.

Six Tips for Freshmen

Starting college can be a stressful experience. It introduces a lot of big changes in your life. Here are six tips for freshmen.

1. 【小题1】

Of all the tips for college, this one might be the most practical. Make sure to consider what use at home on a daily or weekly basis, and take a look at what a college student has suggested you bring!

2. Be comfortable being on your own.

【小题2】 The tasks for which you once relied on your parents are now your responsibility, so it is important that you come to school knowing basic skills, how to do laundry, and how to follow a routine.

3. Have an idea of what you want to study.

Declaring your major immediately upon getting accepted into college is not life or death. 【小题3】 Internships(实习期) are also a great way to dip your toes in the water and find out whether or not you are interested in a certain career.

4. Put yourself out there.

For those who struggle to make friends, finding people who you share interests with is always a good place to start. Joining a local club or activity that you enjoy can help you to meet new people that like the same things that you do.

5. Practice good habits.

Being away from home and the structure of middle school for the first time causes many college freshmen to form bad habits. 【小题4】 These will help ensure you stay in good health and make your college experience much smoother.

6. 【小题5】

Budgeting(预算) can be a very simple way to understand and monitor your spending habits. A simple spreadsheet with your monthly expenses and income is a great way to start listing your spending.