Standing on a hill at Cliveden Gardens on a sunny winter day, its dark-green lake surrounded by centuries-old trees took my breath away  It's just a local park near London that I'd never heard of during my eight years living in the UK. As I admired the serene garden, it taught me a lesson about the British culture of understatement. 

"The English landscape is more beautiful because its beauty is understated, "my friend Will said to me later as we walked through an exhibition at Tate Britain. He pointed to a painting of a peaceful countryside. "This is the landscape I grew up with", he said. Unlike grand waterfalls or wild forests, this scenery doesn't shout about its beauty.             .

I wonder if Chinese tourists will explore beyond London.  Indeed, Oxford and Cambridge and the beloved Lake District National Park are some iconic symbols of Britain. But it would be a pity if they miss out on the lesser-known parts of the English landscape. 

    . I remember a straight-A classmate once telling me he "survived exams" and another friend from Oxford introducing himself as "studying in the countryside". This modesty also has its mirror in Chinese culture. I remember my parents' telling me to work hard but not to brag about my achievements. Chinese culture is full of proverbs such as "real gold will shine sooner or later", to encourage long-term dedication to one's chosen area of expertise. 

Experiencing both cultures, I've realized that the English and Chinese both express achievements with understatement.  It reflects the unspoken charm in both British and Chinese traditions. And it's an off-the-beaten-path attraction well worth exploration. 

A. Cliveden isn't a famous holiday place. 

B. Rather, its beauty is reserved for the locals only. 

C. I've been impressed by British humor all the time. 

D. They tend to prefer places with a strong reputation. 

E. But the more I looked, the more I saw its quiet elegance. 

F. Over the years, I've become familiar with British modesty. 

G. This mix makes me appreciate the unusual beauty of Cliveden. 

Having an off day when you feel stressed or sad is totally normal. We've put together some different things you can try to help turn your mood around and get feeling like

yourself again, 

Take a few minutes to breathe deeply. The simple action of taking full, deep breaths can help you start to feel better. Deep breathing increases oxygen supply throughout the body.  Deep breathing also helps activate(激活)your parasympathetic nervous system, which produces a calming effect. 

Start keeping diaries. It is a way to cognitively(认知上地)deal with the circumstances behind how you are feeling. In fact, studies have shown that writing offers benefits of emotional well-being, including relief of emotional distress. Besides, adjourning has been shown to benefit the immune system. 

Emotional tears signal the body to let out endorphins or"feel-good"hormones to promote a feeling of calm and well-being. Not only does crying allow your body to let out stress hormones, but at the end of a good cry, the body assumes a calmer state with a lower heart and breathing rate.

Rely on your support system. Studies have shown the benefits of having a close support system of family and friends to whom you can turn. Social support leads to a sense of belonging and security rather than loneliness while dealing with emotional pain. 

A. Take a break to laugh. 

B. Go ahead and cry if you need to. 

C. Take some time for yourself and treat yourself. 

D. It's also been linked to an increased sense of self-worth. 

E. Writing down your feelings provides a great benefit. 

F. This can help to relax muscles and reduce your blood pressure. 

G. The good news is that there are things you can do for yourself to start feeling better. 

The philosophy of minimalism advocates living with less. . Whereas, living a minimalist (简约主义者) lifestyle helps reduce your attachment to physical things, improve your mental health and your satisfaction with what you do have. You can embrace such a lifestyle in the following aspects.

Physical space

At the heart of minimalist living lies the practice of clearing away clutter (杂乱) in your physical space. This includes a transformative process not only tidying but also developing a mindful relationship with possessions. You may start with the most frequently used spaces in your home. . Keep those that carry some meaning, and get rid of those that don't. .

This involves a shift from impulsive (容易冲动的) buying to intentional acquisition. Before making a purchase, clothing for example, reflect on whether the item agrees with your usual style and serves a genuine need. Consideration should be given to the longevity and quality of the item, promoting a mindset that prioritizes quality over quantity.

Time minimalism

. Assess your commitments, identifying those that contribute positively to personal growth, fulfilment and well-being. This intentional approach to time promotes a sense of empowerment, allowing you to focus on what truly matters while letting go of non-essential engagements.

Mindful eating

Mindful eating begins with paying attention to hunger and satiety (饱足), allowing us to respond to our body's needs rather than external stimuli like flavors and textures (口感) of each meal. Besides, mindful eating encourages us to enjoy each bite and appreciate the sensory experience of eating. .

A. Minimalist clothing 

B. Mindful consumption 

C. It is about consciously investing your time 

D. The result is a living space reflecting your personality

E. In a world that often celebrates abundance, it stands as a contrast

F. This matters especially in a culture often characterized by rushed meals

G. When doing it, you will find yourself questioning the necessity of each item

Even the most positive people have negative thoughts. It's part of being human. But when negative thoughts become the norm, it isn't healthy. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to change your negative thoughts into realistic thinking—seeing yourself, your relationships and world events as they really are.

Monitor your self-talk. We all have an ongoing dialogue running in our head, which affects how we view our life. So, to promote realistic thinking, first you need to find out and listen to that inner voice. Being aware of those inner comments starts to help you take control of them. 

