Today, on the occasion of International Yoga Day, we reflect upon the immense significance of incorporating just twenty minutes of yoga into our daily routine. Originating in ancient India, yoga has captured the attention of millions worldwide, offering a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being. In this blog, we delve into the profound impact that a regular yoga practice can have on our lives, bringing harmony, strength, and peace to our bodies and minds.

1. Cultivating Physical Fitness: In today’s fast-paced world, where sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, regular exercise is vital. Engaging in twenty minutes of yoga daily can significantly contribute to our physical fitness. Through a series of asanas (poses), yoga enhances flexibility, improves posture, builds core strength, and increases overall stamina. By activating different muscle groups, yoga promotes a healthy body, aiding weight management and reducing the risk of various ailments.
2. Relieving Stress and Enhancing Mental Well-being: Yoga not only benefits the body but also holds remarkable advantages for our mental well-being. Amidst the pressures and demands of modern life, stress and anxiety often take a toll on our mental health. Practicing yoga offers a respite from this chaos. As we flow through each pose, focusing on our breath and inner sensations, we cultivate mindfulness and learn to be present in the moment. This practice encourages relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and promotes a sense of calm, fostering mental clarity and emotional balance.
3. Enhancing Concentration and Productivity: In a world filled with distractions, maintaining focus and concentration can be challenging. Yoga, with its emphasis on breath control and mindfulness, trains our minds to be more attentive and centered. The integration of physical movement, breath awareness, and mental focus during yoga practice nurtures our ability to concentrate both on and off the mat. By improving our cognitive skills, yoga enables us to approach tasks with heightened clarity, leading to increased productivity and efficiency.
4. Nurturing Self-Care and Inner Connection: Daily yoga practice carves out a space for self-care, where we prioritise our well-being. It offers an opportunity to slow down, connect with our bodies, and listen to their needs. In a world that often demands constant output, yoga provides a sanctuary for self-reflection and self-love. By engaging in a practice that nurtures our physical, mental, and emotional dimensions, we strengthen our relationship with ourselves, fostering a deeper sense of inner peace and contentment.

As we celebrate International Yoga Day, let us recognise the profound impact that dedicating just twenty minutes each day to yoga can have on our lives. From enhancing physical fitness to reducing stress, improving concentration, and nurturing self-care, yoga offers a transformative journey of self-discovery and well-being. So, let’s unroll our mats, embrace the beauty of this ancient practice, and embark on a path that leads to a harmonious and balanced existence.

Remember, the true essence of yoga lies not in perfecting every pose but in embracing the process and finding harmony within ourselves. Happy International Yoga Day!

Mental Health Week is a time to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage people to take care of their mental health. One of the best ways to take care of your mental health is to make time for yourself each day. Even just 20 minutes can make a big difference.

Here are some of the benefits of taking 20 minutes out of each day for your mental health:

• Reduce stress. When you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to focus on anything else. Taking some time for yourself each day can help you to relax and de-stress. You can do this by reading, listening to music, taking a walk, or doing something else that you enjoy including simply lighting a candle.
• Improve your mood. When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to see the positive side of things. Taking some time for yourself each day can help you to focus on the good things in your life. You can do this by journaling, talking to a friend, or doing something else that makes you happy.
• Increase your energy levels. When you’re feeling tired, it can be hard to get anything done. Taking some time for yourself each day can help you to recharge your batteries. You can do this by getting some exercise, taking a nap, or doing something else that relaxes you.
• Improve your sleep. When you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it can be hard to fall asleep. Taking some time for yourself each day can help you to relax and unwind, which can make it easier to fall asleep at night. You can do this by reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to calming music.
• Boost your creativity. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be hard to think clearly. Taking some time for yourself each day can help you to clear your head and come up with new ideas. You can do this by brainstorming, taking a walk, or doing something else that allows you to relax and be creative.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, taking 20 minutes out of each day with our pure beeswax candles for yourself can be a helpful way to cope. It doesn’t have to be anything big or elaborate. Just find something that you enjoy doing and that helps you to relax and de-stress. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference.

