A volunteering vacation can be a meaningful way to spend your time off, but to make the trip satisfying both for you and the cause you are supporting, several factors need to be considered. Here is some advice on planning the ideal vacation:
There are hundreds of causes to volunteer for, and finding one close to your heart will lead to a more worthwhile trip. Possibilities include wildlife conservation, education, environmental protection, health and nutrition. Also, consider any personal and professional skills that you can contribute.
Choose your destination and setting. Your volunteering trip will be more enjoyable if you use it to reach a favorite destination. If Southeast Asia is on your mind, helping with tree-planting programs in Bali would benefit the environment and let you appreciate the scenic island.
Is volunteering outdoors in a hot or snowy climate appealing, or do you prefer being in an air-conditioned office?
Ask the right questions. Be aware that most volunteering programs require a weeklong commitment. Ask other questions like: How many hours of work per day is required? Are there days off? Will you be working individually or as part of a team? And what are the goals of your efforts? Ask if the cost includes only accommodations or meals and transportation too.
A. Figure out your cause.
B. Find a well-respected organization.
C. And think about the surroundings you want.
D. Your duty there is to help, as well as to rest and relax.
E. The more you know about your trip, the more successful it will be.
F. Despite the word “volunteer”, these vacations usually cost you some money.
G. If you're a doctor, for example, working at a health clinic could be an ideal fit.
If you've been feeling a lot sleepy in your daily life, here are some tips on picking up your energy levels. But first, you should make sure if you're experiencing some serious illnesses. , keep these tips in mind.
The first recommendation is to exercise. Although it may seem difficult to work out when you're tired, it turns out that physical activity can actually give you more energy. The second thing to work on is to go to sleep early enough to get a full night's sleep, preferably so that you wake up naturally without the need for your alarm. . Thus, another useful tip is to take a nap during the afternoon. Naps can restore your mind and body without taking up too much time, regaining your energy and raising working efficiency. The best length of time for a nap is about 20 minutes. Shorter, and you won't get much out of it.
. Drinking plenty of water and fluids throughout the day is one important way to stay energized, since dehydration（脱水）leaves us in low spirits. Some experts say that eating smaller meals more often throughout the day can help maintain energy and balance blood sugar levels. Be also aware that people who are overweight are more likely to experience tiredness easily. , reducing extra weight could help you gain more energy.
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A. If you're overweight B. If you feel uncomfortable C. As you know, it is quite a good habit D. However, this goal is hard to achieve in practice E. Longer, and you may find it harder to sleep at night F. If you're otherwise healthy but just need some extra energy G. Other ways to increase energy involve our diet and consumption |
Holidays and stress seem to go hand in hand. To cope, many people often steal hours from their sleep to pack in all the cooking, shopping, parties and family time. . Try these sleep expert tips to prevent from ruining slumber during the holidays.
Be careful with excess food
. However, Eating smaller portions and taking breaks to check in with your body on how full you are can help. This seems cruel especially when a delicious meal is right in front of you, but this tip can help reduce your feelings of sleepiness. Besides, try replacing the sugary and fatty foods on your holiday plate with more unprocessed, fiber-rich foods.
Many people look forward to that holiday nap, and often point to the turkey as the cause. In fact, you'd have to eat about 8 pounds for turkey to have an effect. Instead, it's the rich, processed foods, such as candied sweet potatoes or pecan pie, that are making you feel tired.
Watch for depression
If you suffer from anxiety, depression or seasonal affective disorder （a condition that causes sadness when there's less daylight）, watching your sleep is key. Depression and sleep are linked. Calming strategies can include a relaxing transition before going to sleep in which you could take a bath, meditate or listen to soothing music.
A. Be strategic with naps
B. Watch your alcohol intake
C. Another effective strategy is regular exercise
D. If you do decide to have a nap, be sure not to do it too soon after eating
E. Eating large, heavy meals causes the body to work harder to digest the foods
F. Poor sleep can damage our mood, and depression can lead to unhealthy sleep
G. But even a night or two of short sleep can have short term effects on your health and mood
If you tend mostly toward optimistic thinking, you can get better at seeing what's good. Here are some things to try:
Notice good things as they happen. At the end of the day, take 10 minutes to run through your day and come up with things that you're grateful for.Write them down in a journal or keep track using a motivational app on your phone or tablet.
Get in the habit of telling yourself specific things you can do to succeed. For example: "If I study, I can get a better grade." "If I practice, I'll perform well." "If I go on that volunteer trip, I'll meet new friends."
Don't blame yourself when things go wrong. Instead of thinking," I failed that math test because I'm terrible at math," tell yourself, "I failed that test because I didn't study hard enough. I won't let that happen next time! "
Remind yourself that setbacks(挫折) are temporary.And then come up with a plan for your future success. For example: "My SAT results aren't what I hoped, but I can study much harder and take the test again."
Optimism is a thinking style that can be learned, which means that pessimism can be unlearned! Just keep telling yourself, "I can be more optimistic and I'm going to keep practicing!"
A. It might take a little while for you to become positive.
B. Focus on success you have achieved to build up your confidence.
C. Think of the strengths you used and how they helped you succeed.
D. When something goes wrong, tell yourself that it will pass quickly.
E. They may range from having a good meal to meeting an old friend.
F. What should your inner voice say when things don't go as planned?
G. Train your mind to believe you can make good things happen in your life.
