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    Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal will officially accept bookings from next month

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    44 mins ago

    Dubai is all about luxurious cityscapes and with that the highly anticipated Atlantis The Royal is gearing up for its public opening.
    With dates officially moved to February 10 onwards, the bookings have now been moved back a month from its initial launch of March 2023.
    This expansive property features 795 rooms, suites and a penthouse with a series of record-breaking experiences including the largest jellyfish aquarium in the world, the first-ever Nobu by the Beach, meditation with the dolphins, unique fire and water fountains and other one-of-a-kind experiences.

    The standard rooms start at a price of Dhs4,066 per night and a sky pool villa with a private infinity pool is priced at Dhs19,000 per night. Designed with vertical gardens, an expensive sky bridge and other dramatic features to promise the ultimate mega-resort experience.
    Those keen to book can opt for the Three Bedroom Sky Terrace Suite complemented by 24-hour butler service, access to the Daily Royal Club, daily breakfast at all-day dining restaurants across Atlantis Dubai, complimentary entry to Atlantis Explorers Club, daily entry to Aquaventure Waterpark, Skyblaze Fountain, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, AWAKEN Fitness which includes thermal facilities and an outdoor lap pool at a starting price of Dhs17,417.
    The resort is set to host a grand invite-only weekend event open to special VIP guests this month from January 20 to January 22, 2023 with leading celebrities such as Beyoncé performing at an exclusive concert.
    Swipe to see a first-hand look inside the property:

    So, if you’re planning ahead for Valentine’s Day you know exactly where to book next month.
    For a chance to be one of the first to stay at Atlantis the Royal, book your stay for 2023 on atlantis.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @atlantistheroyal More

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    How To Survive Work During the Gloomiest Season of the Year

    Shorter days, a lack of sunlight, and freezing temperatures can easily kill off any and all productivity and passion, and getting through work during the gloomiest time of the year can feel like an insurmountable task. This is especially true for those struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of depression related to changes in seasons. Typically SAD starts in the fall and continues throughout the winter before resolving on its own in the spring. However, that is a long time to be struggling at work when you’re trying to pay your bills and keep a roof over your head.
    So if you’ve been feeling a bit “blah” lately and lacking all work-related motivation, you’ve come to the right place. Thankfully, with the right tips and tricks, you can survive work during the gloomiest time of the year. Keep on reading to learn how.

    1. Take short breaks away from your desk
    Due to the lack of sun exposure and vitamin D and disruption to our internal body clocks, we all feel a bit more tired and sluggish during the winter. Unsurprisingly, this often correlates to less physical activity. This lack of movement, though, can only add to your lethargy and just make you feel a bit more “blah.” To counter this inactivity and refresh your mind, take short breaks away from your desk periodically throughout the day. Doing things like getting up and going for a quick walk, splashing cold water on your face, or finding a quiet space to do mindful meditation or deep breathing for a few minutes can be beneficial. Eating lunch away from your desk can also be helpful too.
    Taking short breaks away from your desk will help break things up, and the change of scenery can help your mind refocus and reset. This short burst of movement is also likely to reinvigorate you a little bit, which will give you a small amount of much-needed energy to continue making boss-chick moves. Plus, extra movement can help release endorphins, which can act as a natural antidepressant and relieve some stress and anxiety.

    2. Try conscious connected breathing
    Breathwork is one of the best mindfulness tools because it can be done anywhere—like at your desk or corner in your office. There are many different forms of breathwork out there, but breathwork practitioner, spiritual mentor, and CEO Alyse Bacine, swears by a technique called conscious connected breathing. “It’s the perfect way to shift your energy out of stagnation and depression related to SAD,” Bacine told me.
    With this technique, you lay down for 15-20 minutes in a quiet space and breathe in and out through your mouth in a circular pattern with no space between the inhale and exhale. “Set the intention that you’re going to shift your energy and journal about how you’re feeling or what you’re grateful for before or after,” Bacine said. “This will shift your energy into gratitude which is the highest frequency in the universe.”

    3. Set Boundaries
    It can be difficult to separate yourself from work, especially if you’re self-employed or work from home. Think about it: How often do you “log off” for the night only to check your email the second you hear a notification, lest you miss something from work? It’s natural to want to perform well at your job and keep your boss happy, but never turning off “work mode” can be draining. The truth is, everyone needs time to rest and recharge; without it, you’re more likely to get burnt out and your work performance will suffer.
    When it comes down to it, the best thing you can do for yourself is set boundaries. Maybe this means not responding to emails after a certain time or avoiding work-related discussions after hours. Whatever the case may be, setting boundaries will give you the opportunity to rest and renew, and you’ll go into the following work day sharper and on your game.

