INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Studies suggest that people who have a history of depression may be more likely to use emotional regulation that actually keeps them depressed. This type of emotional regulation is associated with using negative coping strategies (such as drinking alcohol to excess) which increases depression instead of reducing it. Avoid rumination. When you ruminate, you replay a negative situation again and again in your mind. While you may be replaying a situation to try and pinpoint what, exactly, went wrong, ruminating tends to only intensify negative feelings and offers little insight. Instead, try asking yourself: "What, if anything, can I change?" Make a list of small, manageable goals that address things that are within your power to change. It may also help to disrupt the thoughts if you go for a walk or exercise. Everyone has negative thoughts from time to time. However, the more negative thoughts you have, the more depressed you may feel. This is because our thinking has much to do with how we feel. Instead of believing negative self-talk, you can learn to challenge them and develop positive thinking habits. Think of your thoughts as hypotheses or fleeting ideas instead of as facts. If you have a negative thought such as, "This situation is terrible. I hate it," question your perception of the situation. This is called cognitive reappraisal. Is it all that bad? Is it really so terrible or can you try to cope with it? It is possible that you can change the way you think about it or find a way to help it be better? Tell yourself, "It isn't so bad. It sucks, but I can deal with it." Individuals who suffer from depression may get into the habit of self-loathing or negative self-talk. Some examples include thinking, "I'm not good enough. I'm a failure. I'm stupid." If you have similar negative thoughts, these will most likely lead to negative emotions. In order to combat this thinking you can use positive affirmations. An example of a positive affirmation is thinking, "I'm doing the best I can and it's good enough for me. It doesn't need to be good enough for someone else." Leisure and pleasure are an important part of having a positive sense of well-being. Being active can increase your ability to cope with stressful or depressing life events. Make a list of pleasurable activities and schedule them in each day. For example you could plan to: watch a movie, read a book, eat a favorite food, go for a walk, take a bubble bath, go to a library or museum, go window shopping, buy fresh flowers, get a beauty treatment or your hair done, or go out to dinner. Sometimes individuals with a history of depression have difficulty focusing on the positive aspects of their lives. Yet, your ability to focus on positive thoughts and activities can increase your positive emotions and decrease depressed mood. One way to focus on the positive is to keep a pleasurable events journal with either photos or writing. It can just be a few sentences about one thing that was good that happened that day, or a photo of one thing you found interesting or pretty. Focusing on the positive also has to do with choosing appropriate activities that are going to increase your positive mood. For example, select appropriate viewing material; if you are feeling sad- don't watch the news, or a sad movie. This is just not helpful for people who are already tending to dwell on the negative things of life, it only adds fuel to the fire. So, turn off the news and read a positive and uplifting book. Or, flick straight to the sport section of the paper or the comics.

SUMMARY: Positively regulate your emotions. Catch negative thoughts and change them. Use positive self-talk. Engage in activities that make you feel happy. Focus on the positive.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Include knives within your budget, so you're not disappointed if you prefer one that's much too expensive. Note which knives on your list are available only online or in store. If a store carries them, be sure to list which stores in your area have them. You're mainly checking to see how the knife feels. Do you like the feel of the knife handle? Do you think you would be comfortable using the knife? Check to see is the knife feels balanced in your hand for cutting. It's a good idea to also hold some knives that didn't make your list. You might find that you actually prefer a wooden handle to a metal one, or vice versa. Check for local sales, but also include online websites. This should help you make up your mind about which knives to get, if the prices differ dramatically. If you choose a store in your area, consider whether they'll be running sales in the near future. If you use an online site, don't forget to figure shipping costs into your purchase. Regardless of where you choose to buy your knives, learn the company's return policy. This warranty lets you know the manufacturer believes the knives to be of good quality, and you have the option of replacing any knives that break or are damaged. Carefully read any warranty information that comes with your knives, since there are certain actions that can void the company's warranty, such as washing them in the dishwasher, incorrectly sharpening the blades, or taking them apart (if you own stamped knives).

SUMMARY: Make a short list of brands that produce the knives you need. Go to the store and hold the knives on your list. Do some price comparisons, based on the knives you've selected. Determine the best place or source to buy your knives. Purchase a knife or knife set that has at least a 1 year warranty.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This starts your letter with a formal tone. Use the name you called your teacher while you were in class, such as Ms. Miller or Miss Debbie. Write, "Dear Ms. Miller" or "Dear Mr. Stephenson." Begin the body of your letter by thanking them so they know what your letter is about. Write a sentence that expresses your thanks and briefly tells them why. You might write, "Thank you so much for helping me come out of my shell this year," or "I really appreciate the extra help you gave me in math." Providing reasons will make your letter more meaningful. Include the ways your teacher helped you, your most memorable moment, the most important things they taught you, or the qualities you love most about them. Write 2-3 sentences providing your examples. You could write, "Every day you encouraged us to face our fears, and that's helped me feel more confident at school. Additionally, your positive attitude made me look forward to seeing you every day, and your rules about using a planner made me more organized." Consider how you will use the lessons they taught you, as well as how they shaped your behavior. Then, write 2-3 sentences about how your teacher changed your life. You might write, "Because of you, I'll be able to go to camp this summer instead of summer school," "Because of your help, I realized that I want to be a writer," or "Your kindness showed me that how we treat others is important." Finish the body of your letter by briefly restating that you're thankful for your time in their class. Then, tell your teacher that you hope they're doing well. Say this in 1-2 sentences. Write, "Thank you again for all of your help. I hope you have a great summer!" or "I'd like to thank you again for the support this year. I hope you realize how much of a difference you're making in your students' lives." Use "sincerely" because it's more formal. Then, sign your name to the letter. If you're typing your letter, skip 3 lines after "sincerely" and type your name. Then, print out your letter and sign it above your typed name. Write, "Sincerely, Daisy James."

SUMMARY:
Start your letter with "Dear" and your teacher's name. Thank your teacher for how they helped you. Give 2-3 specific examples of why you're thanking them. Explain how their help will benefit you in the future. Restate your appreciation and wish your teacher well. Close your letter with "Sincerely" and your signature.