Category:

Wellness

GUEST BLOG POST: Home Self Retreat Program

by Myla April 16, 2020

written by Myla

Well we are edging into week five now here in the UK (that’s right, I’m still locked out of Dubai) but enjoying the English spring weather (from the solidarity of my back garden of course! #stayhome). But being stuck in the house definitely doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to our own little home self-retreat program and a little self-loving! So, here are some wellness retreat activity ideas provided by some of our gorgeous Retreatmi hosts that you can partake in within the comforts of your home this weekend.

Online cooking classes:

Why not up your wellness cooking skills with online classes! Danny Spies with her Clean and Delicious channel on YouTube has an awesome recipe for an immune boosting Honey Bomb!

Take a live and interactive class with Jesse Lane Wellness who has low cost live online classes so you can be fully immersed in the atmosphere of a cooking class.

It really is important to eat well and keep that immunity up during this time and one of our fabulous hosts Dr Srikumar of Harivihar Retreat in India has given us this amazing Ayurvedic health drink to keep those nasty bugs at bay.

For one litre of the drink you’ll need:

2 tbl Coriander seed

1 tsp Dry Ginger

½ tsp Black Pepper

1 tsp Crushed Cinnamon

½ tsp Turmeric Powder

10 Basil/ Mint or Thyme leaves

1 ½ Litres Water

Online Training:

Well of course we have so many selections for wellness online now, our Personal Trainers will never again let us have the excuse that we are away on business! And that’s great! Travel and wellness after all is our thing! Which is why we have now introduced online training booking.

If you are an avid Pilates retreat attendee why not book an interactive 1:1 Pilates on the Mat or Reformer (if you have your own home equipment) with Retreatmi Host Stacey Sharp.

or for the Yoga Retreat feel, Kundalini Yoga Meditation with Hayley Cutler. Catch Hayley tonight for her online kundalini practise and you can find them under services section on the Retreatmi Platform.

And of course the super cute Joe Wicks who has brought his daily PE classes to not even just the nation but the world! Free every day 9am UK time so be sure to tune in on his YouTube channel.

If you’re watching those pennies and want some super quality classes Kosta of one of our fabulous resorts Vikasa is also offering a free yoga class.

Home beauty:

Why not treat yourself to a Superfood Marine Clay Mask. It’s 100% vegan, detoxing, pore reducing and deep cleansing and moisturising and available now on Amazon.

That deep relaxing bath you’ve been trying to take for the longest time! Well now is the time! And why not treat yourself to some super plush Epsom bath salts bath salts mixed with some Veriditas Immunity Boosting Essential Oils:

Immune-Boosting Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salt.

20-25 drops Veriditas Immunity Boost essential oil.

Enjoy that you time!

Stay safe, Stay Happy

By Stacey Sharp, founder of Retreatmi.com

To find out more, follow RetreatMI on Instagram @Retreatmi

April 16, 2020 0 comment

Beauty Blogs Wellness

The Ultimate Quarantine Self-Care Guide from Head to Toe

by Myla April 16, 2020

written by Myla

These days, we’re all observing social-distancing and quarantine in our homes in our efforts to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. While the times are challenging, during this time it’s very important to practice self-care and cherish the “me-time” moments that will help refresh and revive you. Here are few possible ways to turn self-quarantine into a self-care staycation.

Tend to your hands & nails

You’re probably washing your hands excessively right now (and you should be!). However, frequent handwashing causes excessive dryness, which calls for a little extra TLC for your hands and nails. Sukin’s Natural Cleansing Hand Wash (AED 35) is gently designed to remove dirt and germs from the hands, without drying and stripping the skin. A rich blend of Jojoba, Avocado and Rosehip Oil restores the moisture level of dehydrated hands while soothing Aloe Vera, Chamomile and Lavender leaves skin feeling clean, hydrated and supple! The Sukin Hand and Nail Cream (AED 42.00) is natural, non-greasy and light. It hydrates and protects dry hands while caring and strengthening nails and cuticles – perfect for at home manicures make sure hands & nails are nourished at all times! Available online at www.lifepharmacy.com, www.lifestyleshops.com and www.mumzworld.com

Indulge in an at home facial

With no need to rush out the door every morning, you can take your time and develop a skincare routine that works best for you. Give yourself a facial at home with Magnitone Xoxo Soft Touch Silicone Facial Cleansing Brush (AED 200). Available online at www.sprii.ae, www.amazon.com and www.carrefouruae.com, this device is a cute, compact and ultra-soft daily cleansing brush that goes deep and purges pores from impurities, in the most gentle way for a beautifully conditioned, healthy glow.

