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      The 8/8/8 Rule Saved Me From Burnout and Improved My Mood

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      I was 30 minutes into a negative thought spiral on my hot girl walk when I first heard about the 8/8/8 rule. The spiral in question? A classic “I have no free time, life is slipping away from me, I’ll never have deep meaningful relationships the way I did as an adolescent”—you know the vibes. That’s when I heard Karena Dawn (founder of Tone it Up) on The Everygirl Podcast, sharing the simple way she organizes her day, and her explanation of The 8/8/8 Rule altered my brain chemistry. If you, too, are a workaholic who struggles regularly with work-life balance, I am here to pass on the wisdom of The 8/8/8 Rule for improving mood, stress levels, and feelings of burnout.
      Disclaimer: I am by no means saying that this arbitrary numbered method is the way that humans were meant to live; sitting at a desk indoors with artificial light is arguably not the healthiest way to spend eight hours a day. However, corporate structures persist, and as long as I exist within them, I find this simple rule to be a helpful framework for organizing my day. Take what works for you, and leave the rest. Here’s everything you need to know about The 8/8/8 Rule: what it is, why it’s helpful, and how to incorporate it into your life.

      In this article

      What Is The 8/8/8 Rule?
      The 8/8/8 formula centers around the idea of dividing your day into three eight-hour blocks, so you’re looking at your 24 hours in three separate categories instead of as a whole: Eight hours for sleep, eight hours for work, and eight hours for you. The “you” eight hours may look like three hours in the morning before work and five hours at night. Perhaps you prefer to take an hour in the middle of your day or start your workday a little later. Whatever your schedule and constraints, you can flex time to fit into this framework.
      Why Is It Helpful?
      It’s no secret that many of us struggle with finding balance in our daily lives. If you love a rubric like me, this method can be a helpful guide for organizing your life with balance. It’s a way to structure both your free time and work time to ensure you’re making the most of it. Most of us think of work as the majority of our days: any time before we start work is just time to set up our day for work, and any time after work is spent unwinding from work before bed. Those eight hours are dictating all 24 hours of our day. But if you work the standard eight hours a day, work is not the majority of your awake hours; it’s only half of them. This reframe can help us be a lot more intentional about how we’re spending that time.
      Looking at 24-hour days in three different blocks also avoids letting one block dictate others. When you look at your day as a whole, it’s easy to want to lay on the couch until bedtime and then get to bed late because you want to keep bingeing Netflix after a stressful workday. But if you look at your day like three separate blocks, your stressful work day does not have to affect the eight hours you spend not working or the eight hours you spend sleeping. “When you look at [your day] this way instead of time running you, the anxiety about time will go down,” Dawn said on The Everygirl Podcast. I can attest that this is true—once your day is structured around this method, all of that “I don’t have enough time stress” really dwindles.
      Breaking Down The 8/8/8 Rule
      The First Eight Hours: Sleep
      Sleep might just be the most underrated wellness hack. It’s not as sexy as your supplements, it doesn’t photograph as well for your vision board, but it truly is step one for a healthy life. If you aren’t sleeping, all the other stuff you’re trying to optimize is kind of like pouring water into a cracked glass. But how much sleep do we really need? An average of eight hours of sleep has been shown to improve cognitive function, energy levels, emotional regulation, and more. Age, genetics, lifestyle, and activity can mean this number looks a little different for everyone (if you’re more of a 10-hour girl, more power to you!), but eight is a good rule of thumb.
      The Middle Eight Hours: Work
      This one can get a little dicey for the entrepreneurial types or go-getters with a 14-hour workday mindset. On the flip side, eight hours might seem daunting for those who desire a life of frolicking and leisure. If you (like me) tend to flip-flop between these two modes, the eight hours of work is a great place to start setting work-life boundaries and optimizing productivity.
      If you have more of a grindset and think that eight hours isn’t enough for your goals, it may be worth taking a closer look at how you’re spending that time. Are there tasks that you could streamline? Are there meetings that could be emails? Evidence suggests that as we decrease our working hours, we become more productive. Maybe setting boundaries around when you’re logging on and off for the day can help you maximize the time you are at work.
      For those working outside of the “9-5” structure, this can be a helpful guide for setting up your work-life balance too. If you find you’re most creative in the morning, maybe you set aside three hours for work, take some leisure time in the middle of the day, and finish those five hours later. If you have a five-hour shift, maybe you’re blocking out three hours to work on a side hustle or taking a course to further your skills. Those eight hours don’t necessarily have to be spent in a formal workplace but are meant to be time dedicated to your professional life.
      The Final Eight Hours: Time For Yourself
      Thinking about my time outside of work in this way was a seismic shift for me. I realized that I viewed my time outside of work in the context of work. My morning routine was time to get ready for it; my evening routine was spent recovering for the next day. Applying The 8/8/8 Rule made me realize that this time I was qualifying as peripheral is actually a third of my life. Thinking about those eight hours as being dedicated to personal joy helped me be more intentional with that time. What do I want to do? What will fill my cup? What things do I want to check off my list?
      I’ve been spurred to commit to weeknight activities: something to force me to clock out, log off, and get away from a screen. Reclaiming this time (and not being afraid to make plans) has helped me show up to work with more energy. I am a rot-on-the-couch gal to my core, and it was tough to force myself out of that routine. Turns out, when you make the plans, you may actually leave more energized afterward. If you’re finding yourself creeping toward burnout, remember that it’s not your job to spend precious eight free hours solely preparing to take on the next eight hours of work again. How often do we let our workday stress bleed into our post-work plans? If your life outside work means you need more caffeine when you clock in the next day, that’s OK, too.
      These eight hours are so essential. Be intentional with them. Do things that light you up, do things that rejuvenate you, and consider them to be just as important as any work commitment you have. We know that hobbies are critical to our well-being, and we know that community is essential for our health. This time block should be dedicated to exploring those things and creating your best, most balanced life.
      Final Thoughts
      This is not a one-size-fits-all method. Many factors, including your profession, your commute, and your particular sleep needs might shift these hours around a bit. Even if the particulars of The 8/8/8 Rule aren’t for you, you can still benefit from committing equal energy and intention to these three areas of your life. It’s kind of like “work hard, play hard,” except you also get a solid eight hours of sleep. Now that’s the kind of work-life balance we all deserve.

