Raphael Stevens

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    How Long Does A UTI Last And Can It Go Away On Its Own?

    Chances are you’ve experienced a stinging sensation while peeing before. Then, five minutes after closing the bathroom door, you felt like you have to go again. At this point, you probably think to yourself, Great, another UTI.

    How long does a UTI last again?

    That depends on how serious your infection is. But some basics first: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria entering the urethra. That’s the tube that lets urine leave the body and bladder. But it can also spread to the upper urinary tract and kidneys, says Dr James Elist, a urologist.

    A UTI can be complicated or uncomplicated based on how far up it has travelled. “An uncomplicated UTI occurs in the lower urinary tract, typically the bladder and urethra,” explains Dr Elist. “It’s considered uncomplicated because it can be effectively treated with antibiotics and does not usually lead to serious complications.” A complicated UTI, on the other hand, extends beyond the bladder and is typically more severe and difficult to treat.

    In both cases, typical symptoms include the urgency to pee and pain during urination, but blood in urine, fever, bladder inflammation, urinary incontinence, abdominal or back discomfort, strong-smelling urine, and genital irritation can also occur.

    When it comes to a UTI, though, you don’t want to mess around. Here’s everything you need to know about this infection, according to urologists, including how long it lasts with and without treatment, and how to speed up recovery ASAP.

    Meet the experts: James Elist is a urologist and the founder of the Penuma implant. Yanina Barbalat is a urologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health.

    How long does a UTI last untreated?

    Believe it or not, about 30 to 40 per cent of women can clear a UTI without taking antibiotics. An uncomplicated UTI can last seven to 10 days, says Dr Yanina Barbalat, a urologist at Beth Israel Lahey Health, but sometimes it takes up to six weeks.

    However, a complicated UTI may last for weeks or even months if left untreated, because the bacteria will continue to multiply, allowing the infection to spread to the kidneys, notes Dr. Elist.

    That said, even if you think you have an uncomplicated UTI, you should always check in with your doc, says Dr Elist. They’ll order a urinalysis to confirm that you have an infection.

    How long does a UTI last with antibiotics?

    If you have symptoms of a UTI and a urine analysis confirms the diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics whether you have an uncomplicated or complicated UTI, says Dr Elist. For uncomplicated UTIs, antibiotics will typically make you feel better within a few days. Complicated cases often require a longer or even a second course of medication. Recovery may take one to two weeks or even a month, he adds.

    If your urine test comes back positive but you don’t have any symptoms, you won’t need antibiotics. “I often tell people it’s kind of like the bacteria on your skin, which doesn’t mean you always need to be on antibiotics. Because some people have bacteria that colonize and it just sort of coexists with the person,” adds Dr Barbalat. “It doesn’t need to be treated unless it’s actually causing you issues.”

    And while you’ll likely notice an improvement within two days of taking antibiotics, make sure to continue taking it and finish all the pills you’re prescribed, says Dr Barbalat. Stopping treatment early may leave some bacteria in the bladder, which can potentially lead to a more serious infection.

    If symptoms get worse or continue for more than a week, see a doctor immediately because it could be a sign of a more severe infection in the kidney or bladder, says Dr Elist.

    How do I know if my UTI has gone away?

    You’ll know a UTI has gone away when you no longer have symptoms, says Dr Barbalat. If you’ve taken an antibiotic and your symptoms are gone, then that’s it, according to the American Urological Association.

    If your urine test comes back positive but you don’t have any symptoms, you won’t need antibiotics.And while most symptoms will go away in a week, you may still feel a burning sensation when you pee or an urgency to use the bathroom for two to three weeks after, says Dr Barbalat. “That just means the bladder is still inflamed and irritated, so you don’t actually need antibiotics, you just need a little bit of TLC,” she explains. “Drink lots of fluids, stay away from spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and other things that can irritate the bladder. Just give your body a little bit of time to recover.”

    If your remaining symptoms continue to linger after a month post-antibiotic, check in with your primary care physician ASAP.

    How can I get rid of a UTI faster?

    The best way to speed up recovery (besides taking antibiotics) is to stay hydrated and drink lots of fluids, says Dr Barbalat. You should also keep the genitals and surrounding area clean and dry, and wash your hands often.