We all know that once you’ve found the right moisturizer for your skin type, your skin will never be the same again! Take this time to discover what works best for you. New to the beauty market is French brand, FILORGA’s GLOBAL-REPAIR range which includes the Global Repair Intensive Serum & Cream (AED 495 each). Suitable for ageing skin, this supreme skincare duo works to revive and refresh the skin while targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, lack of radiance and sagging skin. The best part is that this duo can be used as a serum and cream during the day and as masks at night thanks to its revolutionary transformable textures for intensive treatment while you sleep Available online at www.basharacare.com

Think of your skin care routine as a pampering instead of a chore and you will soon begin to appreciate both the mental and physical benefits you get from dedicating that time to yourself!

Sit back and relax…with a beauty mask

With some time on your hands, why not indulge in 20 minutes of un-interrupted relaxation? Throw in a sheet mask and you’ll even get super healthy, hydrated and glowing skin by the end of it, too! The ritual of applying a face mask is so calming, from the minute you unravel the sheet mask, to when your laying down still or reading a book while enjoying the cooling sensation on your skin.

Masking once or twice a week makes a huge difference, not only to our skin but to our mental well-being as it forces you to relax. We recommend using Skin Republic’s recently launched Retinol Hydrogel Mask for Women (AED 33) and the Energising Facial Mask for Men (AED 30). The Retinol Hydrogel Mask is a powerful anti-ageing sheet mask that super-charges the skin with retinol to support natural collagen, replenish lost moisture and increase the skin’s elasticity. The Energising Facial Mask for Men is a hydrating mask that delivers an energizing boost to dry and tired skin with active ingredients such as Vitamins C and E and CoQ10. Available online at www.carrefouruae.com, www.sprii.ae, www.lifestyleshops.com and www.amazon.ae

Refresh & repair your hair

It’s a known fact that the state of your hair can greatly impact your mood. A good hair day can build confidence while a bad one can have opposite effects.

Indulging in hot showers and taking care of your hair during quarantine is essential can have many positive effects. We are loving Vierro’s Water Protect Shampoo & Conditioner duo (AED 14.75 and AED 11.50 respectively).

Homegrown and formulated in the UAE for the residents of the region, this duo is packed with protein-rich ingredients to nourish your hair, including Peppermint essential oil. With its cooling properties and calming scent, it evokes a spa-like ambience in your steamy shower whenever used which can be quite therapeutic. Your hair is left refreshed & stronger, and so are your senses! Available online at www.amazon.ae and www.mumzworld.com

Try something new and sustainable

Ladies! With ample time at home due to social distancing, there’s never been a better time to try a money-saving period product that will help you out financially as well as contributing towards less waste. One of the smallest, and most cost-effective choices you can make, is switching your monthly shopping basket of period products for a subtle, small medical grade silicone cup – Lunette Cup (AED 157.50) which could save you money, time and the dreaded eco-anxiety. It also is great for a time such as this, so you don’t have to stock-pile tampons and pads in your cupboard. Available online at www.sprii.ae and www.carrefouruae.com

Share the load

These days, juggling working from home, helping kids cope with the distance learning, and daily household chores such as cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, etc., are the norm for a lot of us. But when it comes to the cleanliness and sanitization of your most-used items at home, why not share the load and get some professional help? Champion Cleaners, a premium dry cleaning and laundry service, is offering free pick-up and delivery when you schedule for their dry cleaning or sanitization services through the Champion Cleaners app or by just dialing +971 42 858 581. There’s no need to leave home, and you can indulge in some spare “me-time” instead. Available on iOS and Android platforms.

