Ash Wednesday (1 March) is the beginning of lent and Christians are giving up something. Lent lasts for 40 days until Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) and is generally seen as a period reflection, self-examination but also improvement. Some Christians are thus giving up an indulgence like chocolate, while others give up a bad habit like smoking. Why not use lent 2017 to participate 40 bags in 40 days, regardless of your religious beliefs?
How many additional calories did you consume this Christmas? While I’ve consciously limited my indulgences, sitting so much over the Holidays got me down. Luckily, I could get my loved ones out for a walk in the rain, typical Christmas weather.
This afternoon, we’re off to our local football stadium and I can’t wait to get moving again. Do you too want to make small changes and get active again? Here are 5 easy activities which will get you moving now!
In less than a week, the holy month of Ramadan will start. Muslims will bring daily sacrifices by fasting and will be rehearsing the Koran. It’s a time where friends and family come together. Regardless of their religions, Iftar meals are enjoyed throughout the country. The holy month is also a time for reflection which we so often neglect. This special month can also be a very busy one.
How can you prepare for Ramadan 2016?
Where has this year gone? It just seems like yesterday that we celebrated New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks at Burj Khalifa and sweat like crazy during the summer months. Now, we only have 6 more weeks before we’ll say good bye to 2015 and keep its memories.
For many, the beginning of a new year also marks the day for other new beginnings. Losing weight and getting fit, giving up smoking and eating healthy are top resolutions year after year. Why not start getting into a fitness routine now?
The older I get, the more I enjoy working out and seeing the positive changes staying fit has on my body and mind. There are so many benefits of being physically active: Reduced stress levels, increased overall health, more energy and keeping weight in balance. Plus, I’ve been lucky to participate in some really cool and fun races.
I admit, at first, it was an effort. But it’s so worth it! What can you do to get and stay fit? Here are 10 tips to an active and fit you:
Arriving sleep deprived to a brunch in Dubai is never a good thing. Learning at the entrance that our table is booked outside on the terrace was quite the surprise. The biggest realisation and shock though was that summer is approaching. Fast!
For us in the Middle East, we’ll also observe Ramadan which is expected to be from 18 June until 17 July. This and the heat will impact our activities and it’s time to organise your social and outdoor activities.
Get ahead of the game and get your calendar out. What do you want to do before it gets too hot and Ramadan starts?
Here are some suggestions:
Living in the Middle East, where temperatures can easily reach 45-50C (113-122F) in the summer, the thought of a siesta or afternoon nap to recharge your battery is very appealing. This morning, my colleague Marie was telling me this morning how low her energy levels were. Bang! At 2 am, she was bright awake and couldn’t fall back asleep. I’m sure Marie would have preferred the option for a power nap after lunch.
I can so emphasise with the siesta idea as I’m coming across various energy vampires during my day. This is referring to individuals who are sucking the life out of you. For me, multi-tasking is probably the biggest and more stressful one. Answering a call and simultaneously checking my emails or calculating something in excel don’t work. Every day, there’s a new study released which confirms that multitasking is not leading to increased productivity!