    To ease any pain or discomfort, Dr Elist suggests applying a heating pad to your abdomen and/or back, wearing loose clothing, and taking an OTC medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

    Now you may be thinking, What about cranberry juice? “Cranberry juice will actually irritate the bladder because it’s sour, so a lot of people will drink it when they have an infection and it can actually make symptoms worse,” says Dr Barbalat. So, to minimize further inflammation, stay away from cranberry juice until you’re all better.

    That said, cranberry supplements are a good way to prevent UTIs, per Dr Barbalat. “Cranberries have active compounds called PACs [proanthocyanidins], which do not allow bacteria to bind to the bladder, so you instead pee the bacteria out,” she explains.

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    Made with cranberry extract and Quatreflora®, this supp wards off UTI infections. It can be taken every day, even with antibiotic treatment.

    However, if you’re prone to UTIs (you have more than two within six months, or three within a year), you must have the right cranberry supplement, stresses Dr Barbalat. “Most over-the-counter pills do not have enough PACs for them to be effective enough. Studies show that you need at least 36 milligrams of soluble PACs.”

    In terms of things you should avoid when you have a UTI, Dr. Barbalat suggests steering clear of foods that are irritating to the bladder. This includes sour or acidic fruits like lemons, oranges, kiwi, or pineapple, alcohol, soda, and artificial sweetener. It’s also best to avoid anti-bacterial or fragranced soap because this can kill the good bacteria in your vagina, dry out the surrounding area, and cause inflammation of the tissue, she adds.

    And it’s best to avoid sex while you’re still symptomatic, says Dr Barbalat. “It’s technically okay to have sex with a UTI, but the symptoms will get worse if you’re not 100 per cent better.” Additionally, if you engage in sexual activity following a positive UTI result, you could reintroduce the bacteria into the bladder, causing extended symptoms or even a recurrent infection, says Dr Elist.

    This article was originally published on Women’s Health US More

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    This Michelin-recognized chef aims at revolutionizing urban ​​​​dining in Dubai

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    Located in the Opus Tower designed by Zaha Hadid, Sfumato Gastro Atelier draws a conceptual parallel from the architectural wonder it is nestled in.
    The food and the interiors are minimalistic at the first glance, but the subtle detailing and nuanced layering in both these elements will leave a lasting impression. Chef Alena Solodovichenko dares to experiment confidently in a male-dominated world, challenging stereotypes and pioneering her own unique style to produce an unforgettable experience in an internationally-renowned setting.
    The guiding concept of the Sfumato Gastro Atelier is affordable luxury with a forthright but delicate vision of all-day dining for the new wave. Chef reinterprets her family recipes with produce from local farms featuring delicate and intimate flavors, showing that vegetables and roots can evolve into sophisticated ingredients ready to play the main role in any dish.
    In a detailed conversation with Emirates Woman, chef talks about being at the helm of change, breaking stereotypes and testing the culinary waters in Dubai.
    The restaurant is located in the iconic Opus Tower designed by Zaha Hadid. Did the architecture play a role when it came to drawing inspiration for the menu?
    The architecture played an important role in the process of creating Sfumato menu. Zaha Hadid’s architectural style is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and curves, and is typically free of sharp or angular features. That’s why the menu in Sfumato is delicate and feminine as well. I also took part in creating design for the dishes, and made sure it reflects the forms of the Opus Tower.
    Culinary is still a male-dominated industry. As a Michelin-recognized chef, how do you constantly revolutionize urban ​​​​dining?
    This is true – statistics show that there are more men in the industry than women. Being in the kitchen since I was 19 years old, I have always considered this fact as motivation to improve my techniques. I want to create things that will inspire other women, coerce them to revolutionize their approach, and help them get rid of the fears.
    Female chefs are still rare, especially in the MENA region. I receive tons of messages with women sharing their personal stories – some of them are truly inspired by my career track. Some of my subscribers on Instagram have left their jobs and gone to the kitchen to pursue their dreams. Such stories make me really proud, and willing to show that everything’s possible.