Workout at home

One way to keep yourself healthy while working from home is to ‘workout’ at home. Get motivated and head towards being fit by downloading a fitness app that will guide you all the way. We love the ASICS Studio app which is currently offering a FREE 3-month trial for all. It is complete with easy and quick home workout programs that include ones specially designed for runners. It also includes yoga and meditations sessions. Your best bet! Available on iOS and Android platforms.

April 16, 2020 0 comment

Blogs Wellness

GUEST BLOG POST: Easy Immunity Boosting Elixir Recipe

by Myla April 15, 2020April 15, 2020

written by Myla

Introducing positive and healthy habits into my daily routine is definitely something I have been working on for a few years. I recognized how much more productive and relaxed I am when I have a routine in place.

This routine changes depending on the season, the kind of work and social commitments I have going on – but always having some sort of routine really helps with my motivation and productivity. It almost gives me the feeling of looking forward to something I have on the agenda.

After traveling for a month with my husband in 2019, we picked up a habit of having healthy shots with our morning breakfast and made a deal to try it out when we were back in Muscat – it took a few months but we actually did it and I want to share it with you.

It includes 5 ingredients and 5 simple steps. Before we get into how to make our beloved Immunity shot; let me share the benefits of it:

– Helps with digestion

– Strengthens immunity

– Reduces inflammation

Ingredients:

120 grams of pealed and chopped ginger

3 lemons

2tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp black pepper (essential to activate the turmeric)

500ml water

Place the ginger and water in a pot and boil it for 30 minutes then let it stand for 20 minutes.
Squeeze the lemons into a bowl and add the turmeric and black paper to it.
Add the lemon mixture to the ginger and water mixture and stir.
Strain the mixture into a bottle or container.
Enjoy it as a shot or add the shot to a cup of hot or cold water.

You can double the ingredients if you need to make a bigger batch for the family and also add honey if you want it sweeter.

Please note that this recipe contributes to strengthening your immunity but you need to accompany it with moving your body – even if it’s only 20 minutes a day-, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep.

It’s an uneasy time for all of us at the moment and with patience and supporting each other we can get through this to a better world.

If you end up making it I would love to see your morning shots by tagging me on instagram @hanadi.alzadjali

Sending you so much love and positive energy – please stay safe and well xx

By Hanadi Al Zadjali

blog: www.everydayh.com | instagram: hanadi.alzadjali | youtube: everydayh

April 15, 2020April 15, 2020 0 comment

Blogs Wellness

GUEST BLOG POST: A Husband, A Wife & A Shared Workspace.

by Myla April 14, 2020April 14, 2020

written by Myla

Tales, tantrums & tears from the kitchen table…

Week 1 and there is a husband in my workspace. He has taken residence in my spot. What to do? Bold as you like, he’s spread all his books across the table and has buried his head in his laptop. Being the gracious soul that I am, I shuffle to the other side of the now pretty cramped kitchen table and start to ponder what the week ahead will bring. Many murderous thoughts, as it turns out. I was “ssshed” as I made my morning coffee. I was told off for playing music. I think at one point I may have breathed too loudly. He earned a glare in response. It’s going to be a long lockdown.

Week 2. I should have a PHD in patience by now. I’ve climbed down from the metaphorical ledge and I’m no longer contemplating harm to my husband of seven years, but I have concluded that our one-bedroom apartment is far too small for two people to reside in 24/7. Life is ticking by at an alarmingly slow pace and my concentration lags, hazily listening to lessons on quadratics and calculus, whilst staring blankly at my screen trying to get the words to come. Boredom sets in. The husband is rattling around frantically, and I start to wish there were more articles on how to cope with these office invaders at home. I really miss my spot.

