Sunny weather has a powerful, positive impact on our mental health. When the sun is shining, most people feel an immediate boost in their mood and energy levels. This change happens because sunlight triggers our brains to release serotonin, a hormone that makes us feel happy, calm, and focused. On sunny days, we are more likely to go outside, exercise, and socialise with friends, which naturally reduces stress and anxiety. Furthermore, natural light helps regulate our internal sleep clock, leading to better sleep at night and a fresher mind the next morning. In contrast, a lack of sunlight can make people feel tired, sad, or unmotivated. For some, this can even lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to the changing seasons. Ultimately, clear skies do more than just brighten the day; they actively refresh our minds. Spending just 15 to 30 minutes in the sun can greatly improve your emotional well-being and overall mental clarity.

Vocab Challenge (B2) #day13

Last week, I went to a family restaurant with my friend. We ate some sweets and talked together. I enjoyed spending time with my friend. I would like to go there again. Last Saturday, I went to a school festival. I listened to a band called The shes gone. Their music was a genre that I do not usually listen to, so it was a very good experience for me. I enjoyed listening to a different kind of music. I thought it was interesting to discover new music. The day before the school festival, I went to school because I did not know that there were no classes that day. However, I decided to stay and study in the library. I was able to finish my report earlier than planned. I also read my English book with concentration. I usually find it difficult to spend a long time reading English, but I could focus well that day. Although I went to school by mistake, I think I used my time very well.

Yesterday was a national holiday, so I didn’t have school. Today was also a day off, so I thought I could go out for two days in a row. However, I didn’t have much money, so I decided to stay home. Today, I planned to wake up early, get ready, and go shopping for a birthday present for my senior coworker. But I spent too much time doing nothing, so I couldn’t go shopping. I had many things to do at home, such as doing laundry, cleaning, washing dishes, folding clothes, and taking out the trash. So I decided to stay home and finish these things instead. Recently, I haven’t had much money, so I stopped ordering food with Uber and buying meals at convenience stores. Today, I want to cook using the ingredients I bought at the supermarket. Tomorrow, I have a class from the second period, so I want to eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed early to get ready for school. Recently, the weather has become colder, so I changed my bed sheets and blankets. Changing things for the new season makes me feel refreshed and happy. I’m finally excited that the cold weather is here. I want to enjoy wearing my new clothes, trying different hairstyles, and changing my makeup.

Immersive B1 English Story Challenge #day1

🤝 BUSINESS ENGLISH – THE NEGOTIATION GAME! Imagine you are negotiating a contract with an international client. The client says: "Your proposal is interesting, but your price is considerably higher than our budget." Which response would be the most diplomatic and professional? A) That's your problem, not mine. B) Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about it. C) I understand your concerns. Perhaps we could explore some alternative arrangements that would work for both parties. D) You won't find a better deal anywhere else. 💬 Which response would you choose, and why? Bonus challenge: Can you suggest TWO expressions that are useful when negotiating in English? For example: * "Would you be willing to consider...?" * "Perhaps we could meet halfway." Let's practise the language of international business! #BusinessEnglish #NegotiationSkills #ProfessionalCommunication

Pure cacao offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, thanks to its high content of antioxidants, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Key health benefits • Cardiovascular health: It provides flavonoids and epicatechins, which help relax blood vessels, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. • Emotional well-being: It contains theobromine, tryptophan, anandamide, and phenylethylamine—substances that stimulate the nervous system, promote the production of serotonin and endorphins, and enhance mood. • Antioxidant potential: Its polyphenols combat free-radical damage, protecting cells against premature aging. • Brain function: It improves blood flow to the brain, supporting concentration, memory, and cognitive performance. • Mineral content: It is a rich source of magnesium (beneficial for muscles and sleep) and also provides iron, fiber, and zinc. • Metabolic regulation: It helps improve insulin sensitivity and regulate cholesterol levels (by lowering LDL and promoting HDL). How to consume it healthily • Ideal form: Opt for 100% pure cacao powder (non-alkalized, as the alkalization process reduces its antioxidant content) or dark chocolate with a cocoa content of over 75%. • Recommended intake: A moderate daily consumption of 10 to 30 grams (or 1 to 2 tablespoons of powder) is suggested. • Caution: Those with caffeine sensitivity, insomnia, or acid reflux should avoid excessive consumption. If you’re interested in incorporating cacao into your daily routine, here are a few things to consider: • Do you prefer it in powder form (for drinks or smoothies) or as chocolate bars? • Are you looking to achieve a specific goal (such as boosting energy, supporting heart health, or improving sleep)? • Are you familiar with cacao from Barlovento, or is it new to you? Let’s dive into a quick lesson on Venezuelan cacao, its derivatives, and its properties. Let's go! 🍫🇻🇪😍

My school was off on October 30th because preparations for our school festival. It was held on October 31st and November 1st. Since I wasn't involved in any festival activities, I didn't go to school. Instead, I stayed home and caught up on my household chores. There was a huge pile of laundry waiting for me, so I washed it all. I also made progress on my homework. It turned out to be a very productive and rewarding day. On another day, I went to Tokyo with my mother to enjoy afternoon tea. Recently, afternoon tea has become extremely popular in Japan, and many people go to stylish cafes with their friends or family. However, our main purpose was not just to enjoy the tea and sweets, but to do "Oshikatsu." "Oshikatsu" refers to activities focused on supporting and celebrating your favorite idols or fictional characters. "Oshi" means your favorite character or idol, and "katsu" means activity. When we go out for Oshikatsu, we bring items like character cards, acrylic standees, or plush toys. We then take pictures of these items alongside the cute afternoon tea sets. It makes us feel as if we are sharing the special experience directly with our favorite characters. Going outside and sharing delicious food with your "Oshi" is truly fantastic and exciting. I highly recommend that you try it, too!

Today, I went to an Italian cafe near Shimokitazawa Station with my older sister. I like Italian food, so I was happy to go there. We ordered pizza and pasta. My favorite pizza is Margherita, and my favorite pasta is Bolognese. I really enjoyed the food. The pizza had cheese and tomato, and it was very tasty. The pasta was also delicious. I want to go to the cafe again because I liked the food and the atmosphere. After lunch, we went to karaoke. I like singing, and I often go to karaoke with my friends or family. My favorite artists are back number and Shota Shimizu. I like their songs, and I wanted to sing many of them today. However, I am not very good at singing yet. Sometimes I cannot sing the high notes well, and I want to improve. I would like to practice more and become a better singer. I had a good time with my sister today. We ate delicious food and enjoyed karaoke together. I hope we can go out together again soon.