    You’ve reproduced your family recipes with produce from local farms featuring delicate and intimate flavors – tell us a little about that?
    There’re a lot of dishes in Sfumato inspired by my childhood memories. Yet I understand that people have different backgrounds, and the culture in Dubai is different from the one I grew up in, so what I did wasn’t just reproducing family recipes. I find joy in taking something familiar and making a twist to find new flavors. For example, we have a dish in Sfumato that was inspired by the traditional Ukrainian dish golubtsy. What I did was replacing all original ingredients with the local ones, leaving just the concept of cabbage roll. In the original recipe they use meat, but I took hamour, which is a well-known product for people in UAE. For me it is still a dish that reminds me of my childhood, but now it’s also familiar and appealing to those who have never tastes golubtsy.
    The cuisine is tailored to excite the senses of sight and taste without compromising the natural goodness of the ingredients – how do you manage to execute this?
    Honesty and authenticity is what my cuisine is about. I want people to know the real taste of the ingredients. We use delicate techniques, and our sauces are designed to highlight the natural flavor without overshadowing it. A good example is our Beetroot Stracciatella, where we use beets and sauce made from rosemary and black currant (by the way, it’s a fascinating discovery that same-color ingredients tend to match perfectly with each other). We bake beetroot first, and then dehydrate it. Thus, we manage not only to preserve the taste of beets, but also to make it even brighter and sweeter. 
    Another important aspect of my vision is feminine touch. When in Sfumato, one should feel that there’s a woman at the helm of the kitchen. We show huge respect in our job – for the guests, and for the ingredients as well. When a person comes to me and says: “I’ve never enjoyed beetroot, celeriac, or cauliflower, but after visiting Sfumato I’ve changed my mind”. This is the greatest compliment. We take care of our guests, our dishes are healthy. If people in Dubai start to eat more veggies, and there’s at least a tiny fraction of my contribution, it’ll feel right to me.
    The menu features ample variety for meat lovers but the vegetarian dishes particularly stand-out because of the choice of ingredients and the preparation behind it – can you take us through the process?
    We use various techniques, of course, – fire, sous vide, dehydration, molecular techniques, – but fas a chef, fire is still one of my favorites. We’ve got josper – and I’m a 100% fan of this smoky taste it gives the products. I personally eat lots of vegetables and roots, although I’m not a vegetarian and enjoy good meat, fish, eggs, cheese etc. But when you can cook veggies right, you (and your guests) just fall in love with them.  
    While Dubai is known for its opulent gastronomical scene, SFUMATO Gastro Atelier is particularly minimal in principle and virtue – how do you think it will be perceived?
    I hope that Dubai is ready to try something new. We hear our guests say that there’s nothing like Sfumato in Dubai. Our minimalistic approach is truly unique. Tons of truffle and oysters, opulent sophisticated dishes, – this is not about us, and I truly believe that our philosophy will be well received.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Royal Wedding: Details of Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s upcoming nuptials

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    24 mins ago

    Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan is soon to be married to Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia.
    The couple got engaged last year in August at the to-be-bride’s paternal home in Saudi. Ever since the engagement, the couple have made multiple joint appearances in public, most recent being Princess Iman of Jordan’s wedding in March.
    When is the next Royal Wedding?
    After the first big wedding of the year for the Jordanian Royal Family earlier this year, HRH Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif are expected to tie the knot in June, 2023. The festivities and traditional celebrations are supposed to take place between May 26 and Jun 1, leading up to a grand ceremony on the last day.
    Where is the next Royal wedding?
    According to the Arabian Royal Agency, the Royal Hashemite Court released a statement with details regarding the impending nuptials. “The wedding ceremony of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein and Ms. Rajwa Khalid Al Saif will be at Zahran Palace then the wedding procession will move to Al Husseiniya Palace.” Further adding, “At Husseiniya Palace, a Dinner banquet will be held and there will be a closed reception and banquet for the media.”
    Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
    Rajwa is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalid bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
    Ahead ofthe wedding, here are some of the most adorable moments between the bride-to-be and the Royal family.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @alhusseinjo @queenrania @arabianroyalagency More

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    Here’s why Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was at the Coronation concert

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    Sonam Kapoor Ahuja was honoured with the duty of doing a spoken word performance at the coronation concert of King Charles III.
    After the official swearing in cereomony on day 1, day 2 of the coronation festivities was all about celebration. The concert held at the Windsor Castle was the first major event orchestrated to introduce the 40th Monarch of Britain.
    Besides the Bollywood actor, celebrities like Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Nicole Scherzinger, Paloma Faith, and Andrea Bocelli also performed at this grand event.
    Beginning her speech with ‘namaste’, the Indian way of greeting hello — the 37 year-old star went on to speak about the diversity of the Commonwealth.
    “Our Commonwealth is a union. Together we are one-third of the world’s people, one-third of the world’s ocean, one-quarter of the world’s land. Each of our countries is unique. Each of our people is special. But we choose to stand as one. Learning from our history, blessed by our diversity, driven by our values and determined to build a more peaceful, sustainable and prosperous future for everyone, where every voice is heard. Without further ado, here’s welcoming the incredible voices from across the Commonwealth,” expressed the Neerja actor in her speech. Sonam then introduced the virtual choir performances by the Commonwealth and also introduced Steve Winwood’s performance.
    For the big night, Sonam, who is known for her indomitable sartorial sense collaborated with two designers (Indian designer Anamika khanna and British designer Emilia Wickstead) from the two countries she calls home. “Historic moments call for fashion moments. I’m honored to mark the unforgettable occasion of the #Coronationconcert by wearing the collaborative vision of two of the most incredible designers from the two countries I’m lucky to call home.”