      MEET THE AUTHOR
      Abigail Moseman, Social Media Assistant
      As the Social Media Assistant at The Everygirl, Abi works with the Social Media Editors to ideate and create content, and build community across all of The Everygirl’s social channels. When she’s not working diligently on The Everygirl’s TikTok, she coaches group fitness classes at Equinox. More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of this sustainably sourced Matcha brand

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      This week we speak to Louisa Birkhahn, CEO & Founder of Matcha Union, of this global wellness and lifestyle brand.
      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible wellness, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      Keen to share the smooth, full-bodied taste of sustainably sourced Japanese Matcha and it’s plethora of health benefits on a wider scale, goal is to place your wellbeing at the very core of this community and maybe see you swap your coffee for something slighter greener.
      The brand emphasises enjoying Matcha as a way to promote personal well-being and build community. It’s more than just a drink—it’s a ritual for finding balance and rejuvenation, and for connecting with others, reflecting the significant role that Matcha has played throughout Japanese history.
      To delve into Birkhahn’s journey, Emirates Woman spoke to her on how her holistic journey began for launching Matcha Union.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      My favorite subjects were Economics and Art—kind of opposites, but I’ve always been drawn to both the analytical side of numbers and my creative expression of art. This blend of interests has definitely influenced my approach to business.

