Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    Why Everyone Is Playing Pickleball Right Now—And How You Can Try It, Too

    I first heard about pickleball while listening to my favorite podcast, What We Said. The hosts were chatting about how competitive they had become when playing each other with their husbands. Once they mentioned how easy pickleball was to pick up, I knew it was going to be my new hobby. I will take any chance to do an out-of-the-house activity that’s active and requires a learning curve. But first things first: I had to find a partner to play with (and learn to play, for that matter). That’s when Operation Convince My Husband to Learn Pickleball with Me commenced. Luckily, it didn’t take much for me to get him on board.
    My parents conveniently own a pickleball set, so we borrowed their paddles to learn with. For our first match, we committed to trying it out for 30 minutes. Before we knew it, we checked our watches and a whole hour had passed. Within the first five minutes of hitting the ball back and forth, I knew we would both love this activity.
    Now, we play about three times a week, usually on weeknights after work or on Saturday mornings to replace a gym session. I now understand why some say it’s one of the fastest-growing sports right now. Our daily lives changed a lot over the past few years thanks to COVID, and I think the popularity of pickleball is one of the best things to come out of it. Don’t get me wrong, pickleball has always been a pretty popular activity. But especially with the rise of TikTok, word spread fast about how fun and easy it is to learn. If you’d like to try pickleball for yourself, read on for some helpful info on how to play and everything you need to get started.

    What is pickleball?
    It’s essentially a cross between ping pong and tennis. On a smaller version of a tennis court, you and a partner (or two teams of two) use paddles to hit a plastic ball back and forth over a low net. Aside from a few specific rules (like how you serve and when to let the ball bounce first before hitting it), that’s all you really need to know to get started. You can learn more about how to play here.
    To find a pickleball court near you, start with a good old Google search. We found a regional park near us that costs $3 to enter and usually has open courts. I searched for “public pickleball court near [enter your city name]” and vetted them from Google reviews.

    What’s so great about it?
    What I love most about pickleball is that it can be as difficult or easy as you want it to be. For now, my husband and I love just playing for fun. We try to hit the ball back and forth as many times as possible without hitting it out of bounds and don’t usually keep score. It’s just fun getting outside and being active, but I’m sure some flirty competitiveness is in our future as we get better at the game. We are still learning!
    Anyone can play pickleball—it doesn’t matter what your physical capabilities are, and you don’t have to be super strong or fast. It’s really about practice and friendly competition. For us, pickleball is a fun activity to do as a couple that gets us out of the house and helps us stay active. I also love how accomplished I feel after playing at the end of a long work day, rather than sitting and watching TV. 

    What do you need to play?
    You will need a partner to play with, as well as a pickleball set, which includes two paddles and usually a few balls. If you want to play with four people total (doubles), then you’ll need four paddles. To make learning as easy as possible, I recommend investing in a quality pickleball set because it’s easier to direct the ball with good paddles. 
    Ready to start playing? Grab all the pickleball essentials below.

    These Feel-Good Hobbies Will Solve All of Your “I’m Bored” Woes More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Fazza goes incognito on the London Underground

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    2 hours ago

    He may have 14.5 million followers on Instagram and be one of the most high-profile royals in the UAE, but HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has proven even he can go incognito from time to time.
    Currently on holiday in the UK, the Crown Prince of Dubai has been spending ample amounts of time in London.
    Over the weekend, Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, was spending time in the UK’s capital and was seemingly able to go about his day being unrecognised.
    His Highness shared a selfie on Instagram with his friend Badr Ateej riding the crowded London Underground.
    “We’ve got a long way to go and Badr is already bored,” he said in the caption of the post.

