by admin | Jan 6, 2025 | biodiversity, ecology, environmental friendliness, environmentalism, sustainability
Approximately 600 volunteers, comprising local residents, hotel employees, and visitors, convened at the shores of Bali, Asia’s top-rated paradise island, to address the significant accumulation of plastic debris stranded due to recent monsoonal downpours.
On Kedonganan Beach in south Bali, plastic cups, straws, utensils, and used coffee packets littered the shoreline, mingled with vegetation and wooden debris.
Defying the downpour, volunteers gathered rubbish manually, amassing hundreds of big bags.
The environmental NGO Sungai Watch characterized the occurrence as the most severe case of plastic pollution in Bali’s history.
As stated by founder Gary Bencheghib, they gathered 25 tonnes of waste within just six days, setting a new record for their initiative. The majority of this plastic waste comes from Java, which is the nation’s most densely populated island.
Indonesia ranks as one of the biggest sources of plastic and marine contamination globally, where yearly monsoons carry plastic debris from urban areas and waterways out to sea.
A significant portion of this waste covers vast distances, extending up to several hundred kilometers, before ending up on Bali’s renowned shores, especially between November and March.
Bali was recognized as
the
most beautiful island in
Asia
as chosen by readers of the American magazine Condé Nast Traveler in their Readers’ Choice Awards.
Between January and December last year, it received 6.3 million international tourists, marking a 19.5% increase compared to the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic numbers, as reported by the Bali Provincial Tourism Office.
by admin | Jan 5, 2025 | culture, ecology, sustainability, Travel, travel destinations
India presents a wide array of eco-friendly travel options including charming boutique accommodations, wellness centers for yoga enthusiasts, traditional handicraft workshops, luxurious escapes, historical sites, picturesque rivers and canals, among others.
Five PostMag travel narratives take you on an exploration across India’s varied tourist destinations, ranging from the tranquil backwaters of Kerala to the lively avenues of Mumbai. They also highlight the country’s sustainable small-scale lodging options, focus on Mysore as a hub for wellness practices like yoga, and delve into the dynamic cultural legacy seen in the artistically rich town of Raghurajpur.
1.
Eco-conscious small-scale hotels in India offering sustainable getaways to enhance both the environment and local communities.
An initiative for sustainable tourism is sweeping through India and is establishing new benchmarks with its focus on wildlife preservation and community engagement programs. This movement demonstrates how environmentally friendly approaches can coexist harmoniously with nature. Learn about how eco-conscious small-scale hotels such as Utsav Camp Sariska are spearheading ethical travel practices.
2.
Discover Mysore, the heart of yoga in India and a draw for those eager to practice yoga.
This Southern Indian metropolis has an extensive heritage linked to yoga, where esteemed teachers and lineages have been sharing their wisdom through many years. Whether you visit the well-known Ashtanga Yoga Shala or find peace at the tranquil Prana Vashya Yoga Shala, Mysore stands as the premier location for individuals looking to delve deeply into this time-honored discipline.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our updated platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our prestigious team.
3.
Mumbai presents the glitz of Bollywood and remnants from the British Raj alongside chaotic traffic and expensive accommodations.
Explore the dynamic pandemonium of India’s energetic megacity, where Hollywood dazzle intersects with imperial past through iconic sites such as the Gateway of India and the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. However, brace yourself for notorious gridlocks, packed and perilous railways, and face the harsh truth of Dharavi, which stands as the planet’s most extensive shantytown.
4.
Discover India’s cultural treasure trove in Raghurajpur, a village where each house serves as an art gallery.
The captivating village located in the state of Odisha is famous for its age-old handicrafts, such as the detailed pattachitra scroll paintings, serving as a vibrant reminder of time-honored artisanal techniques. The residents of this 12th-century settlement utilize their ancestral expertise to produce elaborate frescoes, conventional masks, handcrafted dolls, among other items.
5.
Explore Kerala’s picturesque backwaters aboard charming houseboats for a tranquil escape into nature, yet have these become casualties of their popularity?
Explore the enchanting allure of Kerala’s backwaters, a vast 900-kilometer system of canals and lagoons in south India, brimming with houseboats and natural splendor. Nonetheless, this idyllic destination has encountered difficulties because of increasing tourist activity.
Some parts of this article were created with the help of generative AI.
More Articles from SCMP
China aims at tackling dementia through early detection and care program.
Chinese nationals in South Korea advised to stay away from political actions during recent demonstrations.
Here are five movies featuring snake kung fu techniques, ranging from “Kung Fu Panda” to “The Karate Kid”:
SCMP Top Picks: Progressive Angel could keep ascending at Sha Tin
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
by admin | Jan 5, 2025 | children, children and families, everyday life tips and hacks, parenting, pet advice & tips
Lifehack My ID
– Bagaimana cara menghadapi anak yang sedang tantrum?
Beberapa cara untuk menghadapi anak dengan perilaku tantrum meliputi langkah-langkah tertentu yang harus diambil.
Ayo kita lihat 10 saran untuk menghadapi masa tangisan anak!
