The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a harvest festival celebrated in Chinese culture. It is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar with a full moon at night, corresponding to mid-September to early October of the Gregorian calendar.On this day, the Chinese believe that the moon is at its brightest and fullest size, coinciding with harvest time in the middle of autumn.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture; its popularity is on par with that of Chinese New Year. The history of the festival dates back over 3,000 years.  Similar festivals are celebrated by other cultures in East and Southeast Asia.

During the festival, lanterns of all size and shapes – which symbolize beacons that light people's path to prosperity and good fortune – are carried and displayed. Mooncakes, a rich pastry typically filled with sweet-bean, egg yolk, meat or lotus-seed paste, are traditionally eaten during this festival. The Mid-Autumn Festival is based on the legend of Chang'e, the Moon goddess in Chinese mythology.

Etymology
The festival is so-named as it is held around the autumn equinox on the 15th of the 8th lunisolar month in the Chinese calendar.Its name varies among Sinitic languages, with the most common one being Mid-Autumn Festival or simply Mid-Autumn (中秋), as well as its traditional calendar date, either Fifteenth of the Eighth Month or Half of the Eighth Month, which is more regional.  

Meanings
The festival celebrates three fundamental concepts that are closely connected:
Gathering: Such as family and friends coming together, or harvesting crops for the festival. It is said that the Moon is the brightest and roundest on this day which means family reunion. Consequently, this is the main reason why the festival is thought to be important.
Giving thanks: To give thanks for the harvest, or for harmonious unions through activities like giving mooncakes to each other.
Praying (asking for conceptual or material satisfaction): Praying for things such as babies, a spouse, beauty, longevity, or a good future.

Traditions and myths surrounding the festival are formed around these concepts, although traditions have changed over time due to changes in technology, science, economy, culture, and religion.

Our manufacturer has been dedicated to the research, development and manufacturing of yoga sports products for 42 years.
For all foaming, plastic, organic and natural, environmentally friendly materials... we use the most perfect applications and ideas to make brands, users and yogis having the best, most comfortable and most functional products.

Just as muscles require training to gain strength, body balance relies on specific exercises to improve. To do this, you need a balance pad, but what is a balance pad? A balance pad lists among the many fitness solutions designed to help in balance training. It’s a square-shaped piece of foam that’s about 3 inches thick. Balance and stability training involve moderate exercises that trigger your body to employ stabilizing muscles, with the main aim of improving balance.
When you step on this fitness tool, your body losses stability and you’re forced to engage various body muscles to balance yourself on the sponge. Balance pad exercises are important, especially as one gets older. They help to gain stability and prevent falling.
Here's a detailed outline of balance pad benefits plus several example exercises.

Balance Pad: Which Muscles Work and Benefits
A comprehensive body fitness should not just focus on strength but also on balance. This is because balance exercises are essential in everyday life. Stability is needed in all types of sports and all types of workouts.

Great for boosting all your exercises, a balance pad helps to engage small as well as large muscles. For instance, standing on the pad helps to work out small muscles around your ankle. It also helps to work out your core and all muscles of your feet.

Best part, it gives stability to your knee joints, ankles, hips, and shoulders. This stability minimizes the risk of injury such as sprained ankle. For senior citizens, balance helps to prevent falling and injuries that would result from such falls.
Everyone relies on stability, sometimes without even realizing it. By using a balance board, your body awareness, coordination, and response time improve. In case you slip or stumble, you can fittingly regain balance much faster. The earlier you get into balance training; the more stability you’ll have later in life.
A balance pad will prove useful not just for balance exercises, but also for pain therapy and other workouts that involve sitting or lying down.

Balance Pad: The Workouts
Supposing you don’t know how to use balance pad for workouts, the following exercises will help you. They’re divided into two categories depending on your level. That is, balance pad exercises for athletes and seniors.

Balance Pad: Exercises for Seniors
Balance pad exercises for seniors and beginners are quite basic and less intensive. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to have a safety mechanism. Ensure that you have a chair next to you or two walls or anything that can support you and prevent you from falling. Once you do that, try out these balance pad exercises.

Try exercises for seniors with Balance Pad
Head-turning. Step on the pad with both feet at shoulder width stance, turn your head to the left then to the right. Repeat this for about 30 seconds. Next, turn your head up, then down, for about 30 seconds. If this seems too easy, try to do it a bit faster and let your body move further.

Step up and down. Stand next to the pad while facing it. Step on it with one foot followed by the next foot. Reverse this move to step out of the pad. Next, step over to the other side of the pad, then turn back and step over to the first side. Now, do lateral stepping, in and out of the pad, while you’re not facing it directly.

Toe-standing. Stand on the pad and try to lift yourself by standing on your toes. Hold this position for a few seconds. Then, try to stand with your heels and alternate them with your toes.

Single-foot standing. Stand on the pad with one foot for about 30 seconds. If it gets hard, you can opt to support yourself with a nearby object. Do the same with the other foot. Next, make some marching movements by lifting your knees slowly in an alternating manner. If it’s too easy, lift your knee even further and do it a bit faster.

Balance Pad: Exercises for Athletes
Let’s say you’re a professional athlete or you’re already familiar with the basic balance pad workout, try challenging yourself with the following balance pad exercises for athletes.

Jumps. You can jump with both feet or with one foot. Start by jumping with both feet without stepping out of the foam, then, jump in and out of the foam. If you have two balance pads, you can put one on top of the other and jump in and out with both feet.

Next, start jumping with one foot without getting out of the foam. Then, try to jump in and out of the foam with one foot. Repeat this several times then change to the other foot. Repeat the same moves with your arms folded around your chest. To challenge yourself more, try to do it a bit faster and from all directions.

Squats. You can do three types of squats on the foam. First, do the normal squats with both feet on the pad. Secondly, step on the pad with your toes and do the squats. Thirdly, do the squats with just one foot.

To make it more challenging, put your hands behind your head, then make the squat moves with one foot. Repeat the move several times before changing to the other foot. You can also use dumbbells while doing squats on the pad.

Planks. To do planks, you need to lie down on all four and lift yourself up as if you’re doing push-ups. You can do this with straight arms or with arms bent at the elbow. Keep a straight body and hold yourself in that position for about 30 seconds.

Use the balance pad to support your hands or your toes or both if you have two pads. Next, do the side planks while you support yourself with one arm. You can do this with straight legs, crossed legs, or legs bent at the knees.

No Limits for Balance Pad
You can do many other exercises with a balance pad, such as push-ups, lunges or even trying to stand with your head. You can get creative and come up with your own exercises. What’s important, is to do it safely.

Balance pad is non-slippery, so you can freely do your exercises without having issues of slipping on the floor.  

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor. Most Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. The reasons vary, from acute sprains from sports injuries to longer-term diseases caused by a variety of factors.

Here are eight tips to ease some pain and keep your back healthy:

1. Strengthen your core muscles
Your lower back is under the stress of supporting your entire upper body. Surrounding muscles in your back need to be toned to support your spine and reduce pressure on your lower back. Our core muscles are rarely used during everyday activities, so they need to be toned through specific, targeted exercises. Take a few minutes each day to do a couple of simple core exercises.

2. Stretch daily
Many back problems are caused by tight muscles. If your back muscles are tight, they put added stress on your entire spine, including your joints. Get into a habit of daily stretches to promote your spinal health.

3. Avoid sitting with poor posture
If your sitting posture is poor, the discs in your lower spine are loaded even more than when you're standing. If you must sit for long periods of time, remember to get up and walk around every so often.

4. Take walks
Walking is a very safe and good exercise. Brisk walking at work or outside will help you to maintain a healthy weight and keep pressure off your back.

5. Lift correctly
When you lift something heavy, it's very easy to twist the wrong way. This can lead to muscle spasm and pain. Use proper body mechanics by engaging your leg muscles, not your back, when you pick up heavier items. Get help if the item is too much for you to lift alone.

6. Reduce pressure on your back when you sleep
Sleeping flat on your back puts pressure on your spine. Elevate your knees slightly by placing a pillow under them. If you're a side sleeper, put a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure on your back.

7. Watch your weight
Extra weight puts a strain on your back. In order to deal with extra weight, your spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. The back may lose its proper support and develop an unnatural curvature of the spine over time.

8. Quit smoking
Smoking restricts blood flow to the discs that cushion your vertebrae. This could lead to quicker disc degeneration. Smoking also reduces calcium absorption and new bone growth. This increases the risk of a fracture due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle.
 

Yoga accessories
Amidst this bustling life, finding time for self-workouts has become challenging. Mastering a new workout almost seems impossible, but yoga can be an exception. The possibility of incorporating yoga into one’s fitness regime has become higher with the introduction of yoga props.

Yoga props:
Yoga props are tools used to perform yoga poses with more ease and comfort. All types of poses become accessible to all kinds of individuals with the help of yoga props. They provide additional support to achieve proper alignment and enhanced flexibility.

Benefits of Yoga Props:
For most white-collar professionals in the “9 to 5 job” line, life has become sedentary. Yoga props serve as a remedy to such individuals who have surrendered themselves to inflexibility. Yoga props are for different purposes and offer unique benefits. While everyone is aware of the benefits of props to some extent, they are better known to people who practice Iyengar yoga than the rest as they are the ones to use yoga props on a full scale.

A few of the benefits of using yoga props are listed below:

*Props help attain proper alignment in yoga poses. 
*They provide support and assistance to perform difficult yoga poses. 
*People with physical limitations can also practice yoga with the help of yoga accessories. 
*All kinds of people regardless of age can undertake yoga using yoga props. 
*The practitioner can maintain stability using props. 
*Yoga props provide balance thereby the user need not overexert.
*The deepening of yoga poses can be done with the help of yoga props. 
*Practitioners can gradually increase flexibility by deepening stretches. 
*A few props can provide a comfortable space to relax. 
*Yoga props help practitioners align their body and mind. 
*Customization is possible, as poses can be performed based on the individuals needs 
*Even those with health conditions or injuries can still perform yoga with the assistance of props 
*People with muscle or flexibility issues can also use props to improve their performance in poses 
*Yoga props give a sense of awareness, as practitioners are more mindful of their senses and alignment while using props. 
*Most of the props are mobile and can be carried from place to place.

Misconceptions & Myths around yoga props
There are many misconceptions about Iyengar yoga and the use of yoga props. While people are beginning to research and clear these misconceptions, there are still many that blindly believe them. Having such myths is not good, not just for themselves but for those others around them. We would like to address a few of these myths and misconceptions surrounding the use of yoga props.

Yoga props are for beginners:
It is true that beginners face difficulties in performing some yoga poses and using yoga props can help them achieve those poses with ease. However, props are not just for them. People who are more experienced in yoga can also use props to attain perfect posture. As mentioned in the benefits of using yoga props, they can bring many advantages and enhance the practice for all levels of practitioners.

Why use Yoga props, when traditional sadhus don't use them? 
This is yet another misconception that persists in almost everything. Life is all about transforming ourselves to become better day by day, and this necessitates a mind-level transformation. Practicing and perfecting yoga can help you realize that both the body and mind are in sync. These yoga props help to expedite your body-mind transformation.

Sadhus could have performed without props because they weren’t aware that it was possible or that such a transformation existed. So, when something better is provided and can enhance our practice why not utilize it? Contrary to the saying “Ignorance is bliss,” it is important to upgrade ourselves and adapt to changes that bring us more benefits.

Yoga props are only for people with physical limitations: 
It is not necessary that only people with physical limitations use yoga props, as everyone can also benefit from them. Yoga props offer numerous benefits to all individuals, regardless of age or physical constraints.

Yoga props are for physical support 
Yoga props indeed provide physical support when performing yoga poses. It doesn’t stop there. They also offer comfort and space to relax during certain poses, which allows the user to connect with their mind.

What props are commonly used in Iyengar yoga? 
Some of the commonly used yoga props are listed below:  

Yoga Blocks 
Yoga Ropes 
Yoga Belts 
Yoga Blanket 
Yoga Trestlers  
Yoga Straps 
Yoga Wedges 
Yoga Stools 
Yoga bolster/pillow 
Yoga Benches 
Yoga Chairs 
Yoga Mat 
Yoga Planks  

5 Best Yoga Props that you will need in 2024 
Yoga Blanket:
**When to use blankets?
Yoga blankets are made of wool/recycled wool, cotton, and other materials. They are used on the floor/ground for poses that require the user to be in a restorative position. They can also be used in poses where the user should be on all fours.

**Benefits of Yoga Blankets:
Yoga blankets provide warmth to users when they lie down or sit to perform poses on flat ground. They also provide cushions for the knees and wrists when the user is on all fours.

Yoga Strap:
**When to use straps?
Yoga straps are belts primarily used for stretching. Like blankets, these straps are typically made of cotton, nylon, or hemp. Yoga straps are used in poses that require heavy stretching and to align the spine, feet, or other parts of the body.

**Benefits of Yoga Straps
When performing forward fold poses, individuals trying hard asanas may have to bend their back to hold the pose for longer periods, which can be challenging. To assist with this, straps can be used. They can be worn around the feet and stretched out using the palms, ensuring that the back and spine are straight.

Yoga Block:
**When to use blocks?
Yoga blocks are used for asanas that require additional height. Made of various materials such as rubber cork, foam (soft materials), or wood (hard material), they can be placed under a user’s arms, back, hips, or feet elevating your level of comfort. Blocks made of soft materials and hard materials can be used under the hip while lying down and under the feet while standing, respectively.

**Benefits of Yoga Blocks
The foremost benefit of using yoga blocks is to provide the necessary height to perform certain asanas. Yoga blocks also offer support for the lower body, spine, and neck.

Yoga Mat:
**When to use yoga mats?
Yoga mats can be used anywhere and anytime, even when the floor, ground, or surface is not suitable for performing asanas. These mats are typically made of rubber, plastic, or other materials like cork.

**Benefits of Yoga Mats
Yoga mats provide a grip for hands and feet, preventing the user from falling over. This is especially helpful in floor-based asanas, providing a comfortable surface for the user to perform without falling or getting hurt.

Yoga Bolster/ Pillow:
**When to use pillows and bolsters?
Yoga bolsters/pillows are used in exercises that involve stretching the chest, abdomen, and shoulders. They are used to provide comfort and support during asanas that are strenuous for users.

**Benefits of Yoga Bolster/Pillow
Using a yoga bolster/pillow keeps you away from swellings and helps while performing difficult asanas. However, some users may experience severe pain while stretching their body parts beyond their ability. Bolsters/pillows are the only props, making a huge positive impact to user’s lives.

Conclusion
In conclusion, it would be an understatement to say that yoga props have changed the way yoga works. Yoga props enhance the overall experience for users of all levels, offering them comfort, support, and a safe space to practice. Yoga props offer countless benefits, and not having them in your yoga routine will stop you from having the most enriched, soul-satisfying experience.

Yoga is a practice that has been around for centuries, but it is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern practitioners. With each passing year, new trends emerge that allow people to deepen their practice, connect with nature, and harness technology to achieve greater mind-body wellness. In this article, we will explore the 7 latest yoga trends that are expected to take the yoga world by storm in 2024.

1. Yoga Retreats:
Yoga retreats are becoming increasingly popular among yogis who seek to escape from the stresses of modern life and immerse themselves in yoga and mindfulness practices. Retreats offer serene, natural settings that provide the perfect backdrop for self-reflection and rejuvenation. Attending a yoga retreat can help a person deepen their practice and reconnect with themselves, whether they are a seasoned yogi or a beginner.

2.Yoga for Kids:
Introducing children to yoga at an early age can have numerous benefits for their physical and emotional well-being. Teaching yoga to kids can help improve their focus, concentration, and flexibility, while also promoting creativity and relaxation. Parents are increasingly looking for ways to connect with their children and encourage healthy habits, which has led to a surge in interest in kids’ yoga classes.
Interested in exploring the world of kids’ yoga? Check out “Kids Yoga Sanskaram” for an enriching and fun-filled experience!

3. Hybrid Yoga Programs:
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, hybrid yoga programs have become increasingly popular. This trend combines online and in-person classes, allowing students to have the flexibility to practice yoga in both virtual and physical spaces. This means that you can access a wider range of classes and teachers while still having the opportunity to practice in person. Hybrid yoga programs provide flexibility, which is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

Moreover, hybrid yoga combines the benefits of both worlds- Offline classes allow yogis to have a more personalized experience and build a close-knit community. At the same time, online classes are more flexible and offer variety. In addition to flexibility, hybrid yoga programs also offer affordability and accessibility for all yogis. By promoting the flexibility and accessibility of hybrid yoga programs, we can empower people from all walks of life to access the incredible benefits of yoga.

4. Yoga Meets Technology:
Yoga-meets-tech is a trend that is expected to take off in 2024, as technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. There is now a growing market for gadgets like smart yoga mats, wearable technology, and heart rate monitors that can help individuals track and analyze their biometric data in real-time.

Instructors are already experimenting with virtual reality meditation classes and using biometric data to customize classes based on individual needs. The integration of technology in a yoga practice opens up a whole new world of opportunity for fitness practices.

5. Outdoor Yoga:
Many yogis prefer to practice in the great outdoors and connect with nature. Practicing yoga in a serene, natural setting can be deeply therapeutic and rejuvenating. This trend became increasingly popular because of the rise of eco-tourism, and due to the pandemic, many people turned to outdoor practices for the natural release of their anxieties.

6. Aqua Yoga:
 Aqua Yoga is a yoga trend that involves practicing yoga poses in a swimming pool or other aquatic environment. This practice combines the benefits of traditional yoga–like improved flexibility, reduced stress, and increased strength–with the low-impact nature of water exercise.

The buoyancy of the water makes it easier to perform certain poses that might otherwise be challenging, making this an excellent option for people of all fitness levels and abilities. The water also creates a soothing, meditative environment that can enhance the relaxation and mindfulness aspects of a yoga practice. Aqua Yoga is an emerging trend in the yoga world and is expected to continue growing in popularity in years to come.

Curious about the healing benefits of Aqua Yoga? Dive into Aqua Yoga Therapy Courses today!

7. Pranayama / Breathwork Classes:
 Pranayama, or breathwork, has long been a fundamental part of traditional yoga practice. In recent years, however, it has emerged as a distinct and increasingly popular trend in the yoga world. Pranayama classes are dedicated to teaching individuals various breathing techniques that can help them achieve greater relaxation, focus, and control over their physical and emotional states.

Often led by dedicated pranayama instructors, these classes can range from simple introductory sessions to more advanced courses focused on specific techniques. Breathwork classes can help individuals better cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental and emotional challenges, making it a particularly important trend for modern practitioners.

Conclusion
In conclusion, these 7 latest yoga trends in 2024 highlight the evolution and development of yoga as a practice. With new technologies, innovative twists, and a focus on health, wellness, and relaxation, yoga continues to grow and adapt to meet the diverse needs of its practitioners. 

Summary
We have all heard it many times before -- regular exercise is good for you, and it can help you manage your weight. But if you are like many people, you are busy, you sit most of the day at your job, and you haven't yet changed your exercise habits. The good news is that it's never too late to start. You can start slowly, and find ways to fit more physical activity into your life. To get the most benefit, you should try to get the recommended amount of physical activity for your age. If you can do that, the payoff is that you will feel better, may help prevent or control many diseases, and will likely even live longer.

What are the health benefits of exercise?
Regular exercise and physical activity may:

1.Help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. Along with diet, exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. If you are at a healthy weight, you can maintain it if the calories you eat and drink are equal to the amount of energy you burn. To lose weight, you need to use more calories than you eat and drink.

2.Reduce your risk of heart diseases. Exercise strengthens your heart and improves your circulation. The increased blood flow raises the oxygen levels in your body. This helps lower your risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart attack. Regular exercise can also lower high blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

3.Help your body manage blood glucose (blood sugar) and insulin levels. Exercise can lower your blood glucose levels and help your insulin work better. This can reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. And if you already have one of these diseases, exercise can help you to manage it.

4.Help you manage a chronic health condition. For example, regular physical activity may help reduce pain and improve function in adults with arthritis. It can also help support daily living activities for people with disabilities. This may help them to be more independent.

5.Help you quit smoking. Exercise may make it easier to quit smoking by reducing your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help limit the weight you might gain when you stop smoking.

6.Improve your mental health and mood. During exercise, your body releases chemicals that can improve your mood and make you feel more relaxed. This can help you deal with stress, manage anxiety, and reduce your risk of depression.

7.Help keep your thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp as you age. Exercise stimulates your body to release proteins and other chemicals that improve the structure and function of your brain.

8.Strengthen your bones and muscles. Regular exercise can help kids and teens build strong bones. Later in life, it can also slow the loss of bone density that comes with age. Doing muscle-strengthening activities can help you increase or maintain your muscle mass and strength.

9.Reduce your risk of some cancers, including colon, breast, uterine, bladder, esophageal, kidney, stomach, and lung cancer. There are different ways that physical activity may lower the risk of these cancers. For example, it can strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body. It also helps prevent obesity, which is a risk factor for many cancers.

10.Reduce your risk of falls. For older adults, doing balance and muscle-strengthening activities can help reduce your risk of falling.

11.Improve your sleep. Exercise can help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

12.Improve your sexual health. Regular exercise may lower the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. For those who already have ED, exercise may help improve their sexual function. In women, exercise may increase sexual arousal.

13.Increase your chances of living longer. Studies show that physical activity can reduce your risk of dying early from the leading causes of death, like heart disease and certain cancers.

How can I make exercise a part of my regular routine?
Here are some tips to help you make exercise part of your regular routine:

-Make everyday activities more active. Even small changes can help. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk down the hall to a coworker's office instead of sending an email. Wash the car yourself. Park further away from your destination.

-Be active with friends and family. Having a workout partner may make you more likely to enjoy exercise. You can also plan social activities that involve exercise. You might also consider joining an exercise group or class, such as a dance class, hiking club, or volleyball team.

-Keep track of your progress. Keeping a log of your activity or using a fitness tracker may help you set goals and stay motivated.

-Make exercise more fun. Try listening to music or watching TV while you exercise. Also, mix things up a little bit - if you stick with just one type of exercise, you might get bored. Try doing a combination of activities.

-Find activities that you can do even when the weather is bad. You can walk in a mall, climb stairs, or work out in a gym even if the weather stops you from exercising outside.

-Remember that some physical activity is better than none. Do what you can! Even 5 minutes of physical activity has real health benefits.

Due to the planet have been going worst and worst, we have to do something to save the planet we are living and keeping destroying meanwhile. At its core, conservation is the careful management and preservation of natural resources and the environment. It's a proactive approach to ensure that the wonders of our natural world - from vast forests to the tiniest insects - are safeguarded for future generations.

Conservation is the act of preserving, guarding, or protecting - in the context of the environment, it means the sustainable use and management of natural resources, including wildlife, water, air, and earth deposits. 
We don't think it's a complex issue but what we can do will be helpful  for ECO issue by some simple real actions.  

1.Reduce, reuse, and recycle. 
Cut down on what you throw away. Follow the three "R's" to conserve natural resources and landfill space.

2.Volunteer. 
Volunteer for cleanups in your community. You can get involved in protecting your watershed, too.

3.Educate. 
When you further your own education, you can help others understand the importance and value of our natural resources.

4.Conserve water. 
The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually end up in the ocean.

5.Choose sustainable. 
Choose sustainable and recyclable household products, clothing and make environmentally friendly food choices in life.

6.Shop wisely. 
Buy less plastic and bring a reusable shopping bag.

7.Use long-lasting light bulbs. 
Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also flip the light switch off when you leave the room!

8.Plant a tree. 
Trees provide food and oxygen. They help save energy, clean the air, and help combat climate change.

9.Don't send chemicals into our waterways. 
Choose non-toxic chemicals in the home and office.

10.Bike more. Drive less.

We all know the unpleasant feeling of slip on the yoga mat. In many cases we blame the mat but there is a lot we as yogis can do to prevent the slip happening.
A new mat and needs to be broken in. Most slippery-when-new yoga mats are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), like a Gaiam mat from Target. Even premium PVC mats like the Manduka PRO can be slippery at first. Over time, they do tend to get stickier. But at first, they can be quite slick. Some mat materials are more slippery than others. Rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and polyurethane mats tend not to have the same initial slipperiness as PVC ones. In fact, great grip from the get-go is a big plus for these types of mats.

Slip can make demanding flow asanas even more demanding and it can cause injuries, so it's important know, how we can prevent slip. Together with many branding customers we have gathered our tips: How to prevent slipping on yoga mat.

1. Right technique prevents slipping
For example in downward dog it's important to spread the weight equally to hands and feet to prevent slipping. Also spreading your fingers and toes helps to keep the better balance.Even the smallest changes in your posture can help with slipping so we recommend you consult your yoga teacher if you encounter a lot of slipping in some specific asana.

2. Keep your core engaged
Strong and active core helps you to keep the correct posture in asanas and prevents slipping. Keeping the core relaxed can cause unnecessary pressure to joints and places in your body which are not ready for it. To train your core during the practice, suck your belly in at the end when breathing out.

3. The more you use your mat, the less it will slip
New mats tend to slip more, so the more you use your mat, the less it will slip. How to speed up the process? Practising more!

4. Use the right ways to clean your mat
Regular cleaning products tent to leave a film on top of surfaces and in this case on your mat. This film can cause slipping.
We recommend using specific products to clean your mat to keep it film-free. Mat wash sprays are easy and quick to use to clean your mat after each practice.
Yoga mat should be washed by wiping it with wet cloth and a specific mat wash spray. Don't put your mat in to washing machine or don't soak it in water for example in shower.

5. Skip lotions and body oils before the practice
Lotions and oils can end up on top of your mat and make it slippery.

6. Use a yoga towel
Especially if you tend to sweat a lot we recommend using a yoga towel. A towel can prevent the slipping by absorbing the sweat. Also a towel will protect your mat from the sweat and make your mat last a lot longer. Towel helps you to keep your practice more hygienic because it's easier to wash the towel after each practice than washing the mat.

***As we all knew for high density PVC yoga mats( similiar as  Manduka ProMat), before the first ride we recommend sprinkling coarse sea salt across mat, then let it set for 24 hours. After that, spray with water, scrub the salt with a towel, and wipe clean, leave the mat to dry.

BREAKING NEWS
Container freight rate index worldwide 2023-2024
---Published by Statista Research Department, Jul 9, 2024

Container freight rates oscillated dramatically between January 2023 and March 2024. Freight rates slumped to their lowest level on the 26th of October 2023, when the going rate for a 40-foot container was only 1,342 U.S. dollars. Since then, the global freight rate has generally increased, hitting over 5,800 U.S. dollars in June 2024, the highest value on record.

How come?
The global supply chain is a fragile system consisting of numerous links. Disruption to one can send cascading effects down a chain that needs to function properly for the whole system to work. The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be an event of such a magnitude to either bring to halt whole industries and supply chains, or severely reduce their efficiency. Due to its complexity and transcontinental nature, container shipping was hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of the pandemic, the shipping industry has had to struggle with port closures and congestions, labor shortages, difficulties with capacity utilization, as well as a lack of new shipping containers. These challenges continue to have repercussions on the industry to this day.

Container carriers profiting
While costs of operating a container fleet have increased, the surge in freight rates has not served just to cover rising expenses. Container ship operators had been reporting record-high operating profit margins since the beginning of the pandemic. However, despite these high profit margins, the freight rate increase has had some repercussions. In the second quarter of 2023, main container shipping companies had an average profit margin of 8.9 percent, a decrease of almost 50 percent compared to the peak EBIT in the first quarter of 2022. Despite this decrease, some of the carriers are combating this trend by using their previous profits to increase their carrying capacity by buying new containers and ordering new container ships. However, the delivery of these newly ordered ships is still years away.

Source from: https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/health-safety-wellness/counseling/self_care/healthy_relationships/10_tips_for_health_relationships
Healthy relationships have been shown to increase our happiness, improve health and reduce stress. Studies show that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress. There are basic ways to make relationships healthy, even though each relationship is different. These tips apply to all kinds of relationships: friendships, work and family relationships, and romantic partnerships.

1. Keep expectations realistic. No one can be everything we might want them to be. Healthy relationships mean accepting people as they are and not trying to change them.
2. Talk with each other. It can't be said enough: communication is essential to healthy relationships.
   • Take the time. Really be there.
   • Genuinely listen.  Do not interrupt or plan what you’re going to say next.  Try to fully understand their perspective.
   • Ask questions.  Show you are interested.  Ask about their experiences, feelings, opinions, and interests.
   • Share information.  Studies show that sharing information helps relationships begin.  Let people know who you are, but don’t overwhelm with too much personal information too soon.
3. Be flexible. It is natural to feel uneasy about changes. Healthy relationships allow for change and growth.
   - Take care of yourself, too. Healthy relationships are mutual, with room for both people’s needs.
   - Be dependable. If you make plans with someone, follow through. If you take on a responsibility, complete it. Healthy relationships are trustworthy.
   - Fight fair. Most relationships have some conflict. It only means you disagree about something; it does not have to mean you don't like each other.
     **Cool down before talking.  The conversation will be more productive if you have it when your emotions have cooled off a little, so you don’t say something you may regret later.
    **Use “I statements.”  Share how you feel and what you want without assigning blame or motives. E.g. “When you don’t call me, I start to feel like you don’t care about me” vs. “You never call me when you’re away.  I guess I’m the only one who cares about this relationship.”
   **Keep your language clear and specific.  Try to factually describe behavior that you are upset with, avoiding criticism and judgment.  Attack the problem, not the person.
   **Focus on the current issue.  The conversation is likely to get bogged down if you pile on everything that bothers you.  Avoid using “always” and “never” language and address one issue at a time.
   **Take responsibility for mistakes.  Apologize if you have done something wrong; it goes a long way toward setting things right again.
   **Recognize some problems are not easily solved.  Not all differences or difficulties can be resolved.  You are different people, and your values, beliefs, habits, and personality may not always be in alignment.  Communication goes a long way toward helping you understand each other and address concerns, but some things are deeply rooted and may not change significantly.  It is important to figure out for yourself what you can accept, or when a relationship is no longer healthy for you.
4. Be affirming. According to relationship researcher John Gottman, happy couples have a ratio of 5 positive interactions or feelings for every 1 negative interaction or feeling.  Express warmth and affection!
5. Keep your life balanced. Other people help make our lives satisfying but they cannot meet every need. Find what interests you and become involved. Healthy relationships have room for outside activities.
6. It’s a process. It might look like everyone on campus is confident and connected, but most people share concerns about fitting in and getting along with others. It takes time to meet people and get to know them.  Healthy relationships can be learned and practiced, and keep getting better.
7. Be yourself! It’s much easier and more fun to be authentic than to pretend to be something or someone else. Healthy relationships are made of real people.

Gradually, in addition to getting closer and closer to death, we must also face the death of our relatives and loved ones. Although we know that life and death are ordinary, we still need to learn to face it. Especially how to face the death of a loved one.

1) Give Yourself Time
Let your heart not your head determine how you feel. Everyone grieves differently and at their own pace.

2) Share Your Thoughts
Allow yourself to think and feel thoughts and emotions when they arise. Discuss these feelings with someone you trust.

3) Take Care of Yourself
Rest, Exercise, & Diet – Grief can leave you physically exhausted. It is important to take care of yourself and give yourself the extra strength you need.

4) Journal
Be spontaneous. Write whatever seems important at the moment. Express your anger, sadness and memories. Ask yourself: What do I notice about my grief today? What is getting easier, what is still hard? How are people responding to my grief? What would I want my loved one to know? Journaling can help lessen the pain you are feeling.

5) Write a Letter to the Person Who Died
This is an opportunity to tell your loved one how much you love or miss them, or how angry, sorry or sad you are. Maybe you didn’t have the chance to say goodbye or heal an old wound, always imagining that there would be plenty of time.

6) Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
Memories can help you stay connected to the person who died. You can wear something that belonged to them (i.e. a favorite hat, ring, or sweater). It can give you a sense of comfort to hold or touch something of theirs. You can place pictures and special mementos into a scrapbook or memory box. Remember, if memories are too painful right now, then it is okay to put them away for a while and return to them later when the time is right.

7) Crying
Crying is just one expression of grief. There is a saying, “What soap is for the body, tears are for the soul”. Tears are not a sign of weakness. If you feel like crying, let your tears flow.

8) Share Your Memories
Sharing memories with others can help you maintain a sense of connection to the person who died. Retelling stories and reminiscing about days gone by can help keep your loved one an ongoing part of your day-to-day life.

9) Find Support
Grief can be very isolating. Whether you speak to someone individually or join a grief support group, reach out and find people who know how to listen. This can help normalize the myriad of feelings you are experiencing.

10) Be Gentle With Yourself
It may be 5 days, 5 months, 5 years or longer since your loved one died, and you may still experience moments of grief so intense they take you by surprise. While these grief bursts may occur from time to time, you will continue to heal. Be gentle and patient with yourself as you move forward into a full and meaningful life.

The tradition of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival has a history of over 2,300 years. There are some English terms commonly associated with the festival, such as “Dragon Boat” for the dragon boat racing. This article will guide readers through an understanding of this traditional Chinese cultural festival beyond just dragon boat racing, using both Chinese and English. We will explore the activities of the Dragon Boat Festival and the culture of gift-giving associated with it. Continue reading to learn more.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday which occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar. It is also referred to in some English sources as Double Fifth Festival which alludes to the date as in the original Chinese name.There are few different theories about the origins, and there’s a common “dragon boats.” . One of the main saying, why do we still celebrate Dragon Boat Festival ? Pray to GOD from river for peaceful . Some other origins all begin in summer times, you may heard of Qu Yuan, Wu Zixu. no matter their stories are true or not. In Taiwan, we celebrate this day like a holiday. 

The Dragon Boat Festival celebrations primarily include rowing dragon boats and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere at dragon boat races. Alternatively, a more sedate celebration might involve making rice dumplings (zongzi) with elders and then enjoying the dumplings together. Drinking “noon water,” which is water drawn at noon on the day of the festival, is believed to promote health. Other traditional activities include making and hanging fragrant pouches, as well as decorating doors with mugwort.

The Dragon Boat Festival in 2024 falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month as usual, with the corresponding Gregorian dates varying each year. However, a national holiday is observed for one day. In 2024, the Dragon Boat Festival will feature a three-day weekend from Saturday, June 8th to Monday, June 10th. If you are a working professional, you will have a three-day break. If you’re considering having guests over or planning to give gifts for the Dragon Boat Festival this year, remember to plan ahead!

About a week after the festivals in Hong Kong, special International Dragon Boat Races are held all over Asia and the United States. In the U.S., they can be found in Boston, New York, and Colorado. Currently, there are 68 countries which are members of the International Dragon Boat Federation, showing the popularity of the race.

The dragon boat festival is a fun, boisterous holiday. In most parts of China, the weather is quite good at this time of year, and people congregate outside on the banks of rivers and lakes to enjoy the fine weather while watching traditional dragon boat races.

The Dragon Boat Festival stands alongside the Spring Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival as one of the three major traditional holidays in China. This festival not only provides a national holiday for family and friends to gather, but it also serves as an excellent opportunity to exchange gifts and express emotions. During this holiday, people enhance their relationships by giving gifts and sending greetings, reflecting the traditional cultural values of cherishing family and friendship. This also helps to strengthen and develop connections mid-year. Common gifts include zongzi (rice dumplings), tea, and health foods, which not only symbolize the festival but also convey the giver’s thoughtfulness and care. Additionally, many businesses and organizations take this opportunity to express gratitude to their employees and clients, delivering festival blessings through carefully selected gifts.

Source from: https://www.pathwaysofpossibility.org/post/is-your-ego-ruining-your-life-3-ways-to-escape-your-ego?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0ruyBhDuARIsANSZ3wqwwSTNGR-RwcGehgmss5ROWneGxKaaD0KwdN-3DBBbxCUP0KBCkCMaAl-eEALw_wcB

We all have egos. In fact, egos are necessary to help us identify ourselves as distinct from everyone and everything else in life. All things have a high and a low end, however, and the low end of the ego can and does cause us problems. This article examines the role of ego in our lives—and ways in which we can escape its more negative effects.

3 Ways to Escape Your Ego
(1) Separate ego habits from true wants.
(2) See things for what they are.
(3) Play a different tune.

What to do about the ego?
The crux of the problem with the ego might be summed up in one word – isolation. Plus what comes with that in terms of a tendency to be neurotic and have self-centered views.
Your ego is the upfront awareness of who you think you are, and this underlying sense of isolation causes you to hunger to be something, so that you have some sense of what you are. This then becomes the means by which you relate to the world, so that what you have developed or can do (and cannot do) become the trademarks by which you see yourself.
Thus we end up believing ourselves to be that which we have become, such as, ‘I am a doctor’, or a ‘mother’, or an ‘artist’. But that is only a slice of what we actually are, more a role we have ended up playing. Sometimes it is chosen, often it is not, and sometimes these attributes are unfortunate, like the angry person who has that trait and it is very difficult for them to change it.
Also your ego might be prone to puff out its chest because it was the one who solved the problem, or said something funny, or won the competition. You might have a slightly vain sense of pride in what you are good at, or the country you come from, or the football team you support. But that isn’t you, it's only what you have attached yourself to so that you can identify with it, perhaps because it's so difficult to see and know yourself directly.
The ego can easily become self obsessed, as if it is forever wondering about how it's doing and what other people are thinking about it.
The nagging fears of the ego seem to be summed up by Shakespeare when Macbeth said, “A poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more”. The ego is very good at strutting and fretting about itself, finding it difficult to have a balanced view.

What else is there but ego?
There is a high and a low end to ego - this writing is looking at the low end, or the troublesome side of ego. At the high end it can lead a person to be all the great things that the human being is capable of, such as an Olympic gymnast, a skilled surgeon, or a virtuoso musician for example.
There is also the perception that you are a spiritual being that has a pedigree well beyond your ego. In the words of the French priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience”.
Thus a useful way to think about your life is to see yourself existing on two levels at the same time.
One is the day-to-day life on this planet that we all know so well, where the principal player is the ego. It is built to navigate this life and the ways of the world it grows up in. Thus it is born empty so that it can become whatever that life is calling for, whether it lives in Siberia, the Equator, remote hills, or the bustling city.
The other is your spiritual, deeper side, which you bring into this world irrespective of your subsequent experiences in life. Thus it's your fundamental character, your nature, your longings and your natural inclination. It is the part of you that, even if you’ve been successful, can make you wonder what your life is for; or ask the question, “Is there something more?”
Of course when we were born we knew nothing about our ego, or our spiritual side, or even what this world was about. All that had to be discovered and learnt, including finding out about ourselves and what we actually want to focus upon in this lifetime, as opposed to what life has thrown at us.
A good way to think about your ego is that everything about it has been adopted from outside. Thus it forms up through your experiences, by what you are told, by what you see others doing and, of course, by your own addings up that accumulate along the way. And with its tendency to swing between inferiority and superiority, because it is not naturally part of anything, ego drives a person to hunger for approval and results that are confirmed by others.
Thus an overactive ego is likely to make a person hypersensitive to criticism or morosely deflated at failure, have a tendency to blame others for their own shortfall, and always be watching over their shoulder to check what others are thinking about them. Hardly the sort of person you want on a mission! And what if that mission is your own life. Thus the worst aspects of ego can make you a sub-standard operator and it's natural to want to bypass that. And in many ways we can, and do.

Three ways to learn about and train your ego
There are many ways to do this and here are 3 to get you started. It is good to see these not so much as exercises, but more as a journey of increased awareness to realize how multi-faceted your life actually is if you exercise your mind beyond the usual preoccupations of your ego.  In other words the best way to deal with the ego is to become aware of those parts that are beyond it.

(1) Separate ego habits from true wants
Have you noticed that how you respond is often not what you want?
You might be talking to a friend, who makes a critical remark about something you said and you fly into a rage, instead of taking it calmly as you know you should. Then days later, having resolved to make up, you see them again and instead of being polite, you are suddenly flooded by the same resentment and anger that you had before as your ego is determined to justify itself.
These habitual responses develop over time and are a product of our upbringing, experiences, and how we have responded in the past. But inside of that we have grown up and changed as well. We might know better now what we want, but there is often a disconnect between that and how we express ourselves today because of the shackles of our ego.
To make matters worse, your ego is great at justifying your behavior, often to defend and cover up its shortfall. It says things like, “Dancing is not my thing”, or “I just can’t stop talking once I start”, or “I’ve always been a worrier”. There might be a good reason for your less-than-suitable behavior that your ego will be keen to highlight, but this tends to lock you into that trait. So where are you today with such things? This is the drama and development battleground of human life.

Exercise
As often as you can, call over what you want the outcome of what you are doing to be. This can be in relation to now, that day, or even your whole life. Speak it out in your mind, be it small and trivial, or large and mighty. It might start with the obvious but over time should become more multi-threaded as it paints a more graphic and richer picture as you start to understand more clearly who you are inside.
Don’t be fanciful or fantastic, try to be realistic in terms of what actually matters for you. For example, we have probably all found ourselves bursting to say something in a conversation and realized that we are not actually listening to or interested in what others are saying -  we just want to talk about what we know, thinking what a great contribution it will make. It can be hard to stop that, but you can call over what you would prefer - such as a better ability to listen, and a willingness to adapt and blend to how the conversation has moved on, even to dropping what you were going to say and not minding. And so on.
This is not about changing your habitual responses at this stage, it is just bringing to mind what you would prefer to occur. Yes, it can affect the outcome for the better, but the main reason is to create a state of mind that is watching your responses and starting to discern which are ego-driven habits so you can become less attached to them.
Ultimately we need to be more realistic about ourselves and often that can be achieved by being able to listen to a different inner dialogue to that of our heavily programmed, easily offended and defensive ego.

(2) See things for what they are
Believe it or not, your ego has great difficulty seeing something for what it is. It primarily sees through its past lens and struggles to see it anew or realistically. It also loves its own opinion and this can limit you in being able to see what is actually at play.

The ego is prone to be blind because it tends to deal in ‘focus’. Thus it’s only aware of what its center of attention is at that time. An alternative to ‘focus’ is ‘awareness’, because in doing so it changes the center of gravity to a more throughout consideration as to what is going on that is also less self centered.

Exercise
Find situations where your ego is getting in the way. Say it’s a social occasion that you don’t like because it makes you nervous, or you’re looking forward to it because you know you will shine in the eyes of others. Or you might be out for a walk wanting to tune into nature, but keep thinking about your next holiday instead. Or you’re having a meaningful discussion with a friend but other thoughts keep distracting you. Whatever it is, start talking it over in your head - ‘What are you doing, what is going on, repeat in your head what someone just said, what is your reason for being there, why are others here, any concerns or hopes you have - or can detect in others, and so on’.
Your aim is to fill out the picture in a neutral way by bringing all sorts of detail to the surface, hopefully in a broad and varied fashion. Thus you are shifting your mind from your normal personal response to a greater overview of what is actually occurring and why.
What should start to happen is that your systems become less based in your normal highly focused personalized reactions and are more aware of a multi-faceted interrelated sense of what is occurring. You should become more balanced in terms of what is going on and your ability to read and assess it; not only in you, but also in the situation as a whole.

(3) Play a Different Tune
It is very clear that we, the human race, did not create ourselves. Nobody made their own face, or agreed on the number of arms and legs they would have. For want of a way to describe what did create us (as well as everything else) lets call it the universe.
Now we and our ego navigate this life primarily through ideas, knowledge, beliefs, opinions, reasonings and so on. But have you noticed that in the great example of life that surrounds us, the natural worlds, they do not use words or reasoning like we do? The Buddhist Lao Tzu said, ‘Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished’, so can we tune into that same ability to be successful that nature has. In which it is not just nature, it’s the intelligence of the universe. Because we were made by the universe and it's worthwhile trying to open our minds to the many ways that it can instruct us. Our ego is very prone to focus on what it already knows and furthering the existing view of itself, but in doing so isolates itself from the universe and its inherent powers and intelligences.

Exercise
This is a deep exercise that links to the spiritual side of you, so don’t struggle with it, more try and get the gist of what it is saying. Then, outside the exercise, it might also show up at other times as an alternative way to see things.
Start with something simple like a plant or a flower and put it in front of you and look at it.
Think what it would be like if you had no education about that, you didn’t even know it was a plant. Imagine you were born on a planet with all your memory wiped and you were looking at it for the first time (which, as it happens, is what you did some years ago as a baby). At some point you encountered such a thing with no prior education about it, no words or ideas by which to interpret it. It's you and it, encountering each other for the first time. What are you noticing, what are you feeling? Is anything suggesting itself to you? As much as you can, try and locate the feeling and avoid the thinking, because as a baby you didn’t know how to think, you could only feel.
An example of what you should not get is, “It's called a rose, it's good for funerals and weddings, it makes a great romantic gift”. That is your education talking!
Instead you might get, “I am attracted to it, it feels like it has subtle and quiet strength, it feels enhancing to me and makes me feel strong inside but with a sense of value to it, I am wondering what my relationship with it could be”.
Go on your own journey with it, you might get something quite different. Remember it is more about what you feel than what you think, so only use your thinking in a supportive way, not a leading way, to explore and interpret what you feel.
This is about what you as a spiritual being would have to say, avoiding what your ego would say. It is an important idea, worth returning to often if you can. It is best to use natural examples, and avoid the man-made ones, but the principle does work for both. Its just not so conducive to finding the greater spiritual flow that will occur with natural objects.
This is a small stepping stone into getting more attuned to your deeper self, which tends to run on feelings more than thinking. Deeper feelings are a great way into that spiritual side of you where the ego cannot go, because the ego is centered around shrinking things into what it knows, whereas our spiritual side exists at a level that is mostly unknown, making us aware of its presence by what we feel.

Finally
We live in a world that is heavily motivated by the wishes and anxieties of the ego. From the preoccupation we have with our own image, to the importance we put on popularity and celebrity, to our tendency to have self-centered thinking.
The quest today should not be about how to suppress that, but how to put something better alongside it, to outshine it in a more relevant way. Because ego cannot be removed, but it can be fashioned and developed from that more balanced, aware and open side of ourselves which is what we are, in truth, spiritually - if we can give more time to it.
A good place to start is not in how everybody else needs to change, but in how you are able to change yourself, and hopefully this helps in some way towards that.
 

Source from: https://minimalistic-dining.greenpower.org.hk/en/about-us.html

Taste with Your Heart, Cherish with Each Bite;
Readjust Towards a Low-Carbon Lifestyle
Starting from Your Dining Table!

Hong Kong is renowned as a "food paradise". It offers an array of culinary delights using ingredients from all over the world. However, behind this food paradise lies a significant issue of food waste. Hong Kong residents discard over 3,000 metric tons of food waste daily, and nearly 70% of it originates from households. The per capita household food waste in Hong Kong is also 50% higher than the world average.

As our lives have become relatively prosperous for us to "eat to live and live to eat", it's time to rethink our food habits and reflect on the impact to our planet from each bite we take. When we start to "think before we eat", we are not only learning to cherish food but also lessening our carbon footprint from production, transport, processing, and waste.

Today, let's end waste, starting from our dining table. By abandoning bad habits, reducing reliance, and readjusting to low-carbon dining attitudes, we can contribute to the sustainability of our planet, yet still derive satisfaction from every bite we eat.

The “Environmental Protection” issue is often criticized because there are two extreme differences:
1)One idea is to emphasize sustainable development, implement reduce/recycle/reuse, and emphasize the environmental awareness of recycling and reuse.
2)Another idea is to specifically denounce the redundancy and excessive reputation-seeking of [recycling]. It only calls for a ban on plastic products.
Below is a comment about recycling from one of the articles. Readers can make your own judgment.

Source from: https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2022/5/16/what-really-happens-to-your-plastic-recycling

People often ask what really happens to their plastic recycling. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter where you set out your plastic for recycling collection, whether at the end of your driveway, at your local recycling center, or in a municipal recycling bin: Most plastic items collected as recycling are not actually recycled. Surprisingly, plastic is not designed to be recycled.

When you put used plastic (packaging, bottles, wraps, films, etc.) in a recycling bin (or trash bin), it is transferred into the hands of the global waste industry. This industry is made up of a wide network of businesses, governments, and individuals vying for a share of the nearly $500 billion that is generated annually in the global waste market. This trash trade has grown significantly over time, apace with plastics production and per capita waste generation, though recycling of plastic and other types of waste makes up a very small share of the market.

From a recycling bin, plastics are sent by rail or truck to waste-sorting facilities, also called materials recovery facilities (MRFs). Here, plastics are commonly sorted by like types (think films and bags, bottles, foams) and baled (squashed together into easily transportable space-saving cubes). Then it’s loaded back up on a train or truck, or a cargo ship, for the next leg of its journey.

1. Plastic “Recycling” Pollutes When Transported
The transportation of plastic—no matter how it is carried—contributes to plastic pollution, as plastics easily blow, roll, bounce, or are picked by animals like seagulls while they are on the move. This escaped plastic waste enters the environment and begins to break apart into plastic particles that enter our bodies when we eat, drink, and breathe. We’re exposed to even more pollution from the machines, vehicles, and fuels needed to power this constant transportation of plastic waste, which spew out hazardous particulate air pollution and climate-warming greenhouse gases.

2. Plastic “Recycling” Gets Shipped Away—But There is No “Away”
An enormous amount of plastics, labeled as “recycling,” have been historically shipped from the Global North to the Global South. Shipped plastic waste is rarely ever recycled upon reaching its destination. Instead, this waste colonialism more commonly involves waste haulers illegally dumping and open-burning plastics, shouldering the people who live near these dumping sites with major health risks and a degraded environment. People who earn incomes by picking wastes make the least from cheap plastics, and because of constant exposure to plastics in their line of work face elevated risks of cancers, infectious diseases (which cling to plastics), respiratory problems, and other serious health issues.

3. Plastic “Recycling” Ends Up in Landfills
Other plastics collected as recycling are simply landfilled or open-dumped (often illegally). Landfills and dumps emit climate-warming methane gas, attract insects and scavenging disease-carrying animals like rats and gulls, and leach toxic chemicals into surrounding soils and waters. They bring constant and loud truck and rail traffic to neighborhoods, release noxious diesel and waste fumes, and carry high risk of fires generated by landfill gases and highly flammable plastic waste.

4. Plastic “Recycling” Gets Burned
A growing amount of plastics are sent to incinerators, sometimes called “waste-to-energy” plants. These facilities burn plastics in huge ovens, to release toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, while producing only meager amounts of electricity. Incineration also produces a constant stream of toxic ash that is hazardously stored in manmade ponds or is landfilled. Incinerator ash and emissions release toxic particulate matter and chemicals that increase people’s risk of cancers, respiratory illnesses, immune system problems, and other serious diseases. In the U.S., about 4.4 million people live within 3 miles of an incinerator, and 80 percent of those incinerators are located in BIPOC, low-income, and rural communities.

5. Plastics “Recycling” Means “Downcycling”
Even when some form of plastics recycling actually does happen, the term “recycling” is a misnomer. You may have noticed that many plastic items are imprinted with small numbers surrounded by three interlocking arrows. While many people associate those arrows and numbers with recycling, in reality they confer nothing about a plastic item’s actual potential to be recycled. Instead, the numbers are considered codes indicating what type of plastic an item is made from. These numbers in the chasing arrows give the public a false sense that all plastics are recyclable or may be recycled.

When collected, plastics marked with numbers 1 and 2 are more likely to be recycled—or rather, downcycled—which means making lower-quality plastic products from the “recycled” plastic. For example, number 1 plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, is a clear plastic used for many beverage bottles, and might get downcycled into things like fleece jackets and carpeting. Number 2 plastic is high-density polyethylene, or HDPE, which is an opaque plastic used to make more rigid plastic containers like milk jugs. HDPE is downcycled into things like plastic lumber and picnic tables. Sometimes plastic number 5, polypropylene, or PP, which is used for many medium-weight opaque plastic containers like yogurt pots and shampoo bottles is downcycled into things like plastic crates and playground equipment—but like most plastics, it is more often landfilled.

Even when plastic is recycled/downcycled, which is not the case for most plastic waste, manufacturers mix in a large portion of freshly made plastic or toxic additives to melted down plastic waste to restore some of its desirable properties. Plastics are not made to be recycled, and their quality diminishes with each attempt. Recycling is also expensive, and requires huge amounts of infrastructure, equipment, water, and energy. Meanwhile, the value of truly recycled plastics—that is, plastic turned back into plastic, which has always been low—has plummeted even further as (thankfully) new regulations are tightening up on waste colonialism and injustice.

6. “Chemical or Advanced Recycling” of Plastics Really Means Melting or Burning
The plastic industry and the petrochemical industry which provides plastics’ fossil fuel ingredients continue to attempt to control the narrative around plastics and recycling. In addition to pushing plastics recycling as they always have, these industries are now also marketing so-called advanced, or chemical, recycling (a fancy name for burning plastics). It involves melting down plastics into more basic petrochemical products—including fuels that are burned for energy and release climate-warming greenhouse gases. This is not recycling.

The plastic and petrochemical industries have also leaned heavily on the ideas that enzymes may be able to break down plastics (which is incorrect, as they only accelerate the break up of plastics into hazardous particles), and that there’s huge value in all the plastic waste piled up in landfills, communities, and the environment (there isn't). 

Throughout history, these industries have spent fortunes launching nonprofits with names that sound environmentally conscious and a heavy stream of media, instructional materials, and ad campaigns extolling the virtues of their recycling strategies, then and now. When one considers the facts, plastics “recycling” stops looking like recycling at all.

Conclusion: Plastics “Recycling” is Greenwashing
In a world where many of us have been told by parents and teachers to recycle plastic as children, or learned from public service announcements, ads, and other kinds of media as young adults, this may come as a surprise or even a shock. How can an activity we’ve been told is right, actually be wrong?

Many activities, organizations, and products bear a green sheen without any substance behind it, or oversell their positive environmental impacts—this is “greenwashing.” It’s a prime business strategy for corporations making and selling plastic. Greenwashing can look like a vague label with words like “green,” “eco-friendly,” “bio-based,” “ocean-bound plastic,” or “certified plastic neutral” slapped onto plastic items or packaging, or can be representative of an entire process—like plastic recycling itself. The plastic and petrochemical industries are also co-opting language used to describe real solutions—like “zero-waste” and “circular”—inaccurately, for their benefit, mainly to perpetuate the myth that is plastics recycling.

Behind the scenes as they extol the virtues of recycling and advanced chemical recycling, plastic and petrochemical industry trade groups pour money and energy into lobbying for legislation designed to erode protections on human and environmental health. Their end goal is to facilitate increased production of plastics, and they are achieving this by perpetuating misinformation and driving widespread pollution and injustice for their financial gain.

The Real Solution to is to Turn Off the Plastic Tap
Only 9 percent of the plastics made since they were first mass-produced in the mid-1900s have been recycled. The recycling rate in the US, the world’s biggest plastic-waste producer, is presently a mere five to six percent. But even if plastic recycling rates were higher, recycling alone could never come close to solving the serious and wide-ranging health, justice, socio-economic, and environmental crises caused by industries’ continued plastic production and plastic pollution, which go hand in hand. Production of plastic has only grown over time, and has presently hit a rate of more than 400 million metric tons per year, more than double the rate at which plastics were made just 20 years ago. This is clearly a much more rapid pace than at which plastic recycling actually occurs.

It’s clear recycling is not enough to solve the plastic pollution crisis. The fossil fuel industry, governments, and corporations really need to turn off the plastic tap.

Source from:  https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/issues/climate-change-impacts/

Climate change is a reality. Scientists agree that the world is getting warmer and human activity is largely responsible. Today, our planet is the hottest it’s been in over 2,000 years and on track to grow hotter than it has been in two million years.

The climate crisis is not some far-off future. It is here and it is a major driver of the water crisis in Arizona, the record heat waves in the Pacific Northwest, and deadly storms like Hurricane Ida.

Science can tell us a lot about the causes and effects of our warming world. Most importantly, it shows us how we can prevent the worst of the climate crisis.

What We Know About Climate Change Impacts

Years of scientific investigations have given us a clear understanding of how the climate crisis is affecting our families and the planet. It is impacting us all, but not equally. Black, Brown, Indigenous, and working class communities are disproportionately exposed to the health and economic impacts:

• 2021 was the hottest June on record for North America. The summer of 2021 was the hottest for the U.S. The 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave caused 112 heat-related deaths in Washington making it the deadliest weather-related event in the state’s history. 
• The second worst megadrought in 1,200 years caused the federal government to trigger the first ever mandatory water consumption cuts for states in the Southwest. The cuts are a major blow to farmers and our food security.
• About 31 Native Alaskan communities face imminent climate displacement from flooding and erosion.
• In the past decade, 3.5 trillion tons of ice has melted from the surface of Greenland. This is enough to cover the entire UK with meltwater around 45 feet deep.
• Air pollution from fossil fuels killed 8.7 million people globally in 2018 alone. Pollution from natural gas infrastructure – including pipelines, drilling sites, and processing plants – has increased the risk of cancer for 1 million Black Americans. It’s also contributed to 138,000 asthma attacks and 101,000 lost school days for Black children.

We’re also learning more about the economic impacts of climate change and our government’s decision to continue propping up the destructive fossil fuel industry.

• Climate-fueled disasters cost the global economy $150 billion in 2019 alone. Between 2010 and 2019, the United States experienced 119 climate disasters that each caused damages of $1 billion or more. That’s more than double the previous decade.
• American taxpayers currently foot the bill for up to $15 billion in direct federal subsidies to the fossil fuel industry every year, making the climate problem even worse.
• We have a better chance at creating millions of good-paying, stable, union jobs with renewable energy than we do with fossil fuels. In fact, passing a bold, Green New Deal-style economic recovery plan right now would create 15 million new jobs and sustain them over the next critical decade. 
• The solar industry already employs more people than coal mining, and wind energy is cheaper than coal power in many U.S. states. 

We Have Solutions to Climate Change

Time is running short to prevent a full blown climate catastrophe. In order to stop the worst impacts we need to follow the demands of science and justice by ending our fossil fuel addiction. 

The science is clear: There is no way to continue burning fossil fuels and limit global warming at the same time. Not even if we plant a trillion trees, and especially not if we invest billions of dollars in unproven oil and gas technologies like carbon capture and storage. The only solution is a rapid transition to renewable energy.

Luckily, technological advances mean that renewable energy sources like wind and solar are now the cheapest forms of energy in many parts of the world. With smart policies and smart investments, we can safely phase out fossil fuels and build an economy that runs on 100% renewables. 

Government and industry commitments to “Net Zero” are largely a Trojan Horse. Net zero does not mean polluters stop polluting. Bad actors, like dirty energy companies, use net zero and carbon offsets as a way to continue polluting while they try to convince us that planting trees and burying their pollution underground will save the planet. It only delays real climate action and puts our health and our kids’ futures in peril.

The story we’ve been told over and over again by fossil fuel industry elites insists that the world they have built and now control is inevitable. Our story says that the just, green, and peaceful future we deserve is possible, and together we can build the power to manifest it. Working together, we can ensure these values become the foundations of our government and economy.

Source from: https://chakragalaxy.com/blogs/guides/health-benefits-yoga-science/

5 Health Benefits of Yoga Backed by Science
Although the practice of yoga is often surrounded by misconceptions and myths, it’s more than breathing gymnastics and the way a person moves and relaxes! It’s a way of life and an inner transformation of a person where many mental health issues are addressed via the changes in our attitude. Many people all over the world have turned to science to provide scientific studies and statistical evidence on yoga that support this assumption even further. The presence of science in yoga exploration also helps to make it more accessible and shows people that it also comes with responsibility and humility.

1. FLEXIBILITY IMPROVEMENT. 
Making yourself flexible is one of the most common reasons why people start with yoga in the first place! According to researchers, even the basic poses can greatly improve a person’s flexibility, thus affecting the cardiovascular system and improving coordination issues. Studying moderately active females, this study shows numerous improvements where the work of joints has been brought to another level along with the overall change in the mental state of the sample study group.

2. STRESS RELIEF ASPECT. 
Another important point that is made by numerous studies is the stress relief factor and management of the hormonal spikes that often take place when a person is feeling challenged. Starting with the basic daily duties that we have to go through and going up to academic stress, yoga becomes a great helper. If you are struggling with an academic task, approach an expert with a write my paper for money message and consider getting your homework done, as you will be able to focus on other things even if your time is running out!

3. FIGHTING DEPRESSION. 
Dealing with major depressive disorder seems to be quite common with increased use of technology and a hectic way of life. It is a reason why yoga sessions often become an antidote that helps to fight depression and overcome anxiety. This particular study focuses on Iyengar yoga and breathing practices by offering evidence that correct dosing of the yoga sessions even helps to decrease the use of antidepressant medication.

4. IMMUNITY BOOSTING. 
Yoga also helps to address problems with immunity as it helps to build an inner shield and manage available energy in a totally different way. Speaking of immunity, it is a reason why yoga helps even young children who are usually restless and need additional help with concentration. Studying the effects of stress on the immune system, the author of this study points out that yoga is the most efficient non-chemical way to boost one’s immunity.

5. PERCEPTION OF LIFE AND POSITIVITY. 
Finally, yoga is all about staying positive and approaching your life in a different way. It’s the mixture of expectations and the adequate use of available physical and mental resources. This scientific study on Yoga shows that the therapeutic effect that the practice has on our physical and mental states is second to none since it also works as motivation and forms a way of life where all the healthy habits are followed.

NO UNIVERSAL APPROACH TO MEDITATION 
If we go beyond the basic scientific exploration of yoga, it’s still necessary to remind that meditation is a deeply personal practice. Every person walks the same road, yet the signs that we see and implement are always different for everyone. It means that you can follow the rules and instructions of your yoga teacher, yet it’s only your inner being that can fully unfold your energy and help you achieve clarity and peace of mind. The purpose is to calm your mind, yet for many people, it’s the way to achieve much better concentration and determination. Since it’s so different for anyone, feel free to explore and remember that it is only you who knows the right way as it’s the journey, not the destination! 

Source from:  https://chakragalaxy.com/blogs/guides/how-classical-pilates-can-improve-posture-flexibility-and-balance/

Pilates is a popular exercise method that was developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. It focuses on strengthening the core muscles while also improving flexibility, balance, and posture.

Over the years, there have been many different variations of Pilates. However, classical Pilates remains the most authentic and effective form of this exercise.
In this article, we will discuss classical pilates and how beneficial they are. Read on.

The Principles of Classical Pilates
Classical Pilates is based on six key principles: centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow. These principles work together to create a holistic approach to fitness that not only improves physical health but also mental well-being.

• Centering
• Concentration
• Control
• Precision
• Breath
• Flow

How Classical Pilates Improves Posture
One of the most significant benefits of classical Pilates is its ability to improve posture. By strengthening the core muscles, it can support the spine and correct imbalances in the body. Poor posture is often caused by weak core muscles, leading to slouching and hunching over time.
Classical Pilates also focuses on proper alignment and form. This helps individuals become more aware of their posture and correct it during exercises. This can carry over into daily life, leading to improved posture even when not actively performing Pilates.

How Classical Pilates Enhances Flexibility
Flexibility is another crucial aspect of classical Pilates, as the exercises focus on lengthening and stretching muscles. It can increase flexibility and joint mobility. This is by working through a full range of motion.
This improves overall physical performance. It also decreases the risk of injury.
In addition to targeted stretches, many Pilates exercises also require balancing and stabilizing. This can enhance flexibility in muscles that are often neglected.

How Classical Pilates Promotes Balance
Balance is essential for overall physical health, especially as we age. As mentioned earlier, classical Pilates strengthens the core muscles, which play a significant role in balance. By improving core stability, it creates a strong foundation to support movements and maintain balance.
Furthermore, many Pilates exercises involve unilateral movements. This can help to improve balance by strengthening and stabilizing one side of the body at a time.

Tips for Doing Pilates Exercise
To get the most out of Pilates, it is important to focus on proper breathing techniques. You should start with beginner exercises before progressing to more advanced levels. Another tip to maximize its benefits is to do it consistently. Adding a Pilates workout to your fitness routine can help you achieve your desired goal. It is also helpful to hire a professional fitness instructor. Find out here, if you are looking to learn more about Pilates exercise with a reputable instructor.

Try Out Classical Pilates Today
Classical Pilates is a highly effective form of exercise that can greatly benefit individuals looking to improve their posture, flexibility, and balance. By incorporating the principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow, individuals can achieve a holistic approach to fitness that not only improves physical health but also mental well-being. Whether you are new to Pilates or have been practicing for years, incorporating classical

Pilating into your routine can lead to significant improvements in posture, flexibility, and balance, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life. So why not give it a try? Your body will thank you. 

Source from: https://www.towelsupercenter.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-yoga-towels

Believe it or not, there's likely a lot you don't know about yoga towels. It may not seem like a pressing topic, but if you're a seasoned yoga practitioner or want to begin the journey to become one, it's essential to understand the role a yoga towel has in your practice.

For yoga studio owners or even gym owners who offer yoga classes, knowing the benefits of stocking your business with yoga towels can lead to happier and healthier clients. With that in mind, here's everything you need to know about yoga towels.

What Are Yoga Towels?
Yoga towels are a unique creation, designed specifically for use during yoga. Their primary purpose is to prevent you from slipping on the yoga mat by absorbing any sweat. They are most prevalent in Bikram yoga — better known as hot yoga.

The towels' material can vary from a mix of nylon or polyester to fully recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles. The latter quality makes yoga towels doubly beneficial, since they promote sustainability and eco-friendliness within the community.

Since their design goes over the yoga mat, yoga towels are often just large enough to adequately cover the mat. Many also have tiny grips at the bottom that allow the towel to remain firmly on the mat during yoga practice. This feature saves yoga practitioners from having to keep rearranging the towel or risk falling and injuring themselves. Their highly absorbent design lets them soak up all the sweat, making them better towels for hot yoga than the average bath towel.

For many yoga positions, especially those requiring balance, it's crucial to avoid external distractions so you can focus entirely on your body. If you're balancing on one foot and suddenly begin to feel yourself starting to slip on sweat, you'll find it more challenging to concentrate, and you'll be at a higher risk of injuring yourself. If you're a novice practitioner, you may find yourself preoccupied with not falling, which can be a struggle if you find yourself slipping on your mat. A simple solution is to use a yoga mat to absorb the sweat from all parts of your body, so you can confidently move from one position to the next.

While their purpose is to absorb sweat and keep people from slipping on the mat during hot yoga, many people love to use yoga towels for all types of yoga. Some people are prone to sweat more, which makes having a yoga towel around a benefit. Other times, people may just want a little extra cushioning during their yoga practice, and placing a yoga towel on top of the yoga mat provides it for them. 

Can You Use a Yoga Towel Instead of a Yoga Mat?
If you're trying to decide between a yoga towel or a yoga mat, you should consider several things. The main thing is where you're doing yoga. If you're practicing yoga at the beach, on the sand, you may find a yoga towel suffices. Even when practicing at home on a rug, you might feel a towel is comfortable enough. However, imagine you're doing yoga in a studio with hardwood floors. A towel likely won't be able to provide the cushioning you need to comfortably practice, especially for positions that require you to balance on your knees or elbows.

Yoga towels' chief purpose is to wick away sweat, so they're generally not luxuriously thick or cushiony. That may be enough if you're outdoors on a soft service, like grass or sand, but it may be painful to use only a yoga towel when practicing on a hard surface. Ideally, you should use yoga towels in conjunction with yoga mats — after all, that's what they're for.

Do You Have to Use a Yoga Towel?
Yoga towels wick away your sweat, helping you maintain your grip on your mat. They're ideal for hot yoga, in which the room temperature can be as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit and profuse sweating is part of the practice. Yoga towels absorb and trap the moisture so it doesn't spread on the surface of the mat, and their dense microfibers keep the surface secure, so you have a sturdy foundation under you.

Many people prefer to spread a yoga towel on top of their yoga mat regardless of the yoga variety they're practicing. Others like to keep a yoga towel close to hand because they're prone to sweat a lot. In the end, the decision to put a yoga towel on top of your mat is entirely up to you.

Yoga studios often provide communal mats for group classes. These can be full of bacteria and dirt, since multiple people use them throughout the day. Placing a yoga towel on top of these mats is an excellent way to maintain personal hygiene, especially when the yoga position requires you to put your face on the mat. If your mat turns out to be too thin for you, using a yoga towel can add a layer of cushion and make it more comfortable to hold positions.

Knowing yourself and your body is crucial when deciding whether to use both a mat and a towel. For example, yoga towels need at least some moisture to help them properly stick to the mat, so if you're doing a gentler type of yoga in which you're not sweating enough, you may find the towel bunches up around your feet and becomes more of a hindrance than a help. 

What's the Difference Between a Yoga Towel and a Regular Towel?
If you think you can bring your beach or bath towel to your yoga class, you might want to reconsider. Though they may feel similar, there are some major differences between regular, cotton towels and designated yoga towels.

Absorbency
The primary distinction is in the absorbency. Regular cotton towels help you dry off, which means they don't need to be as absorbent as yoga towels. The materials used for yoga towels are stiffer and more durable than cotton, and their design allows them to thoroughly absorb the moisture around them. This feature makes them ideal for activities like hot yoga.

Yoga towels are sweat-wicking. They absorb moisture and dry quickly, so you don't have to worry about dealing with a damp or soggy towel. For many hot yoga practitioners, using a regular bath or beach towel won't be effective, since the towel will collect the moisture and quickly become saturated. That will leave you with a soggy towel on your mat — and the excessive moisture will also make it lose its grip. Once it reaches its maximum capacity, it will cease to absorb more sweat.

Grip
Even if you're not interested in hot yoga and aren't overly worried about your towel's absorbency, a yoga towel is still a better option for any yoga practice, especially if you're using a mat. A regular cotton towel doesn't have the unique grips under it like yoga towels do. These grips help the towel stick to the mat and prevent them from moving with you. A regular cotton towel, even when dry, won't stick to the mat, so it'll be sliding around and distracting you.

Length
Yoga mats are relatively uniform in length, and yoga towels fit perfectly over them. Beach or bath towels are unlikely to be exactly as long and wide as the yoga mat, which means you may end up with your hands or feet on the mat instead of on the towel. To some, this might not be a big deal, but if the purpose of your yoga towel is to absorb the sweat — and keep it off the mat — an ill-fitting towel may end up being counterproductive.
Alternately, a beach or bath towel may be too long for your yoga mat, which means you may end up exposing it to the dirty floor around your mat and the foreign bacteria that come with it.

How Do You Wash Yoga Towels?
Many yoga towels are microfiber, a high-absorbency material. Microfiber is a straightforward material to wash and maintain, often needing only a wash with cold water and no fabric softener. You can dry them in your dryer on low heat or hang them up to air-dry on a clothesline, since microfiber dries much faster than cotton.
Some yoga towels may have specific washing and maintenance directions on their tags, but generally, it's as simple as tossing your used towel into the laundry after each use.
A good rule to follow for yoga towels — and anything else that absorbs sweat — is to wash after every use. That includes yoga mats. However, since yoga mats are much more challenging to clean correctly, using a yoga towel on top of it protects the mat itself, which means you have to clean it less often. Washing your yoga towel after every use will ensure you always return to a clean and hygienic space to practice yoga.

Benefits of Using Yoga Towels
Whether you attend regular yoga classes or own a yoga studio or gym, incorporating yoga towels has more benefits than not. Here are four major advantages of adding yoga towels into your workout routine.

Hygienebenefits of yoga towels
Whether you're bringing a mat from home or are borrowing one from the gym or yoga studio for the class, bacteria lurk on these surfaces. As we mentioned, correctly cleaning a yoga mat can be a challenge, but using a yoga towel will ensure your sweat and grime end up on the towel, instead of the mat. At the end of practice, all you need to do is wash the towel and wipe down the mat.

If you're using the mats your gym provides, you can avoid cringing when you think of all the bodies that have exercised on that mat before you. Instead, spread your yoga towel over the shared mat, then toss the towel into the wash after. Since the yoga towel collects all the oils, dead skin cells and sweat from your body during a workout, you can also protect the studio mats.

Time
You can save yourself a lot of time by using yoga towels instead of working out directly on the yoga mat, thanks to how much easier it is to wash towels than mats. Some people like to spritz essential oils on the mat, especially since yoga mats tend to collect bad-smelling bacteria. Cleaning a yoga mat takes a lot of effort and care — you can't chuck it into a washing machine. Plus, yoga mats take a long time to dry properly, and using a damp mat can encourage mold and mildew growth.
If you opt to use only a yoga mat, you'll need to set aside time for weekly cleaning. But, by using a yoga towel, you mostly only need to worry about washing the towels and save yourself the stress of thoroughly cleaning your mat every week.

Padding
One of the first things you learn in yoga is to listen to your body — if something hurts or feels uncomfortable, you're pushing it too far and need to step back. Sometimes, however, it's also a sign that you need to invest in props to help with your practice.
Yoga mats vary in thickness, and some people may find they're too thin to be comfortable. Placing a yoga towel over it solves that problem as well. Even if the mat is cushy enough, sometimes your joints need a little added padding to prevent deterioration. A yoga mat is a quick and easy way to provide that extra cushioning. Plus, the added padding protects your yoga mat. Whether it's a mat you own for private practice or a set of mats you've bought for your gym, encouraging the use of yoga towels means there's always an added layer of protection, reducing the likelihood of holes or tears from friction.

Versatility
Despite their name, yoga towels can benefit you during other activities. Use them anywhere in a gym, at the pool or the beach as an effective way to keep yourself dry without having to also carry around a soggy towel. Yoga towels can also double as yoga mats in situations where you're practicing on a soft surface, like grass or sand. Or, they can be a portable yoga mat you can pack in your luggage and use on carpeted areas in a hotel.

Aside from uses, yoga mats come in a rainbow of colors and various exciting prints, so you can stock up and have one to match all your moods or outfits.