There are many reasons why yoga has kept people calm and centered for thousands of years. Known for its numerous physical and mental benefits, yoga’s slow paced, meditative and restorative nature also makes it the ideal exercise to do when fasting. Here’s why if you haven’t started, Ramadan might be the perfect time. Relieve stress Yoga and meditation, coupled with appropriate medical care, can help a person navigate out of a dark place. When you are feeling lost,...
The recent economic downturn, accompanied by job insecurity and changes in work arrangements and contracts, has made it a challenging time for everyone, but it’s particularly daunting for those who are thinking about changing careers. Deciding to change careers can have a strong impact on your mental well-being, due to uncertainties about finances, stable working environments and the future. It can also lead to an adjustment period for individuals, as well as their families, intensifying...
The benefits of fasting in Ramadan – and at any other time of the year – are backed up by a range of clinical studies that help explain how the spiritual practice is also leading to improved blood sugar control, decreased inflammation and enhanced heart health. Dr Vicente Mera, head of internal medicine and anti-aging at SHA Wellness Clinic in Dubai, outlines some of how that is happening. 1. Fat Loss Fasting can improve the body’s...
Health supplements and vitamins are big business — our desire to boost our well-being has grown so much that the market for pills and potions was valued at US$47.9 billion in 2021. But do they actually improve your quality of life? Or should you be just looking to get those vital vitamins and minerals from your diet? Just like food, supplements are meant to provide a variety of benefits for overall health and well-being, such...
Do you get caught up in believing the “best” way to be strong is through high-stress bootcamp classes? I know I do. Bootcamp classes can make you physically stronger, but they are not the only way to build muscle density and strength. Low-intensity exercises like pilates can work just as well. Created by Joseph Pilates, the body conditioning regime is a mind-body exercise that focuses on breath work and resistance to build strength. According to Balanced...
Sleep is a huge issue during Ramadan, with people sleeping less and having worse sleep quality, due to fasting, changes to mealtimes, socializing and more. “During the Holy Month of Ramadan, many people find that their sleep is disturbed by late-night prayers, pre-dawn meals, social gatherings and work,” says Dr Ruhil Badiani, a family physician at Dubai’s Cornerstone Clinic. “People can often find themselves losing up to 90 minutes of sleep a night. So how...
Why not use this Ramadan as an opportunity to explore some of the many picturesque and pedestrian-friendly walking routes of the UAE capital?
With Ramadan approaching, Muslims around the world are preparing for a month of worship, reflection and fasting. For smokers, giving up cigarettes for up to 14 hours daily can be daunting, but it can also be the best time to stub it out for good. Dr Sandeep Thomas, a general medicine physician at Life Medical Centre, believes the spiritual focus during Ramadan can act as a strong motivator. “Religious beliefs and willpower were found to...
Exercising and following a healthy lifestyle can be difficult at the best of times — but maintaining that lifestyle can prove to be even harder during the month of Ramadan. Fasting requires a lot of energy and commitment. With dramatic changes in eating habits and sleeping patterns, this sudden shift in routine needs to be handled carefully. To ensure we do not neglect our health, Abu Dhabi 360, Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s recently launched emirate-wide...
For many Muslims around the world, Ramadan can be a challenging time when it comes to maintaining good health and fitness. However, you do not need to let your health and fitness goals slip completely. At Ultimate Performance, which has a gym in Dubai, we work with hundreds of Muslim clients globally to help them through the month of Ramadan to emerge fit, healthy and ready to keep progressing with their goals. Many of our...
The UAE is rich in culture and heritage. But, while luxury suites, opulent lobbies and stunning infinity pools are found in abundance, I feel that few hotels reflect the nation’s fascinating history and unique landscape. That’s where Erth Abu Dhabi stands out. Here, everything from the décor to the ingredients and recipes in the restaurants to the flora and fauna growing in the gardens is distinctively Emirati and authentic to the UAE. Even the word...