1. Tetap Tenang
Jangan terpancing emosi.
Respons yang damai dari orangtua dapat membuat anak merasa lebih terlindungi dan mampu mengendalikan emosinya.
Ambil nafas panjang-panjang bila mulai merasa kesal.
2. Kenali Penyebab Tantrum
Sakit Perut atau Capek: Pastikan keperluan pokok si kecil sudah tercukupi.
Terasa frustasi: Mungkin anak-anak mengalami hambatan dalam menyampaikan apa yang mereka inginkan atau menyesuaikan diri dengan kondisi baru.
Jika tantrum timbul karena keinginan mendapat pengakuan, usahakan menyediakan perhatian ekstra saat momen yang sesuai.
3. Hindari Mengikuti Kemauan yang Tak Wajar
Apabila buah hati mengamuk lantaran menuntut hal yang tak kunjung kamu izinkan, jangan berubah pikiran dan pertahankan pendirianmu.
Sampaikan penjelasannya dengan nada yang lembut, contohnya, “Ibu mengerti kau mau permen, tetapi saat ini adalah waktu untuk makan siang.”
4. Alihkan Perhatian
Usahakan untuk memindahkan fokus si kecil pada hal lain yang menyenangkan, misalnya mainan favorit, buku cerita, atau hobi mereka.
5. Validasi Perasaan Anak
Terima kasih atas perasaannya dengan berkata, “Mama paham kamu merasa kesal,” atau “Kamu bersedih karena mainanmu telah rusak.”
Ini membuat anak merasa dipahami dan lebih gampang untuk menenangkan dirinya.
6. Hindari Hukuman Fisik
Hukuman fisik tidak efektif dan dapat memperburuk perilaku anak.
Fokus pada pendekatan yang mendukung dan positif.
7. Ajaran Tentang Pengendalian Emosi
Setelah sang buah hati menjadi tenang, bimbing mereka dengan metode alternatif dalam menyampaikan emosi, misalnya melalui percakapan, melukis, ataupun memakai frasa dasar semacam “Saya kesal” atau “Saya murung”.
8. Bangunlah Suatu Rutinitas yang Stabil
Anak akan merasa lebih tenang dan nyaman ketika memiliki jadwal harian yang konsisten.
Tetapkan jadwal untuk makanan, istirahat, dan kegiatan bermain secara teratur sepanjang hari.
9. Berikan Saat Tenang Sejenak
Apabila tantrumnya cukup panjang, biarkan sang buah hati memiliki waktu sendiri agar bisa meredakan emosinya sementara itu pastikan dia dalam kondisi yang aman.
Anda dapat mengatakan, “Bunda akan menunggu di sana hingga kau siap berbicara.”
10. Puji Perilaku Positif
Setelah si kecil berhasil menenangkan diri, ucapkan penghargaan seperti, “Kamu telah dapat tetap tenang, luar biasa!”, agar memperkuat tingkah laku baik di kemudian hari.
(*)
by admin | Jan 5, 2025 | anxiety, food and drink, mental health, psychology of everyday life, public health
Adding a dash of semi-skimmed milk to your tea daily might lower the risk of
depression
and anxiety, research suggests.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who consistently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower chance of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk whatsoever.
The safeguarding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s unfortunate for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
The researchers, affiliated with the Southern Medical University in
China
The findings indicated that there is something specific regarding the fat composition in semi-skimmed milk which positively impacts the brain and enhances levels of ‘feel-good’ hormones such as serotonin and dopamine.
A significant British research project discovered that individuals who frequently consume low-fat milk have approximately a thirty percent lower risk of being diagnosed with anxiety and a sixteen percent decreased likelihood of experiencing depression, as opposed to those who do not drink milk at all.
The shielding benefits of semi-skimmed milk surpass those provided by either full-fat milk or skimmed milk.
However, it’s not good news for vegans — the research indicates that individuals consuming non-dairy alternatives like soy or oat milk are at an increased risk of experiencing anxiety or depression.
In the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the researchers stated: “The fatty acid composition of semi-skimmed milk could offer better brain protection than full-cream and skimmed milk, which may help lower the chances of developing depression and anxiety.”
They mentioned that the results offered ‘fresh opportunities for nutritional interventions’.
The study examined information from 357,568 individuals aged 36 to 73, tracked for over 13 years. Within this period, 13,065 participants received a diagnosis of depression, and 13,339 were identified as having anxiety.
Individuals who regularly consumed semi-skimmed milk, which is the most popular type in the United Kingdom, showed an 18 percent reduced likelihood of being diagnosed with depression when compared to non-milk drinkers. Additionally, these individuals had a 30 percent decreased chance of experiencing anxiety.
On the contrary, consuming full-cream or whole milk appeared to be associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms, though it did not have an impact on depression.
People who reported consuming non-dairy milk showed a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with anxiety or depression when compared to individuals who drank dairy milk in any form as well as those who did not consume any milk.
The authors stated: ‘In order to firmly confirm these correlations, additional studies must be conducted to verify’
These findings and investigate how varying levels of milk consumption influence mental well-being.
