62 Unit 04 | On the move Read the article about how travel can improve your well-being. Sum up each reason in a short sentence. Read the text again. First decide whether the statements (1–7) are true (T) or false (F) and put a cross ( ) in the correct box. Then identify the sentence in the text which supports your decision. Write the first four words of this sentence in the space provided. There may be more than one correct answer; write down only one. The first one (0) has been done for you. READING 12 a b Why travel makes you a happier person Travel is beneficial in many ways, but you may not realise it can also increase your mental well-being. So, the next time you’re tempted to go on a shopping spree to lift your mood, why not consider spending that money on a real escape from everyday life instead? There’s a good chance a trip to an exciting destination will bring you more lasting happiness. (Of course, in these environmentally-conscious times, concerns about air travel might overshadow your excitement, but there are ways to reduce the carbon footprint of a flight. Fly direct whenever possible as take-offs and landings use the most fuel. Choose a more sustainable airline, such as one that uses biofuels on some routes, and opt for newer aircraft – they’re more efficient. These choices help you ease your conscience a little.) There are many reasons why travelling can make you feel better. For example, sooner or later, everyone must deal with an unexpected situation while on the road. Even if you plan your trip to the letter, things can take an unexpected turn. Whatever happens, there is always a solution, and knowing that you can manage these situations gives a huge boost to your confidence and, in turn, your happiness. Making new friends is often easier on the road than it is at home, where people are generally less inclined to chat to strangers on a bus or strike up a conversation in a bar (at least, that’s true in London). When we’re away from home, social barriers tend to disappear, making it much easier to approach and connect with others. Interacting with new people makes us happier, and expanding our social circle means engaging in more conversations and meeting diverse, interesting people – ultimately leading to new learning experiences as well. The internet has its pros and cons, but taking a break from it every once in a while is healthy for everyone. With Wi-Fi everywhere, disconnecting can feel like a challenge. Too often, we get lost in our phones, scrolling through social media or checking emails, instead of fully experiencing the incredible places around us. So, pause. Look up. Be present. Better still, go somewhere with no reception or Wi-Fi so that you have no alternative. It’s liberating and allows you to fully appreciate the ‘here and now’ –, which ties in nicely with the next point. Travelling provides the breathing space that is often lacking in our daily lives. Having the opportunity to take advantage of peace and quiet and simply ‘be’ allows both body and mind to release stress and tension and embrace the moment – a key principle of meditation and a practice you can take home with you. If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, it’s also a great chance to spend quality time together and get to know each other better. Whether it’s mastering a new skill like cooking Thai food or picking up a new language, travel offers countless opportunities to expand our knowledge and education. Learning keeps our brains active, which psychologists have found increases our level of happiness – especially when we’re engaging in something we truly enjoy. For most people, travelling is about new experiences. I fondly remember the moment of awe as I stood watching the sunlight spill over the rainforest surrounding the ancient temple of Borobudur in Java at sunrise. The sky turned a striking shade of violet – it was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen. Recalling happy memories can bring a lasting sense of contentment long after the moment has passed, and new experiences create memories that can stay with you forever. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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