A slow-rolling series of storms that battered the American West this week brought snowfall and high wind on Thursday to parts of California, where weather-weary residents have already endured lashing rain, heavy snowfall and a destructive tornado. Since the wild weather began slogging ashore on Monday, five deaths in California and two in Colorado have been blamed on storms. On Thursday, up to a 1 foot (30 centimeters) of snow fell on Colorado mountains, and northern Nevada was expecting as much as 7 feet (2.13 meters) on top of the 2-3 feet (more than half a meter) that already had fallen. Conditions were improving on Thursday in Arizona, as water levels quickly fell in a Sedona-area creek that had fattened from a trickle into a river of mud, forcing a dozen neighborhoods to evacuate. Damage assessments were expected to begin on Thursday.

Exactly what constitutes smart living is a matter of conjecture as various aspects of life continue to become digitalized. Some might call their homes smart just because they 41 security service companies that can provide long-distance protection. However, for others, a smart home should have additional features, such as energy-saving 42 . Similarly, a vehicle equipped with a GPS 43 device is smart for some drivers. Nevertheless, others may think smart cars should be able to plan the route to the destination and 44 traffic congestion. As far as smart living is 45 , the sky is the limit. Before the increasingly ICT-enabled world can fully satisfy all users, there shall always be room for development and improvement. Smart living may no longer be a dream.

  When you’re feeling low, it’s easy to convince yourself to stay there. After all, how can you fall when you’re already on the ground? Nevertheless, your heart wants to heal so give it what it wants. Thus, help yourself get back on your feet with these five self-care tips when you’re feeling broken.
First, step outside for some fresh air. Whether you’re still a student in school or constantly working in front of a computer, it’s easy to feel congested by deadlines, projects and never-ending tasks. Make use of your mornings, lunch breaks and evenings when you’re off the clock to step outside for walks, which will help clear your head and improve your mood. Furthermore, spending time outdoors also helps improve our concentration. Even if you can’t step outside right away, just crack open a window when you can and allow nature to heal you.
Second, take a nap. When we don’t get enough sleep, our moods can take a turn for the worse and spiral down into an endless abyss. If you’re feeling cranky from exhaustion, take some time, even if it’s just half an hour to curl up on the couch and close your eyes. Once you wake up, you’ll feel better rested and you’ll make up for lost time by carrying out
your daily tasks with a fresh and sharp mind.
Third, allow yourself to be ordinary. We are all perfectly imperfect. Take a break from using Instagram filters and Facebook posts that show your life only at its best. Social media is a place where we can share our favorite moments
with others but it has also become a platform where people feel pressured to compete with others. Sometimes, it feels more like a beauty pageant instead of a second home. Your sense of self is worth more than a digitalized reputation, embrace your flaws and allow yourself to be average, simple and sincere is always better.
Fourth, clean and give your space a makeover. Cleaning doesn’t have to be overly excessive to make a difference.Whether it means organizing your bookshelf or clipping your favorite photos onto the wall, changes, big or small can enhance the atmosphere. After all, you spend a lot of time in your space. Giving it some love and attention can go a long way.
Fifth, reach out and tell someone about what you’ve been going through. Feeling down often leads to shutting down. We fear burdening others and as this develops into a habit, we suffer silently making it harder to heal. Don’t feel ashamed about your struggles, sometimes you just need someone to hear your story, and you’d be surprised with how much people understand you.