    4. Dress for Success
    There’s some truth to the old saying “dress for success.” During the winter, there’s a real temptation to bundle up in cozy, comfy clothing, and this is especially true if you spend the most of your time working from home. However, wearing ratty, old clothing around the clock is not going to make you feel good about yourself, which is why during working hours, make it a point to dress for success.
    Dressing for success doesn’t mean throwing on an expensive pantsuit (unless you want to, then by all means). Rather, it means wearing clothing that makes you feel good, like a chic loungewear set or cute top. Likewise, if dabbing on a bit of blush or applying a drop of mascara will help you feel better and more confident, then you should absolutely put some on for work. Taking the time to put on and wear things that make you feel your best will give you an energy boost and the confidence to kill it at work.

    5. Keep a mindfulness journal
    Keeping a mindfulness journal can help you recenter and ground yourself, relieve feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, and remind you of how far you’ve come. It’s also a great way to cultivate self-awareness, increase gratitude, and uncover detrimental behavior and thought patterns. Regularly using a mindfulness journal will make you feel better equipped to handle the season because you’ll be more in touch with yourself and your emotions and help you get out of your own head and remove yourself from the cycle of overthinking.

    6. Upgrade Your Desk
    Having a desk you love will naturally make you feel more motivated and inspired, and if your setup currently leaves a lot to be desired, it might be time for an upgrade. Your upgrade doesn’t have to be anything big—it can be purchasing a new keyboard, desk lamp, plant, or simply reorganizing what you already do have. Having work tools you love is also going to make you more excited to work, and in turn, you’ll be more productive.

    7. Be 5% kinder
    I recently listened to an episode of Jay Shetty’s podcast that featured Khloé Kardashian. During the episode, Kardashian mentioned that being just 5% kinder can make the biggest difference in the world. This stuck with me because of its sheer simplicity and truth—it costs $0 to be kind, but for some reason, kindness is often hard to come by.
    Make a conscious effort to be 5% kinder to yourself and everyone else moving forward. Hold the door open for someone else, be gentle and compassionate with yourself and rest on days you’re struggling, patiently listen to a co-worker vent instead of rolling your eyes behind their back, or take your family member’s phone call instead of letting it go to voicemail. Little acts of kindness will make you feel good and radiate light and positivity out into the world during a time filled with so much gloom and doom. In turn, you’ll feel lighter, clearheaded, and more excited for work.
    In addition, be mindful of using social media because it can easily become a toxic place. Tristan Thibodeau is a brand strategist and CEO who encourages social media users to engage with forethought. “A lack of emotional intelligence can turn social media into an ugly place very quickly,” she divulged to me. “Part of you wants to have compassion for these people because they must be carrying so much negativity. But at the same time, it’s frustrating to watch them take zero responsibility for their emotions as they project their unhappiness onto innocent strangers online.” If you find that you’re logging off social media feeling worse than when you logged on because of toxicity or falling into the comparison trap, consider taking a break from it for a little bit. No amount of likes or comments is worth sacrificing your mental health.

    8. Take Care of Your Body
    This one probably seems like a no-brainer, but we so often put self-care on the back burner. Make it a point to eat foods that make you feel good and are good for you, get plenty of rest, and drink enough water. Take the time to check in with your body and see how you’re feeling. If there’s an area where you feel you’re lacking, figure out what you can do to nourish it. Taking care of yourself outside of the workplace will translate to taking care of business inside of it.
    That said, if you feel like you’re really struggling, it is never a bad idea to talk to your doctor. As a professional, they’ll be able to further guide you in the right direction and provide you with the necessary tools to overcome. Millions of Americans suffer from SAD every year, so try to remember that you’re not alone and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. In truth, we all feel a bit gloomy during this time of year, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer alone. Don’t ever forget that you are a divine and deserving human being, and you have absolutely every right to be successful and happy.

    20 Productivity Hacks To Make Your Day Easier More

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    How to declutter your home with this Dubai-based professional organiser

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    58 mins ago

    Salam Shaban, professional Dubai-based organizer and founder of Tidymess, discusses how you can reset your space for a successful 2023.
    What inspired you to enter the organisational space?
    I always loved organising, so it was something I was eager to learn more about. After seeing the amazing work of Marie Kondo I felt inspired to pursue it more seriously. Once I created a system that worked so well for myself and my family, I felt it was important to share it with others.
    You launched Tidymess a few years back. What was the initial response to the concept?
    At the time, it was a very new concept. I found myself having to explain it to most people I knew. Once people started to see my work they thought it was a great idea and encouraged me to pursue it.
    How have things evolved since you launched?
    I’ve been so lucky to have received such a phenomenal response from my clients and social media. This has really helped me grow my business. Every day people hire me and my team to help organize their spaces. We immerse ourselves in their homes and move through their spaces tailoring a highly-functional system. In the beginning, it was difficult to take on large projects, but as my team grew, we are now capable of really helping our clients organise as many spaces in their homes as they need.

