

9 Best Yoga Mats For Your Yoga Practice
I'm all about reclaiming my time and tapping into my inner peace. Yoga has a reputation for helping us accomplish a satisfying "woosah" we all need. But before you get ready to master the downward dog, the yoga mat you use can truly determine what type of yoga experience you'll have. The thickness, material, length, and even cell type of a yoga mat are all factors to consider when you're on the hunt for your perfect yoga accessory.
Whether you plan on taking a yoga class on the beach during a girls' trip or want to indulge in hot yoga to sweat off the stress, there's a mat for that -- you just have to select the right one.
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1.BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Mat
Walmart
While you're still perfecting your yoga poses, this mat is protecting your joints and body. It has a high-density foam that reduces the soreness you might experience once you're finished. It's water-resistant so feel free to wash it down with soap and water. It also touts a free yoga mat strap to secure in between classes.
2.Lululemon's The Reversible Mat 3mm
Lululemon
For those who have enough on their mind while practicing yoga, the Reversible Yoga Mat 3mm from Lululemon serves more than one purpose. It has an impressive grip to make sure you don't slip during those sweaty yoga classes. The top layer even absorbs sweat and moisture. Flip over the mat to the other side when you want more of a cushion.
3.The B MAT Everyday Mat
B Mat Everyday Mat
It's perfect if you want to indulge in a yoga session from the comfort of your own home. The B MAT Everyday Mat is long-lasting and has a solid grip. It has a superior cushion and was created to battle heat and sweat, making it ideal if you want to take on yoga on a daily basis.
4.Gaiam Yoga Mat
Gaiam
Whether you're a pro or just getting the hang of the yoga lifestyle, the Gaiam Yoga Mat is an overall option. There's lots of cushion, but the mat won't slide back and forth. It comes with a downloadable yoga workout, which will help you if you're just getting started.
5.Aurorae Synergy 2 In 1 Yoga Mat
Amazon
If hot yoga is calling you every day, the Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 mat might be calling you too. It comes with a mat and a towel for those extra sweaty sessions. In fact, this was created for hot yoga lovers in mind because the more you sweat, the better the grip.
6.Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Neiman Marcus
Is having just one mat for all of your yoga needs ideal for you? The Alo Yoga Warrior Mat doesn't just come in an assortment of chic colors like Smoky Quartz and Eclipse, it's also an all-around mat that you can take to any type of course (and look cute doing it).
7.Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Heathyoga
If yoga is something new for you, the Heathyoga Eco-Friendly non-Slip mat caters to beginners. The top layer includes lines that help make sure your hands and feet are in place for each pose. A second layer serves as a tight grip to help your balance. And it's eco-friendly!
8.Suga Recycled Wetsuit Mat
Suga Yoga Mat
Suga took sustainability to another level when it released a yoga mat line made out of recycled wetsuits. They're nonslip and have an oversized option for the taller ladies. The product is made of natural rubber. Suga also plants a tree for each recycled yoga mat that it sells.
9.Manduka eKO Lite 4mm Yoga Mat
Manduka
The Manduka eKO Lite 4mm Yoga Mat is a top choice for those looking for a lightweight product. It's not extremely heavy or spongy, but also doesn't shift during a yoga session. It only weighs about five pounds, so it can easily be tucked into a suitcase for travel without taking up too much space.
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Featured image by Shutterstock
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Charmaine Patterson is a journalist, lifestyle blogger, and a lover of all things pop culture. While she has much experience in covering top entertainment news stories, she aims to share her everyday life experiences, old and new, with other women who can relate, laugh, and love along with her. Follow Char on Twitter @charjpatterson, Instagram @charpatterson, and keep up with her journey at CharJPatterson.com .
Black women are not a monolith. We all are deserving of healing and wholeness despite what we've been through, how much money we have in the bank, or what we look like. Most importantly, we are enough—even when we are not working, earning, or serving.
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Chief Mom Officer: 23 Quotes From Working Moms Finding Their Balance
The truth is, Black moms create magic every single day. Whether we're juggling motherhood with a busy 9-5, a thriving business, or staying at home to run a household, no day is short of amazing when you're managing life as a mommy. This Mother's Day, xoNecole is giving flowers to CMOs (Chief Mom Officers) in business who exemplify the strength it takes to balance work with motherhood. We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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