Claire最近工作上压力很大,同事Jim和Tina给她出主意,如何减压。Tina说,

T: You really have to make an effort to relax, and each person is different. My husband swears by classical music. He goes and sits in his room, turns on his stereo and listens to his favorite classical composers.

J: For me, sometimes I just need a good hard workout. I like to put on boxing gloves and hit a punching bag…makes me feel much better!

C: I’ve tried chanting and meditating a couple times, but I couldn’t stop my brain from thinking about work. I can’t seem to get in the zone.

Tina说,她老公觉得听古典音乐特别管用。He swears by classical music. swear by something 意思是坚信某事的功效,用在人身上,to swear by somebody 则是很信任某个人。Jim说,他释放压力最行之有效的办法是去健身,I just need a good hard workout. Claire说,她也试过冥想,但就是无法get in the zone进入状态。

T: I saw a news article yesterday that says chocolate helps relieve stress. Maybe you just need a chocolate bar!

C: Now there’s a therapy I can get behind!

J: I think the main thing to keep in mind here is that stress is a serious issue. You’re not weak. You’re not a loser. You just have to find what works for you. Everybody’s different. Maybe rock music is what works for you.

Tina说,头天看报纸上说,吃巧克力可以减压,Claire开玩笑说,Now there’s a therapy I can get behind. 意思是这种疗法我愿意尝试。不过言归正传,压力不是儿戏,身体对压力做出反应,并不意味着你脆弱,也不意味着你这人没用。每个人都需要找到对自己有效的减 除压力的办法。

T: Speaking of rock music…there’s a great concert happening downtown tomorrow night. We could all use a break. What do you say?

C: Sound like fun. and thanks…. you guys are true friends.

J: We’re all in the same boat. Modern life is very stressful.

T: That’s why we need friends.

C: You said it. See you tomorrow night!

T: It’s a date!

Tina说,明晚有一场rock music摇滚音乐会,问Claire和Jim要不要一起去, We could all use a break. 意思是我们都需要放松一下。use在这里是享用的意思。比如 I could use a cup of coffee. 意思是我想喝杯咖啡。I could use some encouragement. 我需要点鼓励。Claire对朋友的帮助表示感谢,Jim说,We’re all in the same boat. 我们的处境都一样,大家生活都很紧张,都需要学会放松。