Here are some ideas for things you can do to take 20 minutes for yourself each day:

• Simply watch a candle
• Read a book
• Listen to music
• Take a walk
• Meditate
• Journal
• Take a nap
• Get a massage
• Spend time with loved ones
• Do something creative
• Exercise
• Whatever else you enjoy doing!

Taking 20 minutes out of each day for yourself is an investment in your mental health. It’s a small price to pay for the many benefits that it can provide. So make time for yourself each day and see how much better you feel.

Wellbeing is a term that refers to the state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous in all aspects of life. It encompasses physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as social and economic factors that contribute to a person’s overall sense of well-being. In short, wellbeing is about feeling good and living well.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to take care of ourselves. We often prioritise work, school, or other obligations over our own health and wellbeing. However, neglecting our wellbeing can lead to a range of negative consequences, including stress, anxiety, depression, and physical health problems.

That’s why it’s essential to prioritise our wellbeing and make it a priority in our lives. Taking care of ourselves can have a positive impact on all areas of our lives, from our relationships and careers to our physical and mental health.

One of the most effective ways to improve our wellbeing is to practice self-care. Self-care is about taking time for yourself and doing things that make you feel good, both physically and emotionally. It can be as simple as taking a hot bath, going for a walk in nature, or treating yourself to a favourite snack or activity.

Self-care also involves prioritising sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet. Getting enough sleep, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can help us feel energised, alert, and physically healthy. These habits can also reduce our risk of developing chronic health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Another key aspect of wellbeing is building strong social connections. Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when we feel connected to others. Having strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can provide us with a sense of support, belonging, and purpose.

However, social connections can be challenging to maintain in today’s digital age, where we spend more time interacting with screens than with people. That’s why it’s important to prioritise face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations with others.

Finally, wellbeing is also about finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life. This can be achieved by pursuing activities or goals that align with our values and passions. Whether it’s volunteering, pursuing a hobby, or working towards a personal goal, finding a sense of purpose can give us a greater sense of fulfilment and happiness in life.

In conclusion, wellbeing is essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. It involves taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally, building strong social connections, and finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life. By prioritising our wellbeing, we can improve our overall quality of life and achieve greater success in all areas of our lives.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022

American photographer Karine Aigner has won the Grand Title in this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition with a stunning image of a ball of cactus bees vying for a mate.

Autumn Fair
Hall 20 Stand A14
4-7 September 2022 NEC Birmingham

#springautumnfair
@The_GA_UK
@cottonandgrey

Get your FREE VIP ticket today
autumnfair.com/mte

Sharing the human spirit through friendship

Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world’s peoples.

To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.

Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust — we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good.

United Nations

Treat a friend NOW

#InternationalDayofFriendship
#InternationalFriendshipDay
#FriendshipDay

Come and see us at this years Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate – 17-20 July 2022 – stand DP4-78 where we are launching Two NEW Collections and Four Trade Bundles in an all new POS.

You can preview collections now and register to attend today

#HomeAndGift
@homeandgiftharrogate
@the_ga_uk
@GiftwareAssociation

We’re exhibiting at Spirit of Summer Fair on 23-26 June 2022 at London’s Olympia stand F46

Get your tickets HERE

#cottonandgreyltd
@cottonandgreyltd
#shopping
@spiritofsummerfair

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic. The last two years have been the most challenging we have faced – overwhelmed by people that are struggling and seeking support. This year the theme is Community to help combat loneliness and isolation, which in turn lowers people’s wellbeing, impacts mental health and can lead to mental illness. It’s more important than ever to take some time out of your day to restore your wellbeing and mental health.

#nationalstressawarenessmonth

Come and see our latest, Greetings Card inspired, ‘Just to say…‘ range at this years Progressive Greetings Live on 7-9 June 2022 at London’s Business Design Centre stand 105

Get your free tickets HERE

#pglive2022
#HappyEaster
#Easter
@the.giftoftheyear.awards
#giftoftheyearawards
@the_ga_uk
#goty22
#giftoftheyear22