Not every negative thought is "bad". For example, "I feel stressed and upset about my job because there are so many new things I am learning, but overtime I'll learn and it'll get easier." has a negative aspect, but it promotes a positive action. Therefore, it's important to make the distinction between helpful thoughts and negative ones.

Challenge your unhelpful thoughts.Continuing with the work example, do you really hate your job or are you just anxious about the new project that you've been assigned?

Now that you're clear which thought is not helpful, you can replace it with one that is. Using the example from above, a more positive thought might be, "Once I get started on the new project I'm sure I'll do fine. It's just the anticipation that I don't like."

Repeat. Realistic thinking doesn't come easy, especially when you are also working on managing anxiety, depression, and other problems.

A. Identify thoughts that aren't helpful.

B. Plant positive thoughts in your mind.

C. Analyse what self-talk is the most beneficial.

D. But because it's constantly running, we often forget it's there.

E. These thoughts can consume your energy or cause physical problems.

F. To be more realistic, you need to question whether your thoughts are factual.

G. You need to continually return to it even when it feels natural to become negative.

Camping isn't the same without a fire and in fact, many campsites even allow the use of one as long as you remain responsible and eco-friendly. As daylight disappears, there's nothing quite like a campfire to see you through the evening and into the night.

Remember, campfires can be fun as long as you put some common sense into your practice. If you're a first-timer to the whole campfire scene, or simply want to know how to get your fire blazing in no time at all, we've got some great tips to help you.

• Choose the right location. With any campfire it's important to select a location that's safe. Preferably you'd keep away from areas with overhanging branches and dry undergrowth.

• Use dry wood. If your wood logs are wet or damp, you'll really struggle to get any fire going. Therefore, store the wood in a dry place and keep your matches tucked away in a Ziploc bag.

• Build up from small beginnings. You'll need to start small and get the blaze going with firelighters, kindling or newspapers. Only then can you start to apply larger wood logs.

• Don't add the larger logs on too quickly, as this can stifle (抑制) the fire and see your efforts wasted at the first hurdle.

• Remember to put the fire out. After you sat around the campfire, enjoying great conversation and some light-hearted games, you'll need to put the fire out. Instead, let the fire die down and pour water or shovel earth on as required.

A. Avoid rushing the process.

B. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

C. A great campfire takes time and patience.

D. Never go to bed believing a smoking fire safe.

E. You might come across a variety of problems.

F. Also make sure not to build your fire too near any tents.

G. Camping is a fantastic experience for people of all ages.

Starting a new job is exciting for lots of reasons. You meet new people, learn new skills, and become part of a team. But there are several things you need to get under your belt before you can really show your new workmates and bosses what you're made of.

. You just talk with your boss, and understand your responsibilities. Get specific in terms of these expectations. If you're in sales and part of your job relies on meeting quotas (指定额度) find out what the specific quotas are. , whether your quotas are bringing in a specific amount of profit or a specific number of new clients.

Listen and Learn. Listen actively and learn quietly during team meetings, one-on-ones with your manager, or even casual conversations by the coffee machine. This is not just about understanding your role, it's about absorbing the company culture, team dynamics, and business objectives. Too many to remember? .

Get to know your boss. His or her leadership and communication style can offer invaluable insights for your long-term success. For example, does your boss prefer weekly email updates or quick daily stand-ups? Do they like to be consulted on every decision, or do they give you more leeway (余地)? because they can make your actions and reporting style more in line with your boss's expectations.

Accept constructive feedback. Always ask for feedback and take it wisely. Constructive criticism can be challenging to hear, but it offers valuable lessons for improvement. . Then, develop a plan of action to address the points raised and discuss this with the person who offered the feedback.

A. Ask for help and offer it too

B. Understand your goals in detail

C. Take notes while in these situations

D Being on time shows you respect other people

E. It's important to know how your performance will be measured

F. When you get it, take a moment to understand its implications fully

G. Understanding him or her well is beneficial for getting your work done more effectively

How to Have Good Table Manners

Having table manners can leave a great impression on your fellow guests, and it will help everyone feel happy and comfortable as they enjoy their meal. .

Put your phone on silent

No one wants to be interrupted by a ringing phone. Before you head to the table, put your phone on silent or vibrate and put it away in a pocket or a purse. Try to keep your phone off the table while you eat. . If you get an important phone call, excuse yourself from the table to take it so you don't disturb any other guests.

Wait for everyone to be seated

This includes the host, too! If you're at a dinner party, let everyone get settled before you touch your place setting. The same goes for a restaurant—once your party is seated, you can start getting settled. If there isn't assigned seating, give the guest of honor or the host the best seat at the table. .

Eat slowly and with your mouth closed

. If you want to say something, finish what's in your mouth and swallow before speaking up. Eat your food slowly and one bite at a time to avoid wolfing anything down. The same goes for drinking: try to take small sips and avoid splashing your drink.

A dinner party is about more than just food. As you eat, be sure to talk to the other guests around you and join in the topic of conversation. Be sure to chew and swallow your food thoroughly before you start talking, and listen attentively to those around you.

