How to Keep a Diary

In an age of blogs and social media postings，diaries still have a huge following. Here you can be completely honest，and protect your privacy. What's more，you can keep your writings forever. 【小题1】 Diaries have also been shown to help regulate（调节）moods and emotions. If you are interested in keeping a diary，you can refer to the following rules.

Be honest. Diaries can be very beneficial. A study at the University of California showed that writing about feelings honestly helps the brain regulate emotions. 【小题2】This is good for your emotional well-being.

Decide what to write about. There are many different types of diaries. Some people use diaries to record daily events. 【小题3】 If you're working towards a goal，like losing weight or completing a creative project，a diary can be a great means to discuss your feelings and progress.

【小题4】 Many people struggle to find the time to write a diary entry（记录）each day. If you're interested in keeping a diary，try to stick to a schedule. Write your diaries around the same time each day. In this way，it will become as much a part of your schedule as brushing your teeth at night or showering in the morning.

Write short entries when you're pressed for time. 【小题5】 If you're in a rush，just write a shorter entry. Write down the bare minimum of your feelings and thoughts quickly. You can always record more about an event later in the week when you have time. Simply try to write down the basic details before you forget.

Empathy（同情），the Key to Being Kind

In science class，your teacher tells everyone to find a partner for a project. Out of the corner of your eye，you notice one girl sitting alone and not making eye contact with anyone. You think about asking her to be your partner，but you're afraid people will think you're uncool. You don't reach out. 【小题1】

Empathy is being able to understand and actually feel what someone else is feeling. For some people, this comes naturally; for others, it takes a bit more work. 【小题2】When you practice being empathetic, it gets easier to make kindness a part of your everyday life. If you can understand why people are feeling down, you'll want to help them. Here are some ideas that can help you.

【小题3】Someone not being able to find a group in class might not seem like a big deal--but part of being kind is noticing when someone seems sad, hurt or uncomfortable. After all, you have to notice how people feel in order to feel empathy and want to help them!

When you're trying to make kindness second nature, really getting other people's feelings is important. Whenever you find someone might be feeling lonely or sad, put yourself in his shoes. 【小题4】 Didn't you wish someone would reach out to you? If someone had offered you a few words of comfort, wouldn't it have made you feel so much happier?

So, when you find people around you who are feeling down next time, do not hesitate to put yourself in their shoes and reach out to them with a kind gesture. 【小题5】 There is always a time when you expect others to relate to you and feel what you feel.

Advantages of School Uniforms

Many public school systems across the country are instituting school uniforms in an effort to improve overall school performance and to reduce negative behavior. Standardized school clothing has become a heated national debate. 【小题1】.

Cost

In some cases, the use of school uniforms is more affordable to families because there is not as much pressure as to buy expensive, trendy clothing. 【小题2】. After the initial cost of buying uniforms, there is no need to spend more money on clothing.

Behavioral Outcomes

【小题3】. They believe that uniforms form a stricter atmosphere and that students who wear uniforms are more likely to follow school rules. The US Department of Education maintains that the mandatory（强制的）use of standardized dress reduces violence within the school.

【小题4】

Many educators believe that students who wear school uniforms perform better academically in school. Students are often so focused on their clothes that they distract themselves from learning. Many parents find that their children spend a great deal of time planning and choosing their daily clothing and that uniforms allow students to use this period of time to study.

Social Outcomes

【小题5】. Some experts believe that school uniforms improve the social outcomes in a school environment as well. People sometimes judge others by their clothing. Children are often laughed at by other children because of the way they dress. Many children use clothing to express and define themselves. School uniforms relieve students from the pressure to fit in.

   How do you stay true to yourself when you’re surrounded by friends and families that have an opinion on everything you do? It’s not easy! 【小题1】 Here are four tips which can help you live a dynamic（充满活力的）life.

【小题2】

Stay true to yourself by listening to the only opinions that really matter-your own and those from people who believe in and encourage you. Deep down you know yourself better than anybody else.

Don’t fear.

【小题3】 The reason why most people don’t take risks, or live on the edge is the fear of what others might think of them. If you want to live the life you truly deserve, you must give up the need to be liked by everybody.

Value yourself and your choices.

When you do, others will too. Own the choices you make in your life. 【小题4】 When you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too. Show confidence in your choices, and what you stand for whether others agree or not.

Focus on appreciation.

No matter what the circumstances（环境）are, there is always something to be grateful for. All successful people ask, “What am I grateful for? How can I improve my situation and use these tough times to inspire others?” 【小题5】

These steps, if applied, will help you transform（使改变）your peace of mind, lifestyle, and productivity.