Ways to Say “Happy Birthday to Me”

Whether you’re celebrating alone or with friends or family, take time for gratitude and joy on your special day.

Tomorrow is my birthday — and I’m at an age when not everyone looks forward to cake and presents. 【小题1】. It always makes me feel excited to be alive, grateful for my life and family, mind and body. Some birthdays are more openly celebrated than others, but I have found that even if your birthday is a regular day at work or at home, there are some easy ways to raise it to a special occasion.

【小题2】

They say it’s better to give than to receive, and while everyone loves to open a birthday present, there’s a lot of joy and goodness to be gained from being generous to others. Making a birthday donation to a charity that means something to you — this year I will donate to the Sierra Club — is a great way to make your values known to the world around you. 【小题3】

Try something new

Today you are starting a new loop（圈）around the sun. Why not embrace（欣然接受）the newness of the moment? Dipping your toes into some new waters, 【小题4】, signing up for an adult education class, going for a walk in a park new to you, planning a new trip — do something that reminds you that your life is an unfolding story.

【小题5】

Whether or not you have the opportunity to share a meal, an outing or a party with friends and family, take time on your birthday to connect with people who are important to your life. If you use social media like phones, you’re likely filled with wishes from the loved ones. Use these as a jumping-off point to start new conversations and reconnect with people who lift your spirits and support you in your journey toward being your best self.

Reducing Test Anxiety

Test anxiety arises when a student excessively worries about doing badly in a test. This can become a major hindrance (造成妨碍的事物) to test performance and cause extreme nervousness and memory problems among other symptoms. 【小题1】

Think positively. Scientific research has shown that our expectations can affect our performance. 【小题2】However, if you expect that you’ll do poorly, studying may not be enough to help you perform well. Therefore, it is a wise choice to think positively.

【小题3】 Fear releases adrenaline (肾上腺素) , preparing the body to deal with danger. Your heart rate and breathing speed up and you may feel shaky, sweaty, or dizzy. Anything you can do to reduce these physical reactions will help you think more clearly and feel more confident.

Eat before the test. Don’t skip breakfast to study. 【小题4】 Choose protein-filled snacks and avoid sugar, which can give you quick energy that may run out in the middle of the test. Eat something even if you feel sick—try crackers or toast to settle your stomach. Avoid caffeine and energy drinks, which can increase anxiety.

Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Studies have shown that you will do well in the test if you get enough sleep. 【小题5】 If the test is later in the day or the evening, or if you just couldn’t get a full night’s sleep, take a nap. Research has shown that a short nap—less than an hour—can improve alertness, memory, creativity,  productivity, and moods, and can decrease stress.

Yours truly，

Li Hua

How to Spend High School   High school can be a terrible period if you get it all wrong. Find out how to spend high school with a few easy tips.

1. Be Yourself.

High school is a fun time to make new friends, meet new people, date and socialize. Make friends with all kinds of people and not just a group which you are comfortable with. Most peer（同龄人）pressure cases are because of the weak image created by freshmen. 【小题1】 Don't give in to anyone's wants.

2. 【小题2】

Choose your friends carefully and make sure you won't get influenced by anyone. Socialize, but by judging who you can connect with. You will find friends, but stay away from the ones who don't want to be your friends as bad company is temporary（临时的）, but good company is true.

3. Be Positive.

There is nothing better than having a smile on your face whenever you can. 【小题3】 Don't be afraid to make friends, don't get aggressive or personal with anyone and treat others the way you want to be treated. Respect your teachers and classmates and try to be helpful if you want the same in return.

4. Be Confident.

When you believe in yourself, others believe in you. Talk, walk and address people confidently and this will create a strong image about you. 【小题4】 Be creative and unique（独特的）and learn to set trends. Confidence is one quality you grow with, and people respect you for that.

5. Love High School.

【小题5】Make the most of it, and you will never get those moments back. Come up with ideas, top your class, make the best friends, go to parties, and just make as many memories as you can！

With these tips to spend high school, you will surely be proud of graduating from it. So, when you throw those hats in the air, feel the freedom and remember every moment you spent in High School.