A. Participate in the conversation

B. Share the same topic with other guests

C. Try not to show anyone your food as you chew

D. It can be a distraction to keep it so close to the food

E. Everyone else can have a seat wherever they'd like to

F. Anyone can show their interest and hobbies while having dinner

G. We've collected a list of things on how to have good table manners

Despite what most people might think, you really don't need much time to work out. In fact, even ten to twenty minutes of challenging exercise a few times a week is enough to burn fat, build muscle, boost strength, and contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle.

But sometimes, the resistance isn't really about the actual time the workout takes. It's about the energy it takes to get ready for it. Maybe your stress levels are over the top, or your energy levels have been so low that you keep talking yourself out of a workout. Or maybe you just don't want to get all sweaty and have to take a shower afterward. In such fast-paced life, we're all struggling. But when it comes to exercise, being healthy and fit isn't as black and white as the fitness world tries to make it seem. Doing something is always better than nothing when it comes to movement. Micro workouts, like getting out for a fifteen-minute walk instead of doing the strength training workout, are significantly better than doing nothing at all.

They are time-saving, since they can be done in seconds or in as little time as 15-20 minutes. They require minimum space and equipment. Many can be done at home, in the park, or even while waiting in the checkout line. They are also money-saving as these can be done without a gym membership, coach, trainer, or class instructor.

So in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, make time to move. If all the movements like push-ups and pull-ups add up, you will still get many of the same benefits of a longer, harder workout.

A. These are understandable excuses.

B. Fitness can be simple, easy and convenient.

C. The advantages of micro workouts are apparent.

D. Try to add in micro workouts throughout the day.

E. No matter how busy you are, you have time to exercise.

F. Micro workouts are being backed up by trainers and science.

G. Being healthy is really more important than you can imagine.

How to Exercise in a New Way

Get healthy with these bite-sized amounts of exercises

What should people do when they can't find the time or desire to do a long workout?

Exercise snacks ("零食式"运动) are a popular and inventive new way for people to stay fit. Instead of requiring hours at the gym, this concept instructs you to keep it short. Then you can take a break that lasts 30 minutes to four hours before another snack. It has been reported that exercise snacks can be as effective as traditional exercise methods.

Of course, the more of these brief exercises you complete in a day, the better. Just three exercise snacks a day that gets your heart pumping can be good for your health. Your concentration and creativity improve, and you can become more productive. Also, "snacking" throughout the day prevents you from sitting too long — something that's always positive.

Another great thing about exercise snacks is that there are so many to choose from. The goal is to spend a short time doing something that raises your heart rate. Acceptable activities range from sit ups to jumping rope to running up and down some stairs.

●Exercises that are strength-based such as lifting weights will fit the bill. Since most people don't keep weights at their office, lift full water bottles.

●Squats involve moving your hips as if to sit down while keeping your back straight. This exercise helps strengthen your lower body and improve your movement. Five to ten of these should make a good snack.

●For those who don't like traditional exercises, simply turn up the music. Pick a lively song and start dancing; it'll make for a fun workout.

A. It doesn't take up too much your time.

B. They should break that "large meal" into exercise "snacks."

C And there are plenty of other benefits beyond improved fitness.

D. These exercises can last anywhere from 20 seconds to two minutes.

E. Consider giving exercise snacks a try, and see if they are to your taste.

F. They should constantly remind themselves of the importance of exercises.

G. But for those who don't know where to start, here are some helpful exercise options.

Steller or Northern Sea Lions are sometimes confused with California Sea Lions but are much larger and lighter in color. Males may grow to 11 feet in length and weigh almost 2,500 pounds.  Steller Sea Lions are light brown to reddish-brown in color. They have a boxy, bear-like head and a very thick neck.

Stellers are not often seen in bays or rivers. Steller pups are born on offshore islands from mid-May to mid-July and weigh 35—50 pounds.  Then they spend roughly equal amounts of time hunting and nursing pups on land. Pups usually nurse for a year, but some in Alaska continue to nurse for up to three years. During the breeding season, males do not leave their territories.

 They hunt schooling fish, squid, rockfish, and occasionally salmon. In turn, they are hunted by killer whales, white sharks, and sea elephants.

The current population of Steller Sea Lions is about 40,000 along the entire Pacific coast. There is great concern about this species. The western Aleutian stock has dropped by 80 percent in the last 30 years. In 1997, the western stock in Alaska was listed as endangered.  However, researchers believe possibilities include a decline in specific species of fish they eat, competition with commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Alaska, and possible hunting by killer whales. Drowning, being caught in nets, and gunshots are other reasons for the Stellers' decline. Stellers are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

A. Steller Sea Lions cat a variety of fishes.
B. Reasons for this decline are not known.
C. The male has a thick neck and looks like a lion.
D. They spend about half their time on land and half in water.
E. Mothers stay with pups for one to two weeks before hunting at sea.
F. They forbid the killing, harming or disturbance of any sea mammal.
G. Females are much smaller, growing to 9 feet in length and weighing up to 1,000 pounds.