    For those who are having a refresh for a new year, what are your top tips to start organising your space and life?
    Before buying anything new, take a minute or two to think about where it is going to live in your home and life. Think about how long you will need this item and what will happen to it in the future when you no longer do it. If it is something that you feel will add no real value to your space, then you most probably don’t need it.

    A particular place where clutter can build is your wardrobe. What is the best way to approach decluttering this space?
    Ask yourselves questions such as: When was the last time you wore it?; Is it in good condition?; Does it have sentimental value?; Have you worn it in the past year?; Does it fit you properly? Your answers will help you decide whether you want to keep, donate or store away your item.
    Over the years, what have been the hurdles you’ve experienced when building the Tidymess concept?
    Starting any business from scratch is a challenge. In my case, I was starting a business from scratch about a new concept that few people had heard of. I would say bringing my vision to life was a great challenge because it took a while for people to realize the necessity of adopting a new lifestyle for their homes as opposed to seeing my work as simply “cleaning up” the house.
    What have been the key milestones?
    I would say my first milestone was when I was able to bring in a team to help me serve my clients better. Building a team gave me a sense of accomplishment that something I had started on my own was now growing into something more. My second milestone was after having my third child and realizing that I did not need to stop working. It took a lot of mental and emotional energy to see that it was okay for me to keep doing what I loved. Once I started taking on new projects again, I was so proud of myself and happy that I had not just let it go because of my new responsibilities and busy life.
    What does the future hold for Tidymess?
    Continue to grow and reach more people. Everyone can be a part of this concept. Whether they want to hire our services, buy our favourite products online or simply gain a few ideas from our social media page. I hope my team and I can help more people organize their spaces and love their homes.
    What will you be doing to reset your mindset and body for 2023?
    Keep finding that balance. As a mum of three and founder of a female-owned business, I find myself wearing many hats at once and that can quickly become overwhelming. I just need to keep finding that balance between my home life, work life and also those moments that are just for me.
    January’s – The Reset Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @hutomo-abrianto More

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    This Stress Management Method Is Extreme—But the Benefits Speak for Themselves

    Chances are you’ve seen celebrities, athletes, and that one diehard wellness friend who will try just about any trend (it’s me, hi) documenting their ice bath experiences on TikTok or Instagram in the name of overall well-being (teeth chattering and all). From repairing sore muscles to boosting energy, cold water plunges seem to be what all the cool kids are doing. But submerging in cold water for its health-promoting properties is nothing new—it dates back centuries with Hippocrates recorded as an OG stan, documenting the use of cold water for medicinal purposes and pain relief in fourth century BC. (He went so far as stating that “the water can cure everything.”) Today’s biggest proponent of cold water immersion is arguably the cold-embracing Dutch, Wim Hof. 
    Aptly nicknamed “The Iceman,” Hof is an athlete with seemingly superhuman abilities and an intriguing leader in the world of health and wellness all in one. Case in point: He has set over 20 Guinness World Records, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest wearing just shorts, running a half marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot and in shorts (sense the theme?), and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes. Impressive feats aside, he’s perhaps best known as the creator of the Wim Hof Method and the guy who made the cold plunge a modern global phenomenon (you might recognize him from Netflix’s The Goop Lab or BBC’s Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof).
    From the likes of Oprah, Lizzo, and Kendall Jenner to wellness-seeking enthusiasts all over the world, Hof has amassed millions of devotees who swear by his three-pronged method for its physical and mental health benefits. Read on for what the Wim Hof Method is, its advantages, why everyone’s getting their cold on, and whether it’s worth giving the practice a go, according to experts. 

    In this article

     
    What is the Wim Hof Method? 
    After decades of self-exploration and scientific studies, Hof created the Wim Hof Method to stimulate the body to develop a higher level of control over the autonomic nervous system (AKA the system that controls the body’s “fight-or-flight” response and the “rest-and-digest” body processes), thereby controlling its pain and stress response, using a foundation of breathing, cold therapy, and a commitment to master your own body and mind. In other words, think of it as stress management for modern life. “The Wim Hof Method is a systematic approach to nervous system regulation and stress resilience,” summarized Dr. Kelly Kessler, a licensed physical therapist, wellness coach, and owner of Optimal You Health and Wellness, LLC.
    According to the Wim Hof Method website, the first pillar of the method—breathing—is “the easiest and most instrumental part of the autonomic nervous system to control and navigate.” In fact, breathing has been scientifically proven to affect the heart, the brain, digestion, and the immune system. “Conscious breathing involves taking 30-40 deep breaths, an exhalation hold, and then a recovery breath,” Dr. Kessler explained. The second pillar—cold therapy—is just as it sounds: exposing your body to the cold, which can be done using various techniques—from ice baths to cold showers to cryotherapy. Lastly, the third pillar—commitment—comes down to increasing your willpower and self-control in order to fully master both conscious breathing and cold exposure. “Commitment involves training self-control, improving discipline, and overriding impulses, and initial emotional responses,” Dr. Kessler elaborated. 