      What was your first job?
      My first underage job was working in my parents’ pharmacies. Later, as part of a school placement, I worked as a Corporate Lifestyle Manager at Quintessentially, managing high-net-worth individuals. This experience taught me a lot about planning, client relations and customer service.
      Have you been to Dubai?
      Yes, many times! I used to live there and now visit frequently. I love the energy, the blend of cultures, and the dynamic lifestyle that Dubai offers.
      What inspired you to enter the matcha space and launch your own match brand, Matcha Union?
      I was never really a coffee drinker. During my travels, I discovered the profound benefits of Matcha and its integral role in Eastern culture, particularly in Japan. I was captivated by how Matcha not only provides sustained energy and focus but also promotes a sense of calm and wellness. At the time, only the US and Australia had adopted Matcha as a wellness drink. I wanted to share these benefits with a broader audience and create a product that embodies sustainability, quality, and health. Thus, Matcha Union was born to offer premium Matcha that can seamlessly fit into anyone’s daily routine, providing both energy and balance.
      Talk us through the concept of Matcha Union.
      The name “Matcha Union” embodies our core philosophy of creating harmonious unions—between people, the environment, and the ritual of preparing and enjoying Matcha. It represents the blend of tradition and modern wellness, as well as the interconnectedness we aim to cultivate within our community and individual wellbeing. Our sustainably sourced, vibrant green Matcha and its health benefits are the foundation of everything we do, but our focus is on building a community that makes Matcha even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Like anyone who has started their own business, I wear many hats. One day I’m acting as a marketer, the next I’m focused on business development, accounting, or supply chain management. Since my team is very small, I do it all. The key elements include strategic planning—like managing the supply chain and planning product launches—followed by creative implementation and marketing. Operations management is also crucial, ensuring that our product moves seamlessly from the farm to your cup. And of course, our customers and problem-solving are constant priorities.

      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I start my mornings with warm lemon water, followed by celery juice, which has done wonders for my gut health. Then I usually do a quick 20-30 minute Pilates workout at home. I reward myself with a smoothie bowl and a Matcha latte while checking my emails. This routine helps me set a positive tone for the rest of the day, and I always look forward to it in the evening! I work until the evening, with a break for lunch and probably a second Matcha. I work remotely, so the location varies, but the routine usually stays the same. I try to unwind by 7 pm, usually in time to prep dinner or get ready for it.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      My advice would be to stay true to your vision and remain patient. Building something meaningful takes time, and there will be challenges along the way. Surround yourself with supportive people, seek advice when needed, and never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and trust your instincts instead of listening to others —ultimately, it’s you who will make this happen!
      Tell us more about the products offered?
      At Matcha Union, we offer a range of premium, ceremonial grade and flavored Matcha, sourced from the best regions in Japan. We also provide Ritual and Ceremony Sets, which include everything needed for traditional Matcha preparation. Our products are designed to fit seamlessly into daily routines, whether you prefer a simple cup of Matcha Tea or want to be creative.
      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s important to stay committed and resilient, even when things get tough.
      And what is the worst?
      The worst advice I’ve received was to “play it safe.” In my experience, taking calculated risks has always led to the most significant growth and opportunities. Playing it safe often means missing out on what could be great.

      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      The biggest challenge I’ve faced was launching and growing Matcha Union during the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty and rapidly changing circumstances required quick adaptation and innovative thinking. It was a challenging time, but it also strengthened my resolve and taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience.
      What’s your future for the brand?
      My vision for Matcha Union is to continue expanding globally while staying true to our core values of quality, sustainability, and community. I hope to introduce more people to the benefits of Matcha and create a larger, more connected community around wellness. We also plan to innovate with new products and sustainable practices that align with our mission.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Want to put your health first? Here’s 10 wellness spots to try in Dubai

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 mins ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 10 IMAGES
      While many of us must have set resolutions at the beginning of the year, powering through the wellness route is important too.
      If you’re thinking of taking a break from all the bars, eating out and clubs, then you’re in the right place. This emirate offers a variety of wellness spots, ranging from luxurious spas to serene yoga retreats.
      What are the benefits of wellness activities?
      Improved Physical Fitness
      Regular exercise strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall fitness. Activities like regular physical exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.
      Stress Reduction
      Activities like meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Regular physical activity and stress reduction techniques contribute to improved sleep quality and duration.
      Longevity
      A consistent wellness routine contributes to a longer, healthier life by maintaining physical and mental health. Engaging in wellness activities improves overall quality of life, making daily activities more enjoyable and less stressful.
      From sound healing to Ice Baths, each space offers an area to unwind and switch-off throughout the day, without feeling too overwhelmed from the stresses of daily life. Dubai’s wellness scene is diverse, catering to various preferences and needs, whether you’re looking for relaxation, fitness, or holistic health.
      With the wellness industry growing in the UAE, it’s time to book your next session ASAP.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @marinanorjes More

