8 inspiring UAE-based women discuss their philosophy of wellness
March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now
We talk to some of the most incredible women we know about their philosophy when it comes to wellness.
Asma Hilal LootahFounder of The Hundred Wellness Centre@thehundredwellness
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
Listening to your body and what it needs is invaluable and truly transformational. Physical and mental wellness are intrinsically linked, and we should view them as skills that need to be consistently worked on and developed. I like to start my day by praying, reading my morning verses and listening to my daily affirmations. I pour a sencha green tea before making a plan and focusing on my top priorities. Taking time for myself and drinking my tea is like a form of mindfulness that sets me up for the day ahead. These practices give me a truly positive outlook on life both mentally and emotionally. When we pay attention to what is happening in our minds, our emotional states can become more balanced and as a result, our physical bodies will be healthier.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Maintaining a consistent approach to my daily practices, routines and influences allows me to consciously support my overall wellbeing. Supplements are essential health boosters. I take a variety of plant-based non-synthetic ones that are bespoke to my DNA, for my mental and physical needs. Whilst a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet is always imperative, supplements really enhance the nutrient density of your diet. Movement, be it Pilates, strength training or any form of exercise, is very important and has had such an incredible impact on my life, mental health and overall wellbeing. It is so important to be kind and compassionate to oneself, no matter what is happening in our external circumstances. Our inner voice is the most meaningful voice we ever hear.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
I believe that true wellness lies in allowing yourself to do everything in moderation. Wellness is an integrated relationship between every layer of our being, it is made up of every breath, thought, feeling, intention, movement and the food we eat. Wellness is to be aligned with your whole self, and in harmony on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. A lifestyle of wellness creates a positive attitude towards oneself and to others. It gives us the tools to lead a happier and healthier life, as well as the resilience and ability to handle all situations and circumstances that life brings.
Lyndsay DoranFounder of L’Couture@lyndsay_doran, @lcoutureofficial
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
By looking after my body inside and out. I start my day with green juice and vitamins followed by an intense gym workout. I like to take care of my body by eating the right healthy foods and drinking 3 litres of water per day. I have two weekly deep tissue massages per week to help relieve tension and tightness. This helps me both physically and emotionally.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
I recently started practising warm yoga and meditation and have fallen in love with the practice. I can escape from the normal day-to-day stress while I am in my yoga class.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
Wellness is good mental, physical and emotional health. It is important to get into a routine of making healthy choices daily in order to reduce stress and the risk of illness. One positive thing I feel we will all take away from the pandemic is the importance of your mental and physical wellbeing, and for that to come before everything. It should be a priority for everyone.
Mariam HouraniFounder of Rawkure@rawkure
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
In order for me to achieve wellness in my life, I like to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep me balanced in all aspects. My healthy physical choices include playing volleyball, working out, and cooking nutritious food. My mental choices are meditating and praying, spending time alone and with loved ones, and spending time reading by the beach.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Cooking is the one practice I perform every day that truly is therapeutic for my mind and soul. This is why I love what I do at Rawkure.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
Wellness is an interactive process of becoming aware of and practicing healthy choices and habits to create a more successful and balanced lifestyle both physically and mentally. Your decisions and choices will impact both your short-term and long-term wellness. So be patient with yourself and make better and not quick decisions, don’t let your mind bully your body, and remember that self-love is the greatest medicine.
Nora HameidaniFounder of Barre Effect@barreeffectdxb
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
I feel that an important aspect of wellness and health is balance. As a trainer, I work out often and try to vary my workouts between strength/stretch/cardio, however, I listen to my body and take rest days when I need. Mentally I try my best to make time out of each day for myself, my family, and work, and knowing when that designated time is helps me to be present and find enjoyment in each.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Working out supports my overall wellbeing, and I strive to take three Barre Effect classes each week outside of my teaching. I find the 50 minutes of class is a mental break for my day as barre challenges me both mentally and physically– I see it as a moving meditation. The technique takes focus, and while in class you can’t think about anything else but following the instructor, properly executing the technique, and staying with the music. Physically it is so challenging, it takes mental strength to not just give up when it gets tough. Once the class is over, and endorphins are flowing, I feel lighter both mentally and physically.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
I believe the definition and relevance of wellness is unique for each person. All we can do is try our best, and know that it will never be perfect or like anyone else’s journey. Wellness affects all aspects of our lives, and if one aspect is neglected everything else is set off balance. Making health and wellness a priority in your life sets you up for the greatest opportunity of happiness and success.