    However, just a couple of weeks ago, the Crown Prince of Dubai was recognised around central London as he was driving.
    In a video captured by Sheikh Hamdan’s friend Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, the royal is seen interacting with two fans.
    Sheikh Hamdan was in his car driving in the city when he was stopped for some photos by the two individuals, who also happened to be Dubai residents.
    Not ever one to say no to a photo, Dubai’s Crown Prince enthusiastically posed with the fans, even helping them to get the right shot.
    At one point in the video, the male fan says “Sorry to bother you” but Fazza responded saying, “No, it’s okay”, also shaking his hand.

    Regular visitor
    His Highness is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family.
    Sheikh Hamdan’s father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is also currently in the UK and was seen walking around London with an entourage over the weekend.
    The Dubai royals have also been enjoying some quality time together.
    Last week, Sheikh Hamdan, shared a snap on Instagram with his father and his two children, Rashid and Shaikha, spending time together in the UK.

    In the forefront of the photo, the twins are seen sitting in a pushchair, with doting dad Sheikh Hamdan and grandfather Sheikh Mohammed behind.
    Sheikh Hamdan captioned the post with three heart emojis: one red, one blue and one pink, representing the Dubai Ruler and his two grandchildren.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Sharjah’s 4-day workweek has had a huge positive impact on the emirate

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    2 hours ago

    This year marked a major shift in the working week for people across the emirate after the UAE announced it would change its working days from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday, aligning with much of the rest of the world.
    Federal government employees in the UAE now work from Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 3.30pm and on Fridays for 4.5 hours with flexibility to be able to work from home.
    However, the emirate of Sharjah opted to forego the traditional five-day workweek, instead opting for a four-day workweek and recent findings have shown it’s had an incredibly positive impact on the emirate.
    Per the Khaleej Times, the Sharjah Executive Council was presented a study earlier this week showcasing the impact of the four-day workweek outlining a significant drop in traffic accidents, as well as an improvement in employees’ productivity.
    According to the report, traffic accidents and deaths in the emirate have dropped by 40 per cent and gas emissions have also significantly decreased.
    Quality of work and productivity have also increased, per the report which analysed the policing, environment, human resources and financial sectors in the emirate.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Visit Sharjah Instagram More

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    America’s Next Top Model to launch in the Middle East, new report claims

    Fashion

    by Olivia Morris
    3 hours ago

    Iconic fashion and model-based reality show America’s Next Top Model is reportedly launching in the Middle East.
    According to The National, the show is set to be entitled Arabia’s Next Top Model, with a teaser clip reportedly in the works ahead of the official announcement.
    The outlet also reported that no judges or host have been appointed yet and it’s also not known if the reality show will be open to both male and female contestants.
    The Next Top Model franchise was first launched in 2003 in the USA under the direction of Tyra Banks and Ken Mok who handpicked aspiring models to take part in the competition to become ‘America’s Next Top Model’.
    The competition consists of a series of challenges and a weekly photo shoot, all judged by a panel of experts. A model is eliminated each week, with an eventual winner being named who receives prize money and a modelling contract.
    Over the years, the franchise has expanded globally with versions in the UK, Asia, Africa, Germany, Australia and more.
    Many reality television franchises have made their way to the region over the years including Project Runway Middle East, Arabs Got Talent, The Voice and most recently The Real Housewives of Dubai.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: America’s Next Top Model  More

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    Rolls-Royce introduces a brand new private office in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    25 seconds ago

    Rolls-Royce cars exude a high degree of sophistication like no other with endless personalisation options.
    However, the luxury automobile maker’s customisation options have remained only available at their Goodwood base in the UK, base, until now.
    Rolls-Royce has introduced its first international outpost, allowing for customisations, and it’s based right here in the UAE.
    A new Rolls-Royce private office has opened in Dubai, allowing clients to choose exact specifications and designs with an expert to produce the final outcome.

