way2go! 7. Coursebook, Schulbuch

60 Unit 04 | On the move Read the article about reasons why travel might make you happier. Sum up the reasons in a short sentence each. 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 11 a b Why travel makes you a happier person Travel is beneficial in many ways, but you may not realise it can increase mental well-being. So the next time you find yourself heading out on a shopping spree to lift your mood, why not invest that money in a flight instead? Here are some ways in which travelling can make you happier. There comes a time when everyone must deal with an unexpected situation that arises when they’re on the road. Even if you plan your trip to the letter, things can take a surprise turn. Whatever happens, there is a solution to the problem, and knowing that you can deal with these situations is a huge boost to self-confidence and consequently your happiness. Travelling proves that absence makes the heart grow fonder. There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed after a long vacation, eating your favourite dish, meeting friends and family to exchange holiday tales or simply noticing the beauty of your own home when you’ve been absent for some time. Making new friends is more effortless on the road than it is at home, where people are less inclined to chat to strangers on a bus or strike up a conversation in a bar (at least, that’s true of London). When people are away from home, there seem to be fewer boundaries to cross and making friends becomes much easier. Social interactions make us happier, and increasing our social circle means that we’re talking more and meeting different, interesting people, which generally means we’re learning more too. The internet has its advantages and disadvantages, but it’s healthy for everyone to have a break from it every once in a while. Wi-fi is so prevalent that it’s often a challenge to switch off, and far too often you can find yourself tuning out whatever amazing place you’re in with your face in your phone, checking Twitter, scrolling through your Facebook feed, checking your emails … stop. Turn it off. Better yet, find somewhere with no reception and no wi-fi so that you have no alternative. It’s liberating and allows you to appreciate the ‘here and now’, which nicely ties into the following point. Travelling gives us breathing space that is often lacking in our usual day-to-day existence. Having the opportunity to take advantage of peace and quiet and to simply ‘be’ allows us to release stress and tension and just value being in the moment – a key focus of meditation and a practice you can take home with you. If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, it’s a chance to spend time getting to know each other better. Whether it’s acquiring a new skill such as cooking Thai food or learning a new language, travel presents ways in which we can further our knowledge and education. Learning makes our brains more active, which psychologists have found increases our level of happiness – particularly when learning something we consider enjoyable. For most people, travelling is about the new experiences. I recall with pleasure that moment of awe when I stood watching the sunlight leak out over the rainforest around the ancient temple of Borobudur in Java at sunrise. The sky turned a striking shade of violet: it was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Recalling memories of happiness can sustain a feeling of contentment long after the Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv