International Yoga Day

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A practice originating in ancient India, yoga today is popular worldwide because of the physical, mental and spiritual benefits it provides to its practitioners. The word yoga is derived from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. Yoga promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being.

Yoga is a low-impact form of exercise that promotes flexibility, strength, and balance. The practice of yoga involves a series of physical postures or asanas that help improve muscle tone, increase range of motion, and improve overall physical health. Regular practice of yoga can also help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Yoga is known for its ability to promote mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall mental health. The practice of yoga involves deep breathing exercises and meditation that can help calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Yoga can also help improve mood, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote overall mental well-being. Yoga is deeply rooted in spirituality and promotes a connection with the inner self. The practice of yoga involves developing self-awareness, compassion, and gratitude, which can help promote spiritual growth and well-being. Yoga can also help individuals develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. The practice of yoga promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being, which encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual health. Yoga can help individuals develop a healthier lifestyle, including healthier eating habits, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress levels. The practice of yoga can also help individuals develop stronger social connections and a sense of community.

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In addition to the above benefits, yoga is also a highly accessible practice that can be adapted to suit individuals of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Yoga can be practised at home, in a studio, or outdoors, making it a highly flexible and convenient form of exercise. Other than the obvious physical benefits, yoga is also known to promote mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall mental well-being. The deep breathing exercises used in yoga help calm the mind and reduce stress levels and make the practitioner sleep well. Yoga also helps improve cognitive function and mental clarity as the practice involves focusing the mind on the present moment, helping to improve concentration and focus as well as memory and cognitive flexibility, essential for mental health and well-being.

Yoga is also known to boost the immune system, which is crucial in these trying times. A strong immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body against infections and can help prevent or reduce the severity of infections. Yoga can help boost the immune system by reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting overall physical health.

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The importance of yoga has been recognised by the United Nations, which declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2014. The idea of June 21 came from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, in his UN address in 2014, suggested the date June 21, as it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world. In Indian calendars, the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana. The second full moon after the summer solstice is known as Guru Poornima. In Hindu mythology, Shiva, the first yogi or Adi Yogi, is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of mankind on this day and became the first guru Adi Guru.

To achieve a healthy life, the theme for the 8th World Yoga Day 2023 is Humanity. This theme is relevant in the current pandemic where the practice of yoga is very beneficial in promoting mental, physical and spiritual health and well-being. COVID-19 has impacted millions of people, both physically and mentally. Daily routines have been disrupted and stress and anxiety levels have skyrocketed and so in these times, yoga can be an effective tool to promote mental and physical health.

In My Hands Today…

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Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty – Anderson Cooper, Katherine Howe

When eleven-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt began to work on his father’s small boat ferrying supplies in New York Harbor at the beginning of the nineteenth century, no one could have imagined that one day he would, through ruthlessness, cunning, and a pathological desire for money, build two empires—one in shipping and another in railroads—that would make him the richest man in America.

His staggering fortune was fought over by his heirs after his death in 1877, sowing familial discord that would never fully heal. Though his son Billy doubled the money left by “the Commodore,” subsequent generations competed to find new and ever more extraordinary ways of spending it. By 2018, when the last Vanderbilt was forced out of The Breakers—the seventy-room summer estate in Newport, Rhode Island, that Cornelius’s grandson and namesake had built—the family would have been unrecognizable to the tycoon who started it all.

Now, the Commodore’s great-great-great-grandson Anderson Cooper, joins with historian Katherine Howe to explore the story of his legendary family and their outsized influence. Cooper and Howe breathe life into the ancestors who built the family’s empire, basked in the Commodore’s wealth, hosted lavish galas, and became synonymous with unfettered American capitalism and high society. Moving from the hardscrabble wharves of old Manhattan to the lavish drawing rooms of Gilded Age Fifth Avenue, from the ornate summer palaces of Newport to the courts of Europe, and all the way to modern-day New York, Cooper and Howe wryly recount the triumphs and tragedies of an American dynasty unlike any other.

Written with a unique insider’s viewpoint, this is a rollicking, quintessentially American history as remarkable as the family it so vividly captures.

World Refugee Day

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A refugee is someone who leaves their country due to the ramifications of war, conflict persecution and violence that they have faced within their home country. Through undertaking the process of crossing international borders, some refugees often leave everything behind carrying only minimal clothing and possessions; with the plan to find safety and haven in a different country.

World Refugee Day which took place yesterday is an international day organised every year on 20 June by the United Nations and is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world. The day was first established on 20 June 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. The 1951 Refugee Convention acknowledges a refugee as an individual who is unable to return to their country of origin owing to the founded fear of being affected by their race, religion, participation of a social group or in different political opinions.

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The number of refugees worldwide has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there were over 103 million forcibly displaced people worldwide by mid 2022. This includes over 32.5 million refugees, 4.9 million asylum seekers, 53.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 5.3 million others in need of international protection. 72% of all refugees originate from just five countries with Syria at the top and Venezuela, Ukraine, Afghanistan and South Sudan, the other four countries. 36% of all refugees are hosted in five countries with Türkiye hosting the largest number of refugees, at 3.7 million people and Colombia is second with more than 2.5 million, Germany with 2.2 million, Pakistan with 1.5 million and Uganda hosting 1.5 million refugees. At the end of 2021, of the 89.3 million forcibly displaced people, an estimated 36.5 million or 41% are children below the age of 18. 1.5 million
children were born as refugees and between 2018 and 2021, an average of between 350,000 and 400,000 children were born into a refugee life per year. 204,500 refugees returned or were resettled with some 162,300 refugees returned to their countries of origin during the first six months of 2022 while 42,300 were resettled. 74% of refugees were hosted in low and middle-income countries with the least developed countries providing asylum to 22% of the total. Data on some 4.3 million stateless people residing in 95 countries were reported as at mid-2022. The true global figure is estimated to be significantly higher. 69 per cent of refugees and other people in need of international protection lived in countries neighbouring their countries of origin.

The event aims to recognise the strength of the refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution of their country in hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life. World Refugee Day builds the concept of understanding their plight which shows one’s resilience and courage in rebuilding their future. The day is seen as an opportunity for everyone to experience, understand and celebrate the rich diversity of the communities of refugees. World Refugee Day is also celebrated through World Refugee Week and is designed to provide an important chance for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued by the community they are living.

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This year’s World Refugee Day comes at a time when the global refugee crisis is at its worst. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the situation for refugees even direr. Many refugee camps are overcrowded, making it nearly impossible to practice social distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Refugees are also more vulnerable to the economic impact of the pandemic, as many of them rely on informal and low-wage jobs that have been affected by lockdowns and other restrictions. The theme for Refugee Week 2023 is Healing and hopes to help imagine a world where healing replaces harm, and care becomes the world’s shared currency.

In addition to education, refugees also need access to healthcare, housing, and other basic needs. Many refugees live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which can lead to the spread of diseases. Providing refugees with access to healthcare can help prevent and treat illnesses and improve their overall quality of life. Housing is another important issue for refugees. Many refugees live in temporary shelters such as tents or shipping containers, which are not suitable for long-term living. Providing refugees with safe and affordable housing can help them feel more secure and stable, and can also improve their chances of finding work and integrating into their new communities. Refugees often face discrimination and prejudice when trying to settle in new countries. Integration programs can help refugees learn the language and customs of their new home and find work and housing. These programs can also help to educate the local community about refugees and promote greater understanding and acceptance.

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Refugees play an important role in the globe as when they have access to legal employment opportunities in their host country, they can utilise their knowledge to assist in filling the gap in the country’s labour market. These inclusions in society create a more diverse culture and multiculturalism which provides the community with the opportunity to learn from each other. The majority of refugees come from backgrounds where they have been formally employed and can assist their new country in contributing to the security of the country as well as their revenue. They are also able to create the ability to contribute to society by acting as a mediator in different intercultural exchanges, and the host country will be able to experience more effective socio-cultural diversity within the community.

Despite the many challenges they face, refugees are some of the most resilient people in the world. They have survived war, persecution, and other forms of violence, and have often been forced to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. On World Refugee Day 2023, it is important to remember that refugees are not just statistics, but individuals with unique stories, talents, and aspirations.

In My Hands Today…

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STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World – Dan Lyons

Our noisy world has trained us to think that those who get in the last word win, when in fact it’s those who know how to stay silent who really hold the power.

STFU is a book that unlocks this power and will change your life, freeing you to focus on what matters. Lyons combines leading behavioral science with actionable advice on how to communicate with intent, think critically, and open your mind and ears to the world around you. Talk less, get more.

That’s what STFU is all about. Prescriptive, informative, and addictively readable, STFU gives you the tools to become your better self, whether that’s in the office, at home, online, or in your most treasured relationships. Because, after all, what you say is who you are.

World Productivity Day

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Productivity is the key to success in both personal and professional life. Productivity refers to the efficiency with which tasks are completed within a given timeframe. Celebrated annually on 20 June, World Productivity Day acknowledges the importance of productivity and celebrates achievements, reflect on challenges and finds ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness in personal and professional spheres.

Productivity is not just about getting more things done in less time. It is also about making the most of our time, energy, and resources. Productivity can help us achieve our goals, fulfill our potential, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Productivity also benefits society as a whole. According to the OECD, productivity is the main driver of long-term economic growth and living standards. Productivity can also contribute to social and environmental sustainability by reducing waste, pollution, and inequality. Productivity increases the efficiency of tasks, which saves time and resources. It helps to complete tasks in a shorter time and with fewer errors. Productivity enhances the quality of work. When tasks are completed efficiently, the quality of the work improves. Productivity leads to job satisfaction. When tasks are completed efficiently, employees feel a sense of accomplishment, which enhances their motivation and job satisfaction. Productivity is essential for economic growth. When businesses and individuals are productive, they contribute to economic growth, which leads to a better quality of life for everyone.

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Productivity is important in both personal and professional spheres for several reasons. It helps to manage time effectively, set and achieve goals, improve the quality of work, enhance job satisfaction, and promote economic growth. Productivity helps to manage time effectively. In their personal life, it allows individuals to accomplish more in less time, which helps them to have more time for leisure activities. In the professional sphere, it helps to complete tasks efficiently, which leads to improved productivity and profitability. Productivity helps individuals to set and achieve goals. In personal life, it allows individuals to accomplish personal goals, such as learning a new skill or pursuing a hobby. In the professional sphere, it helps businesses to achieve organizational goals, such as increasing sales or improving customer satisfaction. Productivity is essential for improving the quality of work. When tasks are completed efficiently, the quality of work improves. This applies to both personal and professional spheres. In personal life, it allows individuals to accomplish tasks with greater efficiency and accuracy. In the professional sphere, it leads to improved customer satisfaction and increased profitability. Productivity leads to job satisfaction. When tasks are completed efficiently, employees feel a sense of accomplishment, which enhances their motivation and job satisfaction. This applies to both personal and professional spheres. Productivity is essential for economic growth. When businesses and individuals are productive, they contribute to economic growth, which leads to a better quality of life for everyone. In the personal sphere, increased productivity can lead to higher income and a better standard of living. In the professional sphere, it leads to increased profitability and job creation.

World Productivity Day was first observed in 1984 by the World Confederation of Productivity Science. Since then, it has been celebrated every year on 20 June. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of productivity in enhancing the quality of life and promoting economic growth. The theme of World Productivity Day 2023 is “Productivity for Sustainable Development.” The theme emphasises the importance of productivity in achieving sustainable development goals. It highlights the need to improve productivity to meet the challenges of the 21st century, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.

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There are several ways to increase productivity. I have written a blog post at the beginning of the year about some productivity hacks, so please check them out for some really interesting productivity hacks.

There are many ways to celebrate World Productivity Day. Review your progress and take time to look back at what you have accomplished in the past year. What are you proud of? What are you grateful for? What are you still working on? What are your next steps? Set your priorities and identify your most important goals and tasks for the coming year. What are your personal and professional aspirations? What are your values and passions? How can you align your actions with your purpose? Plan your strategy by creating a realistic and flexible plan to achieve your priorities. Break down your goals into smaller and more manageable steps. Schedule your tasks according to your energy levels, deadlines, and preferences. Use tools and apps that can help you organize, track, and automate your work. Learn new skills and seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and abilities. Read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts that can inspire you or teach you something new. Take online courses, webinars, or workshops that can enhance your skills or qualifications. Join communities or networks that can support your learning and growth. And most importantly, celebrate your wins. Reward yourself for your efforts and achievements. Recognize your strengths and successes. Appreciate your challenges and failures as learning opportunities. Share your stories and feedback with others who can celebrate with you or help you improve.

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World Productivity Day is an essential day to celebrate productivity and its role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting economic growth. Productivity is crucial for personal and professional success as it helps to complete tasks efficiently, enhance the quality of work, and promote job satisfaction. World Productivity Day is a great opportunity to celebrate our productivity and find ways to improve it further. By following the tips above, one can boost efficiency and effectiveness in work and personal life and enjoy more satisfaction, happiness, and well-being.

Happy World Productivity Day 2023!