    In a floor-length, off-white gown with a print that payed homage to both her homelands, Sonam commanded the stage with style and confidence.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    How SHA Wellness launched the world’s first anti-ageing bed for total regerenation

    Dr. Vicente Mera, Head of Internal Medicine and Anti-Ageing, Anti-Tobacco and Sleep Medicine at SHA Wellness Clinic on the latest advances in wellness.
    Talk us through your career to date.
    I am a Spanish senior consultant physician and specialist in Internal Medicine, trained at the Clinica Puerta de Hierro (Madrid, Spain) after more than 30 years of clinical bedside practice in hospitals. Fifteen years ago, I obtained (London, UK and Melbourne, Australia) the registration (ABAARM) of A4A and became the head of the Anti-ageing Department at SHA Wellness Clinic. In recent years, I have dedicated my practice to preventing, diagnosing, and treating accelerated ageing on the clinical ground. My practical expertise includes genomics, microbiota, physical training, sleep medicine, cognitive disorders, immunotherapy, hormonal replacement, healthy nutrition, detoxifying procedures, stress management, and regenerative and revitalising medicine to give more life to years, rather than more years to life. I look at the Eastern methods for healthy ageing treatments, mainly related to nutrition and stress management, with great interest as a helpful counterpart. In October 2022, I received a European Medical Award in Medicine for the category of “Anti- ageing Medicine” in Paris. I am the author of several articles published in academic journals of medicine, as well as my latest book, “Joven A Cualquier Edad” (English version -Young At Any Age- coming soon)

    SHA Wellness Clinic provides the latest advances in Western medicine – was this key from the outset?
    SHA Wellness Clinic exists today as the result of a transformative personal health experience under- gone by the destination’s founder, Alfredo Bataller Parietti. Bataller Parietti was unfortunate to receive a troubling diagnosis from a doctor, that was a threat to his quality of life. Alfredo was able to overcome the condition with integrative medicine, in particular with healthy and healing nutrition, natural therapies and lifestyle changes. Inspired by his experience, Bataller Parietti, along with the support of his family, set out to create a unique project that combined techniques and therapies from both medical and natural therapies to help people have longer and better-quality lives. This is the founding concept of SHA Wellness, which was founded in 2008 near Altea Bay in Spain. Since its opening, the property’s team of certified medical and wellness experts has successfully merged ancient philosophies with the latest advances in Western and Eastern medicine to generate scientifically proven results and become a world-leading authority on preventive health. Today, SHA Wellness Clinic is a global pioneer in preventive medicine and holistic wellness. The SHA 360o SHA method is the term given to the fusion of the latest advances in scientific medicine with the most effective and proven natural therapies, combined with healthy and balanced nutrition, that collectively provide an ideal state of health.
    The clinic has the world’s first anti-ageing bed – tell us more.
    To further enhance guest sleep experience, SHA has incorporated the HOGO sleep system which can be found exclusively at the Presidential and Royal suites. This is a new and improved mattress concept that instantly improves the quality of sleep, promotes mental balance, reduces stress and cell regeneration, and enhances overall daily functionality. This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep thus improving immune function and guaranteeing an overall healthier lifestyle. Aside from being an anti-ageing rest system, HOGO has been credited to improve athletes’ recovery time by acting as a potent anti-inflammatory while also reducing basal cortisol and improving the immune system. Cristiano Ronaldo and his wife Georgina Rodriguez have claimed to have felt the change this has had in their sleep since the beginning of using the system and they credit it as ‘the secret’ to effectively managing their busy lifestyles.