    Whether you’re thinking of highlighting a colour with sentimental value or showcasing a bespoke constellation on the roof, this luxurious feature brings any vision to life.
    Rolls-Royce’s CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos described the opening of the new Dubai private office as the next chapter in the history of the luxury automobile maker.
    “This is yet another step in the evolutions of the marque, rooting itself as a true house of luxury with effortlessly elevated design services that are on a par with our products,” he said.
    With over 44,000 ready-to-wear hues available, each customer can craft an individual ride that projects their vision, Rolls-Royce style.
    Through the brand’s coachbuilding programme, buyers are taken through a step-by-step process where they can go through the journey of seeing the motors being built entirely by hand.

    After establishing the success of this programme, Rolls-Royce plans to open more private offices in the near future.
    Customers can book appointments through local showrooms across the UAE at the private office or visit rolls-roycemotorcars.com
    For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Emirates Woman February cover shoot More

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    in health and weelbeing

    6 Easy Habits I Do Every Day That Have Made a Huge Difference in My Stress Levels

    In 2022, you don’t need to be a fortune 500 CEO or Olympic athlete to feel overwhelmed by stress; 55 percent of Americans say they experience stress daily. This means stress has become so ingrained into our lives that it is now the norm and a feeling most of us believe is normal instead of something that needs to be identified and fixed. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it has to (or should) be accepted. Stress can take a serious toll on the body, and if we’re not careful and don’t take steps to monitor our stress levels, it can lead to some pretty scary health risks. 
    I’ve had my ups and downs dealing with stress, and when I was 26, I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a condition known to be influenced by stress levels. Until this point, I had unknowingly let stress control my life, and now it was controlling my body. I wasn’t willing to continue living with that, so I decided changes had to be made. Today, I can gladly say that stress no longer controls my life, thanks to a few simple daily habits I’ve incorporated. Spoiler alert: They’ve helped heal my body and lower my stress levels. 

    1. Move your body
    There are a lot of reasons to move your body on a daily basis aside from just the physical benefits, and reducing stress is one of them. When we move our bodies, we release endorphins, help to regulate our emotions, provide oxygen to the brain, and show our bodies we value them. Moving your body doesn’t have to mean working out every day. It can mean going for a walk, doing some light stretching, or engaging in an activity you love, like paddle-boarding or dancing. Once you shift your mindset from “I have to work out today” to “I get to move my body today,” this habit can become something you look forward to instead of something you dread. 

    2. Regulate your emotions 
    If you’re anything like me, you didn’t grow up learning how to talk about your emotions and feelings. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-twenties that I actually leaned into the power of expressing my emotions in a safe environment. We deal with a lot as human beings, like the ups and downs that come with relationships, work, and personal development. That’s a lot to keep inside, which is why it’s important to express what we are feeling, whether it be through therapy, journaling, or talking to friends or family. Regulating emotions allows you to let go of people and situations that no longer serve you and the stress that comes with them. 

    3. Meditate
    Meditation has had the biggest impact on my stress levels (and I was a skeptic at first). After researching and learning more about the different types of meditation, I found a daily routine that works for me: I switch between breathwork, guided meditations, sound baths, and silent meditations. Everyone is different, so finding a meditation method that works for you can take some time, but the most important takeaways I have learned are that there is no wrong way to meditate, and sticking with it is key. Whether you meditate for five minutes or 20, your body will thank you.

    4. Limit caffeine intake
    I have always been sensitive to caffeine. I’m that person who gets jittery and can’t fall asleep at night when I have a cup of coffee. Yet, I still give in to my craving from time to time. Caffeine affects everyone differently, and if you’re like me, you’ve had to change your relationship with it. These days I switch between coffee, green tea, and matcha, which provides a better balance for me. I sometimes add coconut water to my coffee to help with its dehydrating effect, but I never drink coffee on an empty stomach or after 3 p.m. Now, coffee in the right amount and scenarios don’t make me jittery or fluctuate my stress levels. It just brings me joy (as all coffee should). 