Week 3 and I think he’s starting to get it. “Wait, so you work here ALL day?” Yes dear. This was my life long before lockdown. He starts to make me a cup of tea for elevenses. I put my headphones in, so he doesn’t have to listen to 90s pop on repeat. Compromise. He asks me if it’s OK to do live lessons and I assent, moving to a different place for 40 minutes. I’m allowed to make coffee. To be fair, it IS a noisy machine. Maybe I’m mellowing? Maybe this is ‘the new normal’? Screw that, nothing about this situation is normal!

As we enter Week 4, we have reached something of an understanding. He’s a lot quieter. I don’t nag as much. That’s probably the best we can hope for. It’s been a transition for me; I’ve always had my own routine, my own way of doing things. I’ve gone from feeling displaced and annoyed, to tolerating, and for the most part, accepting over the last few weeks. It’s still a work in progress.

With that in mind, here’s some tips from the frontline for anyone still in the ‘murderous thoughts’ phase of working at home with their partner…

Respect each other’s work schedule: You will work at a different pace and at different times, but where possible, try to schedule comfort breaks together. We didn’t have this in place until week 4 and there were times when I physically wanted to shake him to elicit a response. Now, we’ve actually scheduled time to talk, we are a lot politer to one another. Read: we scream at each other less.
Create boundaries: We have now divided up the workplace equally between us. Seriously, we used a ruler and everything, so neither of us dominates the space. If you have a bigger house, this will be much easier to achieve. Just go in separate rooms. Shut the door. And enjoy. I’m not jealous at all…
Be more aware: I’d like to say that I was much more tolerant than my partner in the beginning, but I doubt he would agree. Whilst I was grappling with an invader to my working world, he was under an enormous amount of pressure to deliver an exceptional online learning experience. I’ll admit, I sulked. It took him working 15-hour days for me to become more aware of his challenges and to ease up a bit. He’s human too, I suppose.

By Laura Roberts

To find out more, follow Laura on Instagram @whatserenasaw

April 14, 2020April 14, 2020 0 comment

Beauty Blogs Wellness

GUEST BLOG POST: 10 Fun Things to Do at Home During Quarantine

by Myla April 9, 2020April 9, 2020

written by Myla

The Coronavirus pandemic has officially flipped most of our lives upside-down (yes, yes, excluding the introverts, who just found a new term for their daily lifestyle, aka quarantine). It’s been several weeks since non-essential workplaces and schools that have been temporarily closed, and many are still settling into what’s become a new normal of social distancing. People around the world have developed new ways to stay connected and still have fun – and adhere to public health guidelines.

So, to help you in your quarantine journey, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions on how you can still stay connected with your friends, entertain yourself, and enhance productivity. Forget the cliché Netflix binge and try on something new from the following.

Number one on my list is – Doing what you’ve always wanted to. It could be something that you are passionate about, but your 9-6 schedule wouldn’t let you do otherwise. Right from creating your first YouTube channel to writing a blog, exercising or even redecorating your house. Whatever it may be, believe me, this is the golden opportunity that may not knock on your door again – so make the most of it and start today! It’s exactly what I am doing, looking at the bright side of the situation and working on my website.

Baking/Cooking

Yes, quarantine has sure brought out the chefs in everyone. With many people no longer commuting to work, there’s plenty of time in hand for you to visit your kitchen. From easy to make recipes to leveraging your pantry staples to a delicious meal, there’s so much information floating around various social media platforms, to help you. If you’re a beginner, worry not, as there’s always a first for everything. And for all you know, there might be a chef inside you who’s been waiting to be discovered by you.

Gardening

Love plants? Love gardening? Well then, get your pots, seeds, soil and get planting. In fact, with the lockdowns and restrictions to being outdoor, now’s your time to create your mini garden at your home. Plant basil leaves, thyme, rosemary, or even flowers, fruits and veggies. Afterall, there’s no better ingredients than your homegrown produce.

Fun Activities for The Kids

This might be the most difficult time for those with kids, and working from home with them can be both challenging and daunting. Why not keep them busy with an activity, and motivate them into doing it by offering the winner a prize in the end. Get them involved in various age-appropriate activities. Host a play-doh competition for the younger ones, where they create their favorite cartoon character, and get the older ones involved in the house chores and cooking. It will not only keep them distracted but will also keep them entertained, especially during study breaks. Or host a spelling competition to improve their skills.