    What are the benefits of the Wim Hof Method?
    While breaking a sweat, taking a long soak, or getting a mani pedi may be stress management standbys, you’d be hard-pressed to find an activity that single-handedly touts as many health benefits as the Wim Hof Method: strengthened immune system, better sleep, increased energy, heightened metabolism, decreased inflammation, enhanced happiness, regulated stress levels, boosted mind-body connection, just to name a few.
    “One of the more profound benefits to the Wim Hof Method is reducing stress and anxiety,” Dr. Kessler said. “Stress and anxiety are a result of the brain’s perception of a potential threat to the system. The Wim Hof Method trains a ‘top-down’ approach in which we can train our brains to not respond as impulsively, thus increasing our overall resilience to stress.” Dr. Carolina Estevez, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist at Infinite Recovery, agreed: “With regular practice, the Wim Hof Method can help strengthen the body’s response to stress and increase its ability to cope with challenging situations. This improved resilience helps practitioners stay calm and focused in difficult times, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving skills.”
    Still think it’s all just woo-woo? In a 2014 study, subjects trained by Wim Hof practiced meditation, exposure to cold, and breathing techniques for over a week, and results showed that the sympathetic nervous system (read: stress response) and immune system can in fact be voluntarily influenced. The main takeaway? By utilizing the Wim Hof Method, you can help keep stress at bay and aid in improving the immune system. 
     
    Why is cold water therapy all the rage?
    Cold water therapy–namely cold water immersion–has been in the spotlight in its own right, and for good reason. Researchers in Finland who studied the effect of regular winter swimming (four times a week for four months) discovered a significant decrease in tension and fatigue and an improvement in mood and memory in the study’s participants. What’s more, those who suffered from rheumatism, asthma, and fibromyalgia expressed pain relief. Although further research is needed to prove that other factors of the study (i.e. exercising, socializing, being outdoors, placebo effect) didn’t play a role in the reported effects on mental health, there’s science to back up why cold water immersion, simply put, makes you feel great.
    “Cold water therapy induces a number of changes and reactions in the human body that are beneficial across physical, cognitive, and mental health,” described Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. “Exposure to cold activates the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the brain release of norepinephrine—an adrenal hormone that helps people feel more ‘up’ naturally. During whole body cold exposure, the spontaneous release of opioids and cannabinoids in the brain are promoted, which has the potential to create a feeling of well-being, mood control, and reduced anxiety.”
    Dr. Sony Sherpa, a holistic physician and writer at Nature’s Rise, affirmed that exposure to cold water can help alleviate stress and anxiety by soothing the vagus nerve. “The vagus nerve is a part of your parasympathetic nervous system, the system that’s responsible for relaxing your body after experiencing danger or stress,” Dr. Sherpa described. “When you expose yourself to cold temperatures, such as taking a cold shower or washing your face with cold water, you slow down your sympathetic nervous system that’s activated when you’re under stress or anxiety. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, your heart rate slows down, your breathing stabilizes, and your blood pressure decreases. In short, your body relaxes.”

    @lizzo
    ♬ original sound – lizzo

     
    Are there downsides to the Wim Hof Method?
    There’s no denying the myriad of benefits the Wim Hof Method offers, but it does come with some potential risks. “The Wim Hof Method intentionally activates the sympathetic (fight, flight, freeze) response of the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to hyperventilation and potentially fainting,” Dr. Kessler pointed out. “It is important to consult with a medical professional prior to starting the Wim Hof Method, especially for anyone with a heart condition. This is a method where proper implementation and training are essential for safety.”
    Then, there are the possible dangers that come specifically with cold water therapy. “Cold water immersion can lower your heart rate and blood pressure, which could be dangerous for people with certain health conditions,” Dr. Estevez illustrated. “Additionally, inexperienced practitioners [of the Wim Hof Method] may not be aware of the proper technique and could potentially cause harm by trying to push too hard or too fast.” Other probable negative side effects include frostbite, hypothermia, and heart arrhythmias. Bottom line: As with any health and wellness trend, speak with a healthcare professional before taking the plunge. 

    Should you try the Wim Hof Method?
    It’s hard not to be intrigued by the purported natural high supporters of the method claim and what it evidently does for stress management, but is it right for you? “Wim Hof breathing is definitely worth trying if you are interested in building resilience in the face of stressors, and if you’re able to engage in it safely,” conveyed Aubry Alvarez-Bakker, Ph.D., a licensed and board-certified clinician and a neuropsychology researcher at the Yes Supply Institute. “Because some practitioners report that it can take a few months of consistent practice before they notice the maximum benefits, you may have a better experience if you go into it being open-minded about focusing less on the outcome, and more on enjoying the process. If you can do that, after a few months, or perhaps sooner, you will likely feel more at peace each day.”
    The best part of the Wim Hof Method other than the supposed benefits? It’s accessible and doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg (looking at you, $13K cold plunge). “The Wim Hof method has provided many people with an alternative way to take control of their health and promote overall well-being,” Dr. Kessler expressed. “The beauty of it is that it does not require fancy equipment and it can be done right at your own home. Changing the stress of the world is not in your control, however improving your ability to be more resilient to stress through the Wim Hof Method is a powerful way to be a healthier version of yourself.” 
    To get a taste of the Wim Hof Method, start with the breathing exercises laid out on the Wim Hof Method website while taking a cold shower: Adjust the temperature to the absolute coldest you can tolerate for a minimum of ten seconds and work your way up to one minute or end your shower with 10-60 seconds of cold water.
     
    Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. If you think you may be experiencing mental health symptoms, please seek help from your doctor, a mental health professional, and/or a trusted friend or family member. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

    6 Easy Habits That Have Made a Huge Difference in My Stress Levels More

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    Step Aside, Coffee: I Started Using This as a Replacement and I’ve Never Felt Better

    I have to be honest with you, my end of 2022 wasn’t pretty. Between wrapping up work projects, entertaining a far-too-packed social schedule, maintaining a one-bedroom apartment littered with three cats, and carrying the friend group chats on my back (yes, it’s a full time job), my wellness routines were near nonexistent. Here’s a peek at my previous daily routine: get up at 9:15 A.M., log on at 9:30 A.M., work through lunch until 5:30 P.M., scroll on TikTok until 9 P.M. because I simply had no energy to do anything else, and pop a melatonin before bed because God knows, I walked maybe seven steps that day.
    And drinking water? Couldn’t be me. Listen, I’m not proud and I’m only admitting defeat now because I’m on the other side. And if there’s one sugar-free product that has absolutely changed the game in helping my brain fog, improving my energy levels, and actually making me look forward to staying hydrated? It’s Ultima Replenisher—a daily performance drink that I now don’t know how I survived without. I mean really, were my previous routines compatible with life? Unconfirmed.
    I’ve made a lot of small but impactful changes to my routines and adding Ultima Replenisher to my days is no exception. Besides the fact that I look forward to the plant-based flavors and colors (thanks to Stevia, they’re sweet but not overwhelming and don’t taste salty like other hydration supplements I’ve tried), it’s sugar-free and delivers a combination of six essential electrolytes, trace minerals, vitamin C, and zinc without any of that extra junk which we love to see. Plus, right now, you can score 20 percent off sitewide by using code EVERYGIRL20!

     

    How I Use It:

    To beat the afternoon slump
    Don’t get me wrong—I’ll never part ways with my morning coffee. It’s one of the few things that give me the will to live and get out of bed in the morning and it’s a cozy ritual that I enjoy. But the second, third, and fourth cups that do nothing but fuel my anxiety and raise my resting heart rate to 112 despite still fighting the urge to take a midday nap? Not the move. 
    When that midday slump has been hitting, I’ve been coaching myself to step away from my Nespresso and opt for a sugar-free Ultima Replenisher stick instead. Because the flavors are so good (my favorite is the pink lemonade… *chef’s kiss*), it’s like a fun little treat that actually helps me to perk up by providing my body what it actually needs—without all of that extra sugar that would otherwise send me right into a 3 P.M. energy crash. The fact that I haven’t needed a nap in 2023 says it all, TBH.

    To replace electrolytes while working out
    One thing about me? I sweat—a lot. And doing my silly little 12-3-30 or jogging to the Midnights (3 A.M.) album is no exception. My workouts in 2022 absolutely drained me and my theory is this: It wasn’t the actual workouts that were sending me into an exhaustive fit throughout the rest of the day—it was my recovery routine.
    And let’s be clear. By recovery routine, I wholeheartedly mean lack thereof. I’d bust my ass, close my Apple Watch rings, hop in the shower, and never give my recovery a second thought. Lately, I’ve been carving out a few minutes post-workout to stretch and enjoy a sugar-free Ultima Replenisher stick to help replace all of the electrolytes that I lost through my copious amounts of sweat. I’ve been working out in the mornings and despite actually sticking with my workout routine so far this year, I’m feeling more energized than ever. 