    5. Get enough sleep 
    You’ve probably heard celebrities like J.Lo and Jennifer Aniston say the secret to their healthy skin is lots of water and a good night’s sleep, and who are we to argue with them? According to the Sleep Foundation, adults aged 18-64 should get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep affects every part of our bodies, from our brain and cognitive skills to our energy levels throughout the day. Personally, I am much more irritable on the days that I get under seven hours of sleep. If we are constantly not getting enough sleep, it puts a strain on our bodies, leading to higher stress levels.

    6. Talk to your doctor about a B-12 supplement
    Yes, stress and fatigue can also have to do with nutrient deficiencies. Supplements can be a great aid when you’re not getting enough natural vitamins from your diet. With that said, I always recommend talking to your doctor before taking any new supplements. As someone who sticks to a mostly vegetarian diet, which doesn’t often contain foods with a lot of B-12, it made sense that I was deficient in it and why I felt a significant reduction in my stress levels once I started taking it. Studies have shown that there is a link between vitamin B-12 deficiency and energy levels, so it’s no surprise that I had more energy after taking the supplement. The best part? My stress has become much more manageable. 

    I Grilled a Life Coach and Her Tips Will Transform Your Anxiety More

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    3 Manifestation Techniques Our Wellness Editor Swears Transformed Her Life

    Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

    If you’ve been on the internet anytime in the past year, you’ve probably seen the word “manifestation” float across your feed a few times, and if you’re confused, you’re not alone. From TikToks with bizarre visualization techniques (no, I’m not going to picture my crush sleeping and whisper that they should marry me in their imaginary ear) to Instagram posts confusingly explaining the law of attraction, it’s hard to know what manifestation really means, and even harder to know what it can do for you.
    The Everygirl Wellness Editor, Josie Santi, has been studying and practicing manifestation techniques for nearly two years, and shares everything she’s learned on this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast. Recommended by wellness experts, thought leaders, and life coaches, manifestation can be boiled down to defining your dream life and then taking action in order to achieve that dream life. As Josie says, it’s about thinking of your current desires as insight into what’s meant for your future. In Episode 5 of The Everygirl Podcast, Josie shares a comprehensive explanation of what manifestation is (and what it is not), as well as tips to start practicing it and work toward your dream life today. Read on for three of Josie’s favorite journaling prompts for manifestation she shares, and tune in to the episode to hear more.

    1. “Future You” Journaling
    This method just may be the simplest form of manifestation journaling to incorporate into your everyday life. “Future You” journaling involves picturing how your life would go if you were to approach every situation as your highest self. Josie recommends treating “Future You” journaling like a diary entry for the best version of yourself, as if you were currently living that life in the present, even if your life RN looks totally different. Time to drown out the voices of anyone who has ever called you spacey, because this prompt really is daydreaming in diary entry format.
    As you journal, ask yourself how your highest self would show up in their day-to-day life. On the podcast, Josie explains that this practice is not only limited to one single day or week in your life: you can Future You journal before everything from a big presentation at work to sitting down to do your taxes to identify how your highest self would show up in specific situations (and then to actually show up that way!). On the other end of the spectrum, you can Future You journal about aspirational, exciting events that you are manifesting into your life; no scenario is too big or too small for this exercise.

    2. Gratitude Journaling
    One of the key points in the episode is that gratitude for your current situation is essential to manifesting a life that might be even more fulfilling in the future. Since the law of attraction is all about being grateful for things you want to manifest as if you already have them, practicing gratitude for the life you’re currently living can ensure that you are bringing in as much of that positive energy as possible.
    According to Josie, gratitude is one of the aspects of manifestation that can be the easiest to skip, but is arguably the most important. This is what separates manifestation from simply wanting or wishing: gratitude fuels the abundance mindset that is essential for manifestation. Josie suggests journaling about things you want more of in your life that you are already grateful to have in the first place. For example, if you’re manifesting a deeper connection with someone in your life, take time to journal about how thankful you are for your current relationship with that person, or if you’re manifesting greater wealth, feel gratitude for the ability to pay your rent or get coffee a couple times a week, etc.

