CUET English 2022 PYQs20 July Shift 1. Free, no login required.

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

"Let us laugh," says, W. Mathews, "it is the cheapest luxury man enjoys. It stirs up the blood, expands the chest, clears away the cobwebs from the brain and gives the whole system a healthy treatment." So is it not nice to laugh a lot ? It is said, "Laughter is the best medicine." For those who dislike medicine, sweet or bitter, a good joke that provokes laughter is prescribed. It is nice to have a good laugh but a "guffaw" may sometimes lock one's jaws and so it is suggested that those who enjoy a loud guffaw to go slow and subside into a gurgle. But the best thing is, as done in Hon'ble courts before Hon'ble Judges is to, just titter. And finally, I feel that I should smile, laugh heartily (without the predicament of lockjaws) and be able to enjoy all jokes including ones directed at myself. But never making a laughing stock of myself in the process.

Happiness is a state of mind and the feelings expressed when things are going great. It is what we feel when we get our first car, buy a new house or graduate with the best grades. Happiness should be distinguished from joy. When joy is a constant state of mind, happiness depends on events in our lives. The opposite of happiness is sadness which is a state of negativity in our mindset. When we remain sad for an extended period of time it can lead to depression. To avoid this state of mind, we must always remind ourselves of happenings in our lives that made us happy.

Though life throws countless challenges at us on a daily basis, if we drown in those challenges we would definitely become depressed. It is important that we find positive things in our daily lives to get excited about and feel the happiness. Let us remember the wise saying, "He is not laughed at who laughs at himself first."

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. When areas in and around Leh began to experience water shortages, life didn't grind to a halt. Why? Because Chewang Norphel a retired Civil Engineer in the Jammu and Kashmir government came up with the idea of artificial glaciers.

Ladakh, a cold desert at an altitude of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level has a low average annual rainfall rate of 50 mm. Glaciers have always been the only source of water. Agriculture here is completely dependent on glacier melt unlike the rest of river/monsoon-fed India. But over the years with increasing effects of climate change, rainfall and snowfall patterns have been changing, resulting in severe shortage and drought situations. Given the severe winter conditions, the window for farming is usually limited to one harvest season.

Fondly called the "glacier man" Mr. Norphel has designed over 15 artificial glaciers in and around Leh since 1987. In recognition of his pioneering effort he was conferred the Padma Shri by the President of India in 2015.

There are few basic steps followed in creating an artificial glacier. A River or a stream of water at a higher altitude is diverted to a shaded area of the hill, facing north, where the winter sun is blocked by a ridge or a mountain range. At the start of winter around November, the diverted water is made to flow onto the sloping hill face through distribution channels. Stone embankments are built at regular intervals which impede the flow of water, making shallow pools that freeze, forming a cascade of ice along the slope. Ice formation continues for 3-4 months resulting in a large accumulation of ice which is referred to as an "artificial glacier".

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.

I recently went to the doctor with an inexplicable stomach pain that had persisted for several days. After a brief examination, he provided his diagnosis : "It's probably stress". I have to admit that I was disappointed with the verdict, as I was hoping that he would find a more concrete cause that could be easily resolved with the prescription of drugs. Instead, I was going to have to take a look at my life-style and try to make some changes. I do have a demanding new boss, and I have recently had a slight disagreement with a sibling, but I hadn't really considered myself to be stressed about either issue. When I think about it, I don't really know anybody who doesn't suffer from stress.

We all have problems that can make us feel stressed, but the difference is in how we manage that stress. Apparently, some of us are better at taking charge of our thoughts, feelings, schedule, and the way we deal with problems than others. Some people are able to remain calm and in control despite the demands and pressures of everyday life.

I went to talk to a life-style counsellor, who presented me with several suggestions. Firstly, I could try to take control of my environment by eliminating unnecessary stresses. Clearly, I wouldn't be able to eradicate my boss or my brother. However, I could avoid travelling in a crammed train carriage every morning by getting up 10 minutes earlier. I tried it for a few days, and surprisingly enough I already felt a lot more in control.

Secondly, I should try to adopt a healthier life-style. We all know that a healthy diet and regular exercise make us thinner and fitter, but I wasn't aware that they could also help to eliminate stress. I decided to start with some small changes, such as cutting out sweets and desserts, and taking the stairs instead of the lift. Again, I immediately felt that these small changes were making a positive difference.

Perhaps the most important advice of all was to learn to accept the things that I couldn't change. I started to think of my challenges as opportunities for personal growth. I would start to expect less of people and accept that no one is perfect, least of all myself.

A couple of days ago, I met with my friend Sandra and told her of the changes I had made to try to conquer my stress. I realised that talking and laughing about it with Sandra made me feel far better than any of my other actions. May be it's OK to be stressed as long as there is a friend to share it with.