    To beat jet lag while traveling
    I’m not sure if it’s the $10 bottles of water or the fear of missing my flight while peeing in the bathroom, but hydration while I’m traveling takes a backseat which makes my jet lag significantly worse. Not to mention the fact that airplanes absolutely suck the soul out of my skin and lips (which are already dry on a good day).
    On busy travel days when I’m tight on space, bringing a few of these sugar-free Ultima Replenisher sticks is such a game-changer. Because they’re so easy to pack and great for on-the-go use, they fit easily into my personal item or carry on and dissolving one in my water bottle in-flight is my newest travel non-negotiable.
    Interested in giving Ultima Replenisher a try? Shop now and use code EVERYGIRL20 to save 20 percent off sitewide!

    Add to Cart: These Items Will Actually Help You Reach Your Resolutions This Year

    This post is sponsored by Ultima Replenisher but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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    Everything to know about the upcoming Wireless Festival in Abu Dhabi

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    With the UAE constantly making its mark in the world of concerts, one of the most popular festivals is soon coming to the capital.
    All set to showcase some of the biggest international hip-hop stars known globally, Wireless Festival Abu Dhabi will celebrate this London-born annual event by showcasing unmissable electric energy.
    With megastars rappers Travis Scott and Lil Uzi Vert announced as the first headliners, this urban music festival organised by Live Nation makes it an unmissable experience for both residents and tourists.
    So, if you’re planning on adding it to your calendar, here’s everything to know about the festival.
    Artists
    Taking the lead for the concert is none other than American rapper Travis Scott, along with others revered in the hip-hop industry such as Lil Uzi Vert. The Cactus Jack record label founder is responsible for tracks including Sicko Mode and Goosebumps, and has collected some 40 billion streams and counting, for the audience to now witness live. As an ode to regional talent, the festival has also confirmed one of the biggest rappers in South Asia and the Middle East, including Egyptian trap artist Wegz, Iraqi Canadian Rapper Ali Gatie and other R&B artists including King, Divine, hip-hop duo Young Stunners.

    Dates
    The concert will make its take place on Saturday, March 13, 2023.
    Location
    This 2023 inaugural edition will be held on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, making it the event of the year with multiple stages and more than 13 live performances in the expansive venue.
    Tickets
    More details regarding tickets will follow soon. The first sale of tickets goes live on Friday, January 13 on ticketmaster. ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @danny-howe More

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    The Big Career Goal You Should Tackle in 2023

    It’s a brand new year, and with that comes a blank slate full of possibilities. Many people immediately think about setting resolutions to hit the gym more, revamp their dating life, or start saving for a big goal. These are all great goals to set, but one area you shouldn’t overlook when it comes to setting goals for the year is what you want to accomplish in your career. Often, career goals can seem intimidating because they can take a while to accomplish and require some deeper strategic thinking, but once you’ve set a big goal you can break it down into smaller goals that can be easier to accomplish month over month.
    Whether you’re brand new to the “real world” and are looking for your first opportunity or have been climbing the ranks for years, there’s almost certainly a new career goal you can add to your list for 2023. In no particular order, here are some goals I’ve set for my career in the past that you might want to consider!

    If you’re ready for a big change: Get hired at a great company 
    Whether you’ve recently graduated or have been working for a while and are feeling a pull towards a new role, the start of the new year can be just the motivation you need to shake things up and focus on getting hired at a great company. I say a great company and not just any company because we want to set the bar high and get exactly what we deserve in 2023! A great company can be different based on what you’re looking for, your industry, and your location, so this is totally subjective based on your wants and needs. 
    If getting a new role speaks to you, you can break it down into more actionable steps and then set deadlines for each step. Micro goals could look like researching companies that offer the compensation and career challenges you’re after, reaching out to connections at those companies, and practicing interview questions. If you start at the beginning of this year and have your target list of dream companies ready for the end of January, you can give yourself the rest of the year to build those connections and hopefully receive an offer by December.

    If you want to level up: Get promoted 
    Love your current company but feel ready to take on new challenges? The goal of getting promoted this year is for you. This is a great goal to set at the beginning of the year because it will give you lots of time to work on any areas you need to develop on your path to promotion. It also gives you time to research and work towards any certifications or courses that could help you jump to the next level. 
    Once you’ve set the goal to get promoted this year, be loud and proud about sharing your intentions at work. Set up a meeting with your manager or HR partner to chat about what a promotion timeline looks like for you. Coming out of that meeting, be sure to record any next steps or agreements made (pro tip: send an email to the relevant parties the next day to ensure you captured everything correctly and have a record of your convo). Then, take every opportunity to showcase the skills you need in order to get promoted, and schedule regular check-ins with your manager to ensure you’re on track.
    Remember to keep a “Wins List” of your accomplishments to have as proof of everything you’ve done that year in service of getting promoted. My personal Wins List always includes key presentations I gave, any initiatives I started above and beyond my job description, and big wins my team had (as well as how I specifically contributed to them). I also include important metrics to tangibly show how I added value over the past year. 

