UNIVERSIDAD COOPERATIVA DE COLOMBIA

VILLAVICENCIO
OPENLINGUA PROGRAMM
LEVEL ll

Name: Diana Marcela Padilla

Read the text below and follow the instructions that comes after this Reading.

Secrets of a Happy Brain

The human brain remembers negative experiences more easily than positive ones. Our brains have developed this way because
threats, like dangerous animals, had a more immediate effect on our ancestors’ survival compared to positive things like food or shelter. As a result,
you likely know what makes you unhappy, but do you know what makes you happy?

Research suggests that our level of happiness depends partly on factors we cannot control – our genes and our life circumstances. But our level of
happiness is also shaped by the choices we make. If you’ve been chasing wealth, fame, good looks, material things, and power, you may be looking
for happiness in all the wrong places. Psychologists suggest that the following seven habits make people happier.

People who form close relationships tend to be happier than those who do not. The number of friends we have is not important. What matters is the
quality of our relationships. Relationships that bring happiness usually involve the sharing of feelings, mutual respect, acceptance, trust, fun and
empathy.

People who make a habit of caring for the wellbeing of others tend to be happier. This might involve volunteering for an organization or reaching out
to support friends and family on a regular basis.

People who exercise regularly improve both their physical and mental well-being. Some research has shown that exercise can be as effective as
medication in treating depression.

When we are so interested in an activity we enjoy that we lose track of time, we are in a state of flow. The activity could be making art, playing
piano, surfing, or playing a game. People who experience flow in their work or hobbies tend to be happier.

People who include spirituality in their daily life tend to be happier. Practicing spirituality is a way of recognizing and trying to understand the
wonder and beauty of existence. Some people do this by going to a place of worship or praying. Some people practice yoga or meditation. Some
people go for long walks in nature.

People are more likely to be happy if they know what their strengths are and use them regularly. People who set goals and use their strengths to
achieve them tend to be happier. People are especially happy when they can use their strengths to serve the greater good.

People who think positively by being grateful, mindful, and optimistic are more likely to be happy. Being grateful means being thankful. Being
mindful means being open to, focusing on, and enjoying the experiences of the present moment. Being optimistic means being hopeful about the
future.

WRITING TASK:

Some research has shown that exercise is just as effective as medication in treating depression. According with the situation of
Pandemic that we are living, some people are depressed and anxioused. Describe what kind of activities you could do to feel
better, instead of use medicines to overcome this situation. (write 200 to 300 words, 3 paragraphs)

LETTER TO PEOPLE IN QUARANTINE

- take short breaks

Take care of yourself and other friends or family, help deal with stress and depression; that is why it is
important to learn and share information that helps to contribute to mental health with others.