    You focus on bioidentical hormone therapy and genomic counselling – how does this naturally cure ailments?
    Genetic counselling lets you know your health’s weakest and most vital points. The best hormonal environment enables the prevention and, eventually, cure of ailments related to overeating, lack of exercise, poor stress management, detox capacity, sleep disturbances and microbiota dysbiosis.
    The clinic offers a host of treatments including anti-smoking pro- grammes, nutrition therapies and more. Can you expand on these offerings?
    SHA Wellness offers six programs including Optimal Weight, Advanced Detox, Intensive/Optimal Weight and Advanced Detox, Healthy Ageing, Rebalance and Leader’s Performance – cu- rated to address different health concerns, requirements and objectives. There are also four ‘focused’ divisions, addressing specific health issues including Gut Health, Sleep Recover, Stress Management and Anti-Tobacco. The anti-tobacco programme offers various treatments and therapies focused on addictions to help transition away from smoking in a healthy and controlled manner. With the goal to recover normal bodily functions without the challenging side effects of withdrawal and relapse, SHA’s team of professionals encourage healthier habits for guest lifestyles and to strengthen their commitment to permanently quitting tobacco. The programme begins with a general health checkup followed by individualized treatments including acupuncture, magneto therapy, aquatic therapy, relaxation and more. A personalised nutrition and health plan is then curated for every individual’s physical requirement and for a unique and fully holistic experience.
    “This innovative invention also helps to reverse the signs of ageing and encourages the body’s natural ability to regenerate during sleep.”
    The facility improves clients’ long-term sleep – talk us through this programme.
    ‘Sleep Recovery’ is one of the more focused divisions at SHA, combining Western diagnostic techniques and natural therapies to alleviate sleep problems and put the body in total rest mode. The recommended stay is seven or fourteen days and includes a general medical consultation with a specialist at the beginning and at the end of the course. In addition, guests will receive individual treatments and therapies best suited to them, including a polygraph for the diagnosis of sleep at night, neurocognitive assessment, stress management session, energy health assessment, infrared heat and electromagnetic balance session, mindfulness session, Tibetan healing bowls therapy, brain pho- photobiomodulation session, psychophysiological monitoring of sleep and more. The primary objective is to identify the integrative causes that generate sleep problems, via measurements using specialised technology of the natural rhythms of the human body. Once the origin of the pathology has been determined, specific treatments and therapies focused on the gradual restoration of the natural sleep cycle are then applied, in order to achieve restful sleep and recover adequate energy levels for a full and healthy life. Guests will also have full access to SHA’s world-class wellness facilities, receive a bespoke nutrition plan and enjoy delicious and healthy gastronomy from SHA’s talented culinary team.
    Wellness concepts have grown in the Middle East over the years – how have you seen this evolve?
    The wellness industry in the Middle East has demonstrated significant growth in recent years and this trend is set to continue. For many years, travellers within the region have regularly enjoyed massages and yoga retreats in traditional spa facilities, but when the pandemic hit, wellness took a new urgency and became a priority for many. This accelerated the demand for bespoke destinations that incorporated holistic and advanced wellness treatments with integra- tive solutions to promote long-term health for body, mind and soul. Over the years, we had many guests from the Middle East visit SHA Wellness in Spain, a strong reflection of the growing demand from this region for transformative wellness experiences. With this in mind, the UAE was the perfect location in which to expand our presence and deliver our unique approach to integrative health for new audiences.

    SHA Emirates is set to open in 2025 – what can we expect at this one-of-a-kind getaway?
    After a decade of transforming the lives of thousands of people from around the world at our current location in Spain, we dreamt of crossing the seas to new continents. We wanted more and more people to benefit from our philosophy of integrative health and well-being. For years we travelled to dozens of locations in search of the perfect nature, warm weather, and accessibility to replicate SHA. It was not easy, but we finally found everything we could imagine and more at the seaside destination of AlJurf, in the United Arab Emirates. The luxury development is surrounded by wildlife and nestled in a beautiful serene landscape. It’s the perfect place for people looking to escape city life and recuperate”, said Alejandro Bataller Pineda, Vice President of SHA Wellness Clinic. The opening of SHA Emirates is set to bring world-class treatments to the region for the very first time. SHA Wellness Clinic has become a benchmark for luxury wellness. Always ahead of every innovation in the field, the brand has become a global name synonymous with medical advances and pioneering programs, certified through the almost 100 international awards received during its 11 years of existence.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you use your time wisely?
    In a week, I try to work no more than 40 hours, rest not less than 40 hours and enjoy life during the remaining 88 hours.
    May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    All the Arab Royals who graced the Coronation of King Charles III in the UK