    If you’re a manager (or want to be): Build your leadership skills 
    Let’s say you’re happy with your company and are killing it within your role, but you know you’re not quite ready for a promotion yet (or maybe you recently got one, in which case, yay you!). If you fall into this camp, a goal you could consider is increasing your leadership skills. Leadership skills are important for almost every job as you grow your career, whether or not you want to manage a team or department down the road.
    Increasing your leadership abilities might look like owning more deliverables, taking a greater lead on team projects, or mentoring newer teammates. If you have a team reporting to you already, consider setting a goal of becoming a better manager, finding different ways to coach each of your direct reports, or creating opportunities to be seen as a leader outside of your immediate team.
    Depending on whether you have a team already or not, your micro goals will look a little bit different. If you don’t have a team, take some time to identify areas where you could take on a bigger leadership role and speak to the necessary parties (likely your boss) to see if it’s a possibility. Mentoring a newer teammate could be formal or informal and might look like finding someone who could use support and offering yourself as a resource to answer questions, provide feedback, and give advice.
    If you already manage a team, think about if there are courses you could take or books to read to become a better manager, speak to your boss about growing your team if there’s a need, or build out individual plans with each report to make sure you’re supporting them as best as you can. My career goal for 2023 is to become a better manager, so you’ll definitely find me researching some leadership courses this month!  

    If you’re up for review: Negotiate for the raise you want 
    There’s always a lot of buzz around the “New Year, New You” idea in January, but I propose we change that to “New Year, New Salary” because I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love a bit more cushioning in their bank account. If you’ve been with your company for a while or have a yearly review coming up soon, creating a plan for a salary increase might be the perfect goal to set. Oftentimes companies will go into raise discussions with a prepared budget increase of 3-7% of your salary, so if you want more than that you’ll need to take the time to prepare and state your case through negotiation. 
    If negotiating is a scary thought for you, make 2023 the year you face that fear and ask for what you want! You’ll first want to create a list of all the ways you’ve added value for the company since your last raise, along with any metrics you can provide (think along the lines of “I strategized and launched our TikTok channel which grew our yearly site visits from social media by 35%”).
    Once you have your accomplishments, use online job boards, your network, and any salary publications to help you develop a target number that’s ambitious but still realistic. It can also be helpful to find similar job descriptions in states where salary transparency is required on the posting, such as California or New York, to use as a benchmark. Then, schedule a meeting with your boss and let them know you’d like to discuss your salary. Finally, put on your best hype music (I recommend Lizzo) and go get what you deserve! Remember, if the answer is unfortunately no, try to take that as a “not yet” and ask your manager what you’d need to do to receive the raise you want and what a realistic timeline would be to have the conversation again. 

    If you have an unexplored passion: Build a side hustle
    If you’re in an industry where freelancing is common or you have a skill you know people will pay for, 2023 might be the year you think about finally starting a side hustle. You’ve heard it all before, but having an alternative source of income can be a great security blanket during challenging times, can provide extra funding for a big savings goal, or just give you a little bit of extra fun money (prepare to say yes to that cashmere sweater you’ve had your eye on!). 
    The first micro goal is to figure out what your side hustle is going to be (a bit of a key step!). You could try out freelance writing, selling your art on Etsy, coding websites for small businesses, managing social media for a local organization…the options are truly endless. You’ll want to pick something that has a good hourly rate for the time you’ll be putting in and has enough demand to warrant making it your niche. Your next goals should include researching any licenses or tax implications you need to be aware of (some states require you to have a separate business bank account, for example), determining how many hours you can dedicate per week, and then working on marketing yourself and getting some customers.
    It might sound like a lot, but you can totally launch a profitable side hustle within a few months if you just dedicate a few hours to getting it up and running each week. Trust me, your bank account will thank you! 

    12 Expert-Backed Financial Resolutions To Make This Year—And How To Achieve Them More

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    Reset with the region’s first fully integrated wellness experience

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    How the founder of ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort, Ameer Said has created an immersive wellness experience with a holistic approach in the UAE.
    Talk us through your career.
    I built my career in corporate business development, working for renowned Saudi companies including Saudi Binladen Group and SOOJ International for Development of Economic Cities. I took everything I built throughout my 30 years of experience and focused it on my passion – health and wellness.
    ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort is the region’s first fully integrated experience. What inspired you to launch it?
    After losing my wife and sister to a long battle with cancer and witnessing my mother’s suffering and struggles to perform daily functions in her last years, I recognised the need for prevention over cure. Hence, ZOYA was born out of a determination to address the ailments of the modern world, and to create a special place that protects, nourishes, and invigorates the mind, body, and soul.