Read more
by admin | Jan 3, 2025 | brain health, health, healthy eating, healthy eating and living, healthy living
EATING well isn’t just crucial for maintaining good digestive health; it’s even more vital for supporting brain function.
Our brains rely significantly on nutrients to support functions like cognition, memory, mood, and mental sharpness.
As gut health plays a crucial role in ensuring proper brain function, it is essential to take care of both areas.
As we grow older, we encounter more stressful scenarios, and preventing cognitive decline and maintaining mental sharpness becomes increasingly crucial.
People need to place much greater emphasis on consistently incorporating nutritious foods into their daily intake, which can be difficult for busy working adults who are always on the move
Below is a selection of budget-friendly and simple-to-prepare meals that help sustain a healthy brain as well as promote good mental health, potentially lowering the chances of experiencing anxiety and depression.
1. Oatmeal with Fruits
Oats are recognized for their brain-boosting properties due to their high content of fiber and B-vitamins, crucial components for maintaining cognitive function.
Although oatmeal might seem dull by itself, incorporating fruits can boost both its taste and nutritional value.
Combining oats with fruits like bananas, nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews, alongside dried fruits including raisins and apples, plus adding cinnamon (known for its anti-inflammatory benefits), creates a tasty dish that also promotes general well-being.
2. Boiled Eggs
Cooked eggs are a budget-friendly, top-notch protein option that also includes choline, which is essential for enhancing memory and cognitive abilities.
Although they might appear simple on their own, these items can be combined with options like fruit or cottage cheese, which also offers a good dose of protein, calcium, and choline.
Spinach and kale, which are packed with antioxidants, folate, and vitamin K, can enhance brain health without straining your wallet.
Sweets potatoes can be used instead of leafy vegetables or dairy products since they are rich in beta-carotene. The body transforms this compound into Vitamin A, plus they contain antioxidants beneficial for your cognitive function.
3. Nuts
Peanuts and hazelnuts are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, essential nutrients that significantly contribute to maintaining cognitive function.
Omega-3 fatty acids aid in sustaining brain architecture, whereas vitamin E shields the brain from oxidative harm.
These nuts can be savored individually as a tasty treat or included in recipes such as oatmeal and salads for an enhancing crunchy texture that benefits your mind.
4. Sardines
Sardines belong to the family of oily fishes that resemble walnuts and almonds in their richness of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good brain health.
They aid in generating new brain cells and boost the creation of brain chemicals that influence mood, concentration, and memory.
You have the option of choosing canned or frozen salmon, which provides the same nutrients as well. It can be prepared grilled or baked, similar to how you would serve sardines, or simply grab them from cans.
With a side of vegetables or whole grains like brown rice, it gives a balanced, brain-boosting and gut-balanced meal.
5. Dark chocolate
If you have a hankering for something sweet, opting for dark chocolate can be beneficial for your cognitive well-being.
Products containing approximately 50 to 70 percent cocoa are typically priced comparably to standard milk chocolate and are readily available at most supermarkets. However, higher-end varieties provide more substantial health advantages.
The better the quality of dark chocolate, the higher the levels of antioxidants derived from flavonoids found in cocoa.
These antioxidants aid in boosting blood circulation to the brain, improving mental performance, and safeguarding it from oxidative stress. Additionally, they supply beneficial fats that contribute to comprehensive brain wellness.
Dark chocolate includes theobromine and phenylethylamine, substances associated with better moods, lower stress levels, and heightened sensations of happiness.
Similar to various forms of chocolate, it stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin, potentially enhancing your mood, thereby fostering mental sharpness and cognitive well-being.
Moreover, dark chocolate contains vital minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc, crucial for proper brain operation. These elements aid in lowering anxiety levels due to magnesium’s impact on enhancing neural activity.
6. Sweet potatoes
Lastly, sweet potatoes, a staple ingredient in many French fry dishes we enjoy today, are incredibly adaptable and can be turned into various recipes like creamy mashed potatoes or savored simply when boiled or roasted.
These contain plenty of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that assists in safeguarding the brain against oxidative harm.
Beta-carotene has the potential to decrease the chances of cognitive decline and enhance general brain performance, which makes sweet potatoes a crucial item to keep in your pantry for crafting speedy, nutritious meals or treats.
To sum up, maintaining brain health holds the same significance as looking after your physical well-being, such as gut health, underscoring the necessity of being mindful about what you eat.
By adding inexpensive and readily available items such as eggs, oily fish, and nuts into your regular diet, you ensure that your brain gets all the essential nutrients required for optimal performance throughout the day.
Even though it might be simple to neglect your digestive system, keeping in mind that a well-functioning gut enhances cognitive abilities could inspire you to lead a more wholesome life. This shift not only lowers the chances of mental decline but also decreases risks associated with various bodily illnesses like cardiovascular issues and tumors.
It doesn’t need to be costly or complex—these simple-to-prepare, nutrient-rich dishes can provide mental and physical sustenance affordably, helping you become healthier and more astute.