Dina ElShurafaFounder of Reform Athletica@reformathletica
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
I view attention to wellness as an essential part of living. I don’t view attempting to maintain my physical and mental health as a luxury. As Warren Buffet said, “You get the one car and you need to maintain for up to 75 years and beyond.” Our body is that car. The sooner one gets to that realisation, the easier it will be to drop the bad habits and take up the good ones. It is all about creating and maintaining a routine and not allowing your physical (and mental) fitness to be the first thing to be squeezed out of a busy schedule. Prioritising those things that contribute to your wellness should be second nature.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
The creation of ‘fitness as a habit’ (I recommend the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg). Setting aside time for your body and mind is essential to maintain and lead a positive happy life. Now more than ever and because of the effect of the pandemic on us, understanding the needs of our wellness has never been so important.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
Listen to your body and your mind. If you feel tired, run-down or drained, then you probably are. If you feel energized, then you are. We are the sum of our decisions – what we eat, what we do, what we choose and what we prioritise are all decisions directly linked to how our wellness turns out to be. Discipline, habit and commitment are the key factors to keep our wellness in check. Keep a diary, create a solid group of friends to whom you can be accountable and meditate. Do everything in your power to plant the seeds for a healthy body and mind – it is life-changing!
Sophie MalpassFounder of Super Sup Fit@supersupfit
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
Having founded Super SUP Fit – Bespoke & boutique HIIT, Yoga & Pilates workouts on standup paddleboards in swimming pools, when I teach it keeps me active and always makes me happy. Mentally, I love hanging out with my wonderful friends, podcasts, beach strolls and bike rides are my favourite.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Good music. Whether it be sweet and acoustic or an upbeat track, it is my one-stop wonder for a happy headspace and an instant mood lift. I am addicted to Spotify and nothing brings me more joy than finding new feel-good songs that I can put into playlists and blast out any time of the day.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
For me and what I try to push in my Super SUP Fit classes is that wellness and fitness should be a special you time. To really breathe, smile and splash and that fitness should be enjoyed as a pleasure and not a punishment. Additionally, if you need to tap out and have a few hours to yourself, go for it. Also a good cup of strong English tea really does help!
Minal SiyalFounder of Beauty Binge@cleanbeautybinge
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
Discipline and consistency are two pillars that I have consciously tried to incorporate for my physical and mental well-being. Mindful practices, journaling, setting consistent goals and most importantly making time for physical activity have all contributed towards this mindful journey.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Self-reflection on behavior and actions is a fundamental driving factor that empowers my physical, emotional and mental well-being. Ultimately, I believe we all have the capacity to truly be our own critics as well as the loudest cheerleaders.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
Forgiveness, I believe is a very strong emotion that can significantly impact our health and happiness. To be able to forgive others and your own self is a journey that once started can eventually lighten the burden thus elevating us towards growth and further progress.
Rashi ChowdharyCo-Founder of Protein Bake Shop@proteinbakeshop, @rashichowdhary
How do you embody wellness in your life, both physically and mentally?
To me, wellness is a state of mind. The more present I am, the more deeply I feel in the present moment the better and aligned I feel. Breathwork, less blinking of the eyes, choosing and eating food consciously, running and weight training are some of the ways I keep myself physically and mentally well.
What is one practice that supports your overall wellbeing?
Practising mindfulness all through the day through little things like doing my morning rituals, slowing down while I’m having my coffee, water memory which is planting the best intention possible for my healing every time I sip on water are the things that support my purpose and my overall well-being.
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
Wellness is our birthright. We are all nothing but pure energy or consciousness expressing itself through our bodies. Our body or any illness is the “result” of our thoughts feelings and emotions and not the other way round. When we begin to realise that true power is internal our healing become effortless. Wellness then becomes our way of life.
March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now
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