    The retreat has a 360-degree focus on the body, mind and soul. Why was it important to incorporate all three?
    The journey towards peace, balance, and rejuvenation comes with focusing on all elements of our being. Unfortunately, we are always more focused on physical health and well-being and tend to forget that without a healthy mind and soul, we cannot transcend into a state of wellness. At ZOYA, we combine unique cutting-edge medical science, physiotherapy, conscious nutrition, and the latest advances in aesthetics to nourish the body and invigorate the mind. Our methods are non-toxic, non-invasive, drug-free, integrative, and holistic – we offer various treatments to create bespoke well-being retreat journeys.
    Oxygen therapy sessions are growing in popularity – tell us more.
    Oxygen therapy is an all-natural treatment that facilitates and optimises the oxygen utilisation of cells and tissues. It improves circulation and reduces heart rate while enhancing physical performance. It also regulates the autonomic nervous system, helps maintain the shorter resting pulse, and aids recovery after exertion by reducing lactic acid build-up. These treatments help with muscle tension, accelerate the healing of wounds and injuries, skin rejuvenation for younger-looking skin, and improve mental wellbeing by boosting relaxation and balance. Our goal is health optimisation; therefore, we offer oxygen therapy sessions as part of all our retreat programmes, where a dedicated team of medical and wellbeing experts will guide guests and provide them with the best-personalised programmes for their healing journey after a detailed health assessment.
    How does medical wellness seamlessly fit into this wellness retreat?
    Medical wellness is infused within our guest journey. Guests’ experience at ZOYA starts with a doctor’s consultation, diagnostics, a detailed wellness consultation, and a nutrition plan selection based on each guest’s needs and requirements to ultimately create a personalised weekly programme to achieve optimal levels of physical and mental wellbeing. We believe that tangible health and wellbeing require knowledge and expertise. At ZOYA, we have a team of professional specialists, from visionaries to doctors, and therapists, who combine their expertise to create individually customised well-being plans suitable for everyone.
    The resort offers a therapeutic culinary experience – can you elaborate on this?
    ZOYA offers various holistic therapeutic fasting, calorie control, detox, and vegan meal plans based on proven benefits, that look beyond the body to provide support and everlasting benefits for the mind and spirit. We only use organic, fresh, and seasonal ingredients at our wellness restaurant and juice bar, where we have adopted a strict clean food policy that turns superb ingredients into therapeutic meals and fine-dining experiences.
    For those planning their first-ever wellness retreat, what tips would you recommend to prepare for the experience?
    Come with trust and an open mind. Our goal is to ensure that our guests leave our resort relaxed, balanced, and rejuvenated with the expert guidance of our health professionals. We have designed our retreat programmes to aid guests in protecting, nourishing, and invigorating their minds, bodies, and souls. While a one-time visit will definitely help, we do recommend that our guests make a habit of wellness visits in order to commit to their wellbeing and transform their lives.
    How has COVID-19 affected the wellness industry on a larger scale?
    Following the COVID-19 pandemic, overall patterns have changed significantly, bringing health and wellness to the majority of people’s top of minds, regardless of their health conditions. This has resulted in the need to maintain physical and mental well-being, driving people to seek holistic approaches to health, which in turn will only continue to boost the global wellness tourism market. With that being said, the wellness industry is vast, consisting of quite diverse offerings, from spiritual to physical practices to improve overall health and well-being. It was important for our resort to position itself as a leader in the wellness space in the region to offer a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation, offering only the best retreat programmes curated by experts and professionals in the field with a proven track record.
    Has the need for well-being retreats grown in the Middle East in the last few years?
    Most definitely, the wellbeing retreats were definitely pushed even further following the effects of the pandemic. From launching ZOYA earlier this year, we have seen a huge demand from the GCC and wider Middle East to experience our offering and begin regularly invest- ing in improving their physical and mental health and wellbeing. We are anticipating continued growth and traction both from the regional and international markets.

    This is The Reset Issue – what’s your advice for our readers to reset in 2023?
    As the region’s first fully integrated wellness experience, we urge everyone reading to try and always place physical and mental health and wellbeing at the top of their minds to invest in their health. With our busy schedules and unhealthy routines and habits, our health is often disregarded and neglected. At ZOYA, we put a huge focus on prevention over the cure to avoid the need for medication and assistance throughout varying stages of life, and we hope that we are able to successfully create a space that inspires continuous exploration of self and promotes a wellness- led lifestyle for all ages.
    January’s – The Reset Issue – Download Now 
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