Video Call and Play Online Games with Your Friends

With several video calling apps being unblocked, you and your friends can get together virtually and enjoy just like you’ll did before. Catch up on each other’s lives, or play games online such as scrabble, psych or the recently trending Ludo.

Learn A New Language/Skill

Inspired by your favorite Korean movies or the trending Spanish music? Always wanted to learn the language? What are you waiting for? The best part is, you can learn it from the comfort of your couch or bed. Also, Duolingo is the app for you! It’s a total life-saver as its free to download and use. Additionally, if you’ve been meaning to learn an instrument, now is also the time for it! So, put away your laziness and make use of the time given to you.

Face and Hair Masks

A little self-pampering never hurt anyone, right? So, take care of your skin and hair by treating it to a mask that’ll keep it nourished, healthy and glowing. Your skin and hair will definitely thank you for it. Especially, if you don’t have a regular skin care routine.

By Ray D’silva.

Instagram: @hungray18

April 9, 2020April 9, 2020 0 comment

Blogs Wellness

MARTIAL ARTS BASED FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2020 – FROM PROFESSIONAL MMA FIGHTER RAFAT SHAWE

by Myla January 26, 2020

written by Myla

As a professional fighter and trainer in martial arts-based fitness, Rafat Shawe is always keeping up to date with the martial arts industry trends to stay ahead of the game. Whilst martial arts may be thousands of years old, in recent years it’s been one of the hottest fitness trends in part due to the unprecedented popularity of the UFC and champions Anderson Silva and Ronda Rousey, but fresh new takes on martial arts training are always on the rise. So, what are we seeing in 2020?

Self Defense

Many see martial arts as a violent combat sport, forgetting that it began as a way for people to protect themselves. More and more people are signing up to self-defense classes to protect themselves. These classes empower and replace fear with confidence and strength. Even in cities such as Dubai, where it’s safe, we all travel widely and so it’s always good to know what to do if assaulted and the best methods to protect yourself. From all the trends we’re seeing, this one really makes a difference in the lives of those in the community.

The move to Body Weight training

People are moving away from gyms for a number of reasons, cost included. Instead they’re looking for exercises that use their own body weight which requires no equipment and is an easy and affordable way to exercise. Convenient and accessible for all levels, exercises using martial arts techniques such as kicks have proven to be an effective and functional way of training.

Mental Health focused workouts

For many, exercise is their go-to stress management and fitness is a very powerful stress reduction method. Exercise such as boxing and martial arts is also continuing in popularity due to their mental health benefits. Mental Health focused training including “mindful running” and “gym for the mind” where classes aim to inspire and focus on the theme of mental wellbeing as well as physical fitness are on the rise.

At home fitness options

2019 saw many new ‘at home’ fitness options emerge, but 2020 will see them coming into their own as the market expands dramatically with new extremely effective, technology-driven options to pursue health goals at home. Many at-home fitness technology options including copy-cat bikes, treadmills and mirrors are becoming more affordable. Fitness brands like Les Mills, F45 and Classpass have all pivoted their business models to include home training options and live stream martial arts classes are a big part of this.

Lightsaber Training

I’ve saved the best for last! Did you always watch those scenes in Star Wars and long to be Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader when they battled with their lightsabers? Well, now you can! Lightsaber training is a mix of martial arts and swordsmanship, with a lightsaber. It’s a bit gimmicky and I’ve yet to see any studio launch this in the UAE, but it’s on the way I’m sure! It’s a great way to attract fans of all ages into martial arts and it’s a great one for the whole family too. Who doesn’t want to become a Jedi Master?

Dubai based professional MMA fighter and former international karate gold medalist Rafat Shawe offers personal training and runs classes across Dubai. If you would like to speak with him on any martial arts, fitness or nutrition topic please do get in touch.

Tash xx

January 26, 2020 0 comment

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