    3. Highest Self Journaling
    Similar to Future You journaling, Highest Self journaling involves tapping into the everyday habits of your highest self, the version of you that you hope to manifest–instead of visualizing the situation as your highest self (like Future You journaling), you are identifying who your highest self is, which is why this exercise is especially helpful for beginners. Who does your highest self surround herself with? What does her career look like? What does she wear? What’s her morning routine like? These are the questions that will help you paint a mental picture of the person you know you are capable of becoming.
    Josie explains that highest self journaling can help you tap into a specific, easy-to-visualize version of yourself that you can carry throughout your life, showing up as that girl with each decision you make. It’s sort of like constantly asking WWBD (What Would Beyoncé Do) except instead of Beyoncé, it’s your own best possible version of yourself. As Josie says, this is one of the best ways to identify habits that will help you step into your highest self and dream life that you can implement as soon as you put down the pen. More

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    The 7-Minute Fat-Blasting Workout That’ll Tone All Over

    Toning every bit of your body in less than 10 minutes sounds like something you can only achieve with the help of Photoshop, right? Wrong! Turns out you can burn serious kilojoules and work every muscle from head to toe with this fat-blasting 7-minute workout circuit from certified trainer Craig Ballantyne.
    Use this total-body session to boost your metabolism and fat loss.
    Start with a three-minute warm-up of bodyweight squats, pushups, and jumping jacks (do each for 30 seconds, and repeat twice).
    Then complete the following exercises in order, performing as many reps as you can in the prescribed time frame. You’ll finish in seven minutes flat. Have more time? Repeat it up to four times for an ultimate 30-minute workout. Get ready to sweat!
    7-Minute Workout Move 1: Jump Rope

    Grab the handles of a jump rope with each hand and jump rope for 30 seconds; rest for 30 seconds then continue to the next exercise.
    READ MORE: These Heart-Pumping Cardio Circuit Workouts Are Perfect For When You’re Short On Time
    Move 2: Close-Stance Bodyweight Squats
    Stand as tall as you can with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. Lower your body as far as you can by pushing your hips back and bending your knees. Pause, then slowly push yourself back to the starting position. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 50 seconds; rest for 10 seconds, then continue to the next exercise.
    READ MORE: Have You Tried The Explosive Cardio Hopscotch Workout?
    Move 3: Bodyweight Row
    Grab a bar with an overhand, shoulder-width grip. Hang with your arms completely straight and your hands positioned directly above your shoulders. Initiate the movement by pulling your shoulder blades back, then continue the pull with your arms to lift your chest to the bar. Pause, then slowly lower your body back to the starting position. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 45 seconds; rest for 15 seconds, then continue to the next exercise.
    Move 4: Decline Pushups

    Get into plank position, with your hands underneath your shoulders and place your feet on a box or bench. This increases the amount of your body weight you have to lift, making the exercise harder. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor. Pause, then push back to the starting position as quickly as possible. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 60 seconds, and immediately continue to the next exercise.
    READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About The Viral 12-3-30 Treadmill Workout On TikTok
    Move 5: Bulgarian Split Squats

    Place the instep of your back foot on a bench. Stand in a staggered stance, your left foot in front of your right. Slowly lower your body as far as you can. Pause, then push yourself back up to the starting position as quickly as you can. Complete the prescribed number of reps with your left leg forward, then do the same with your right foot in front of your left. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 30 seconds, then immediately continue to the next exercise.
    Move 6: Cross-Body Mountain Climbers
    Assume a pushup position with your arms completely straight. Lift your right foot off the floor and slowly raise right knee toward your left elbow, lower, and then raise your left knee to your right elbow. That’s one rep.Do as many as you can in 60 seconds, then immediately continue to the next exercise.
    Move 7: Run in Place

    Run in place at a moderate pace for 20 seconds, then rest for 20. More