Artistic▼ activities have some surprising health benefits. 藝文活動對健康有些令人意想不到的益處
Many people take lessons in music and dance when they are young because practicing an art also teaches the value of discipline. Recent studies have also shown that getting involved in music and dance can lead to positive chemical changes in the brain. These activities can help us improve our motor skills▼, and they can also make us healthier and happier. Dancing is a form of exercise, and a good night on the dance floor▼ can burn as many calories as a trip to the gym. It is also a social activity, so when we dance with other people, our brains send out chemicals that make us feel happy because we are sharing a fun experience and bonding with our friends. Similarly, studies have shown that people who sing regularly have lower levels of stress and higher levels of confidence. When we hear singing, even awful singing, our brains naturally relax. Using the voice properly involves many different muscle groups, and singing can also lead to physical benefits in breathing, posture▼, and strength.
1.practice vt. & vi. 實行，從事；練習 & n. 實施，（習慣）做法；練習 common / current / standard practice 一般∕現行∕標準做法 This ancient custom is still practiced today. 這項古老習俗至今仍為人奉行。 It is standard practice to search visitors as they enter this government building. 對於進入這棟政府大樓的來訪者進行搜查是例行做法。
2.discipline n. 紀律；約束 Discipline is what makes a soldier a soldier. 紀律是軍人之所以為軍人的要素。
3.burn calories 消耗∕燃燒熱量 calorie n. 卡路里（食物的熱量單位） Wendy went jogging because she wanted to burn some calories. 溫蒂因為想消耗一些熱量而去慢跑。
4.send out... / send...out 發出∕送出…… The sinking ship sent an SOS signal out. 這艘下沉中的船隻發送出求救訊號。 * SOS signal / message / call n. 求救訊號∕訊息∕電話
5.bond vi.（與某人）建立關係，培養感情（常與介詞 with 並用） It´s hard for Jimmy to bond with his coworkers because he is so shy. 吉米生性害羞，所以很難與同事打成一片。
6.confidence n. 自信，信心 The boss has confidence in Scott´s ability to handle the problem. 老闆對史考特解決這個問題的能力很有信心。
7.awful a. 糟糕的，極壞的；惡劣的 The party was awful. Not many people showed up and there wasn´t anything to drink. 那場派對超爛的。去的人不多，而且還沒有飲料可喝。
8.physical a. 身體（方面）的，肉體的 Doctors suggest that everyone get a physical checkup once a year. 醫生建議每個人每年都該做一次身體健康檢查。 * checkup n. 健康檢查，體檢