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    34 mins ago

    In a historic ceremony last weekend, the world watched King Charles III become the 40th reigning monarch of the UK.
    Making the grand affair truly global, Arab royals from across the Middle East made their way to the UK.
    Spread across two days, King Charles III’s coronation was divided in multiple events. From the offcial swearing in ceremony at the Westminster Abbey to the coronation concert the following day, it was an eventful weekend in the UK.
    Apart from King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, the entire Wales family made their presence felt at the Coronation. From all of his children and siblings to grand children, the family stood beside each other in unison. To perform their royal duties, members of the royal family made their customary appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony after the official ceremony.
    Besides the UK royals, Kings and Queens from across the world marked the event with their presence, including important royal members from the Arab world. Scroll below to see all the Middle Eastern royals who graced the coronation of King Charles III.

    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @arabianroyalagency More

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    5 Steps For Tapping Into Motivation, Direct From The Pros

    We’re meant to start a new year full of beans, dreams and a renewed sense of purpose… At least that’s what Instagram tells us. But, if it feels like you’re in a rut or can’t quite work up the energy to do whatever it is you really want to do, you’re not stuck in neutral alone. Just one example: 52 per cent of unhappy employees say they lack energy and motivation, according to a recent Indeed survey. No matter where you think your drive is – or isn’t – right now, these simple steps can help to rev up your motivation. Hint: it’s all about embracing the long game and being kinder to yourself.

    1. Do Something 

    Reality check: drive isn’t something that only lucky people have, like great hair or fast feet. Anyone can develop drive (or motivation – experts use them interchangeably) if you know how to go about it.

    “People often think of motivation and drive as the big flame that happens if you take lighter fluid and spray it all over a grill,” says Steve Magness, an executive coach, performance expert and co-author of the book Peak Performance. “A better way to think about drive is that you get some coal, light the fire and let it slow burn over time. That allows us to sustain and cook whatever we’re trying to cook.” 

    James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, writes that “one of the most surprising things about motivation is that it comes after starting a new behaviour, not before.” In other words, you don’t just get motivated, then do something. You do something, and that gets you motivated. “Getting started, even in very small ways … naturally produces momentum,” he writes. If starting out, even in a “very small way,” feels like anything from a minor sticking point to a monumental obstacle, he recommends making the first few steps so easy that you waste no energy thinking about doing them.

    So instead of waiting “until you feel like it” to overhaul your LinkedIn profile to get the job you want, block out 10 minutes to play around with the first entry. Instead of trying to overhaul your nutrition, start by planning what you’ll have for breakfast most days and buying the ingredients.

    2. Remove Barriers

    Even the pro athletes sometimes have a tough time getting started, says Magness, who has worked with NBA players and Olympians. “What saves these athletes is that their environment is set up in a way that lowers the bar – there’s less activation energy that’s needed to get out the door.” They have trainers devising their workouts, training partners depending on them to show up. Their systems are organised to minimise hurdles. And good news: you can do the same. 

    During a rough period when Magness says he was working too much and finding excuses not to exercise, he added five minutes to his evening commute to get to a park where he liked to run. The easy choice would have been to take the faster way home. But by going a few minutes out of his way and seeing his running shoes on the passenger seat, he removed the barrier to taking that run. “It’s almost like your brain sees running as the easier decision now. Those cues are inviting you to take that action, and you don’t have to think about it,” he explains.

    Success strategy: Unlocking motivation is all about the long game, say experts. Seeing drive as a slow burn to sustain rather than a big flame.

    3. Create Micro-goals

    Dr David Zald has watched motivation disappear. He’s the director of the Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research at Rutgers University. His research has found that this happens when the workload seems too heavy or the rewards too far off. The obvious but hard-to-see-when-you’re-in-it solution is to break that big goal into smaller, doable tasks. 

    “Below your goal are subgoals, each of which has its own subgoals, cascading down to specific behaviours,” says Dr James M. Diefendorff, a professor of industrial/organisational psychology. Goals closer to the top of the hierarchy explain why you’re doing what you’re doing and reflect your values, while goals further down explain how the goal will be met, he says. Subgoals help you understand the steps you need to take and give you tasks to succeed at along the way – both help make long-term goals more manageable. Feeling like you’re making progress also feeds drive.

