四、閱讀測驗 Is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this age-old question about positive thinking may
reflect your outlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whether you're optimistic or pessimistic, and it
may even affect your health. Indeed, some studies show that personality traits such as optimism and pessimism
can affect many areas of your health and well-being. The positive thinking that usually comes with optimism is
a key part of effective stress management. And effective stress management is associated with many health
benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don't despair. You can learn positive thinking skills.
Positive thinking doesn't mean that you ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positive thinking just means
that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You can learn to turn negative thinking
into positive thinking. The process is simple, but it does take time and practice. If you want to become more
optimistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identify areas of your life that you usually think negatively
about, whether it's work, your daily commute, life changes or a relationship. You can start small by focusing on
one area to approach in a more positive way. Think of a positive thought to manage your stress instead of a
negative one. Also, aim to exercise for about 30 minutes on most days of the week. Exercise can positively affect
mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthy diet to fuel your mind and body. Get enough sleep. And learn techniques
to manage stress. Next, surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive,
supportive people you can depend on to give helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your
stress level and make you doubt your ability to manage stress in healthy ways. Finally, practice positive selftalk. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyone else. Be
gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respond
with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you're thankful for in your life.
【題組】21. What is the best title for the passage?
(A) Age-old philosophical questions
(B) Ways to practice positive thinking
(C) The benefits of philosophical thinking
(D) Your sleep and stress management