INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Look at your local craft store for plain boxes to decorate. You'll likely be able to find them in wood or heavy cardboard. You can also upcycle old boxes, such as shoe boxes or small cardboard shipping boxes. You can even use cereal boxes or other food boxes!  You can also découpage old trunks. If you prefer, you can make a box out of cardstock or another heavy paper. This step will make the box easier to paint and decorate. If it's a shoe box or something similar, just pull the lid off. If you bought a wooden box, you may need to unscrew the hinges and put them to the side to take the lid off completely. Make sure to put the metal parts in a safe place. Pick up gesso (primer) from a craft store, along with a foam brush or a 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) flat bristle brush. Paint the gesso on in a single, even layer, trying to go the same direction along each side. Once it's dry, add a layer of acrylic paint the same way if you'd like.  A primer can make it easier for your paper to stick, particularly with wood or slick boxes (such as cereal boxes) but it's not strictly necessary. However, if you plan to leave some areas blank when you add your paper decorations, you may want to paint the box a color of your choosing. In that case, you should prime it first. You may need to sand the box again to smooth out the surface for the paper.

SUMMARY: Find or make a box to decorate. Take off the lid off your box if it has one. Add primer or paint if you want a background.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Citing an online journal is similar to citing a print journal, with one exception: Include name of database. In practice, the above structure should lend itself to a citation that looks like this: Last, First M. "Article Title" Journal Title Series Volume. Issue (Year Published): Page(s). Database Name. Web. Date Month Year Accessed.

SUMMARY: Follow the basic style of MLA formatting in data-based journals. Make it look like this.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you can start getting rid of your loneliness, you need to determine what it is exactly that is making you feel lonely. Do you miss a certain person, or a particular place? Do you generally just feel like you don't have many friends, or that the friends you do have aren't close to you? Determining why you're lonely may give you a solution for your problem right away - not everyone can tell where their feelings of loneliness originate. If you're missing a particular person or place that you can't visit, much of your problem-solving will need to be introspective. If you are desirous of more friends or feel isolated, than your solution will more likely be to get out and meet new people.  Try journaling if you're not sure why you feel lonely. Be as specific as possible. Don't be embarrassed at the cause(s) of your loneliness. It is a perfectly normal feeling that everyone struggles with at one time or another. Before you make any other changes, you should look to your own health for indicators of causes for loneliness. Oftentimes lack of sleep, exercise, and healthy foods can leave you feeling lethargic and depressed, leading to loneliness over time. Spend a week making positive changes to your health; aim to get eight hours of sleep every night, try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity, and cut out junk food/incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. If nothing else, doing these things will give you more energy and reduce stress, which overall impacts your positive outlook and feelings of happiness.  Studies have shown that poor sleep and lack of physical activity are correlated to feelings of loneliness. Certain foods - particularly fruits and vegetables - contain hormones that increase happiness. It's easy to become overwhelmed by isolation or a massive 'to-do' list, and not only run out of time in your life for people but also for your favorite activities. It's much more difficult to feel lonely if you're actively enjoying an activity, especially one that you have some skill or practice with. If you've got a hobby that you love or are interested in, set aside some time each day to work on starting it up (again). Whenever you are hit with those pangs of loneliness, make a conscious effort to go spend time on your hobby. Some new hobby ideas might include:  Reading regularly Playing a sport Going hiking Taking up knitting or crocheting Learning to cook, or trying new recipes Painting Gardening On a similar tangent to picking up a hobby, working on a large project can be a great way to distract yourself from present feelings of loneliness, and to help give yourself purpose when all you might want to do is curl up in bed. What counts as a 'big' project will vary from person to person; for one individual, it might mean painting the interior of their house. For another, it might mean starting a new degree or set of classes through an online university. Whatever your 'big' project is, set daily or weekly goals so that you have something to focus your hard work on. You won't have time to feel lonely, with all the dedication you'll be pouring into your project. Some big project ideas might include:  Learning a new language Writing your own book Building a large piece of furniture Learning a new instrument Building a car or motorcycle from parts Starting a small business Starting (or finishing) a degree The great outdoors has been a healing power for millions of people over the years. And while it might sound counter-intuitive to get over your loneliness by going outside alone, your time spent in nature will likely improve your emotional state and banish those feelings of loneliness. Sunshine helps increase endorphins in your system, making you feel happier and less focused on your loneliness. Plus, exploring new places, getting your blood pumping, and seeing your natural local will all change your focus and balance your mental state.  Look for good hikes in your area, or simply explore a new park. Try going kayaking or on a bike ride, if you're not interested in just walking around.

SUMMARY:
Get your emotions in order. Focus on your health. Bring an old hobby back to life. Start a big project. Spend more time outside.