    So below ‘take all my vacation days this year,’ subgoals might be: ‘narrow down Airbnbs to two,’ then ‘email options to friends,’ and finally ‘book it.’ Similarly, if you’re having a hard time getting excited about a long run, promise yourself that you’ll run a kilometre or so, then take a break, and repeat that pattern until you’re finished, tips Zald.

    Key in on the phrase ‘take a break,’ too. You’re more likely to stick to a goal if you earn immediate rewards for steps you take rather than delaying rewards until you’re finished, according to research by Dr Ayelet Fishbach, author of Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation.

    4. Stop One Rep Short

    If you’re driven, you’re always pushing yourself hard… right? Performance coach Brad Stulberg wants to change your mind about that. In his new book, The Practice of Groundedness, he makes the case that “anyone can crush themselves and do an Instagram-worthy workout or all-nighter. That’s actually pretty easy. What is hard is maintaining drive for longer periods of time.” To keep it going, “force yourself to stop the equivalent of one rep short, day in and day out. Doing that is all about going a little slower today so you can go faster tomorrow.” Close the laptop at 6pm instead of 7pm. Sit down to eat lunch. Drive runs on sustainable energy, so feed it right.

    Success strategy: Rather than driving to the basket non-stop, be patient with yourself and look after your energy levels for a real motivation winner.

    5. Let Drive Change

     “The pandemic altered the lives of nearly everyone and led millions to re-evaluate and clarify the core of what is important, essential or meaningful in life – which may not be climbing the corporate ladder,” says Diefendorff.

    What sets you on fire can be a moving target, since we become interested in different things and develop different values over the course of our lives, he adds. To understand what you care about, try thinking about what happens on your best days. What gives you energy and excitement? If you don’t want to switch jobs or goals to feel a sense of drive again, “try to structure your day to ensure that some ‘best day’ activities can be experienced at least some of the time,” Diefendorff suggests.

    The post 5 Steps For Tapping Into Motivation, Direct From The Pros appeared first on Women’s Health. Words by Emily Sohn More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Aman New York is the perfect mix of peace and fast-paced

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    2 hours ago

    East meets West and old meets new. Manhattan’s iconic Crown Building is reimagined as Aman New York, where the city’s original architectural splendour and Aman’s harmonious design language collide, projecting the inimitable tranquillity of Aman in the heart of Manhattan’s midtown. It boasts a year-round Garden Terrace, flagship Aman Spa and spacious suites that are among the largest in the city.
    The Stay
    Among the most spacious in the city, Aman New York’s Suites and Signature Suites are inspired by the airy architecture of Aman’s properties in Southeast Asia. Ideal for business or leisure guests alike, they offer never-before experienced sense of sanctuary in the very heart of Manhattan’s midtown – an invitation to switch off from the outside world. From the Junior Suite on Fifth Avenue to the Aman Suite, each offers a functioning fireplace, a first in New York City, while bathrooms (the dividing doors alone took two years to design) are opulent and oversized with oval soaking bathtubs designed to deliver peace at the end of a busy day.

    The Dining
    Bringing Aman’s eastern roots to one of the West’s greatest cities, Nama celebrates the Japanese washoku dining tradition with authentic, uncomplicated and elegant dishes that champion the world’s finest produce. The restaurant also features a Japanese Hinoki wood counter for hosting omakase fine dining experiences.
    The Wellness
    In the heart of Manhattan, Aman Spa New York reaches new, uncharted heights in the city, epitomising the phrase urban sanctuary with over 2,300 square metres (25,000 square feet) of space dedicated to wellbeing. Bringing to life the fullest expression of Aman’s health and wellness concept yet, it offers unmatched facilities including two luxurious private Spa Houses, along with transformative experiences and cutting-edge wellness and performance science, acting as a wellspring for enhanced wellbeing beyond its physical boundaries. Occupying the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors, Aman Spa New York is imbued with a deeply contemplative ambience designed using natural materials to create a grounding environment. Every detail has been carefully considered to ease guests along their wellness journey, whether consulting with a functional and integrative medical doctor, Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner or experienced Physiotherapist.

    The Hero Experience
    A quintessential New York concept reimagined by Aman, the Jazz Club brings a sense of occasion back to Midtown Manhattan in speakeasy style. Nightly live performancesinclude jazz, alongside a range of other genres that stem from this great class of music, while an array of New York DJs invoke the energy of celebration and the nostalgia of years-goneby. Whether you’re usually in bed at 9pm or not, this is a must visit while you’re in the city that never sleeps. You won’t regret it.
    May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More