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      9 Pilates studios to elevate your fitness routine in Dubai

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      Looking to revamp your fitness routine? Then Pilates might be the perfect option for you.
      With celebrities such as Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, elevating their fitness routine with reformer Pilates, it’s time for you to take up a session or two.
      This once forgotten exercise trend has made a comeback since it was first invented by Joseph Pilates a century ago. With social media been the force behind its resurgence, this popular workout channels the mind-body connection to achieve precise, controlled movements that promote alignment, balance and strength.
      Designed to improve physical strength and coordination, form long-term habits and ensure greater core strength, these workouts allow to strengthen your muscles and feel mentally fit. Pilates can help create long, lean, and defined muscles, while also helping to reduce stress, creating awareness in the body, and improving mental clarity.
      So, if you’re looking to begin on your Pilates fitness journey, we’re curated a guide of all the must-visit studios in Dubai.
      Karve

      Karve redefines the modern-day workout with Transformer Pilates Classes that capture New York’s infectious energy, tailored to London lifestyles. It’s ‍a new style of workout with Pilates at its core – each of our fun, fast-flowing workouts sweat and sculpt. Overall, it’s considered and conscious movements for a high-intensity and low-impact workout. Designed to be an intense workout but still gentle on your joints. Each workout follows a sequence of resistance-based, mindful movements that are amplified to ensure transformational results. It’s located in the heart of Alserkal Avenue and the classes at Dhs160 for a single drop in class. It’s priced at Dhs725 for a 5 class pack.
      For more information visit karve.ae
      POSTURE.

      This exclusive boutique Pilates studio promises a mind, body and soul. The experience with Reformer Pilates, Cadillac, mat pilates is for all levels to tone, lengthen and strengthen the core. Led by a team of qualifies instructors, the studio boasts a calm, relaxing and inclusive environment. Located in Golden Mile, Building 4, Palm Jumeirah. It’s open daily from Monday to Thursday, 6:30am to 8:30pm, Friday 6:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday 8am to 12pm and Sunday 9am to 12pm. Prices start at Dhs1,300 for 10 classes.
      For more information visit thisisposture.com
      Blended Wellness

      This multi-wellness destination offers a sanctuary of wellbeing with its state-of-the-art Pilates studio at Blended Fit. The well-trained instructors help guests experience jaw dropping views of Dubai’s skyline, making this an incredible space to workout and also enjoy a healthy post-workout beverage. The packages are priced at Dhs600 for a five-pack class. Located at The Dukes, The Palm Jumeirah, it’s open from Monday to Sunday, from 6am to 10pm.
      For more information visit blendedwellness.com
      Sol Pilates Studio

      This equipped Pilates studio offers everything from Reformer and pre-natal expertise to providing its guests with a vibrant haven to learn and grow. Curated for ladies only, the packages are available upon request. Sol Pilates is a fully equipped Pilates studio in the heart of Mirdif 35, street 60C.
      For more information visit solpilates.ae
      Reform Athletica

      This boutique fitness studio caps classes at 10 to 16 people and has four signature classes: The Reform Method, TRX Athletica, RA Yoga and Kettle Form. All compliment one another and each class aims to give every person a workout that will make an impact. Inspired by the global fitness scene, the classes are 45-50 minutes long and do not distinguish between skill levels; beginners and advanced participants are all equally welcome and no prior experience is required for any class. As a cross between an intimate fitness studio and an art gallery, the space truly feels like home. A single class is priced at Dhs133 and the five class package is priced at Dhs643. Located in Villa 40, 165a, Jumeira 1, it’s open at various times during the week.
      For more information visit reformathletica.com
      The Hundred Wellness Centre

      With a team of certified instructors who use a combination of mat work reformer Pilates and other equipment, customers can achieve their fitness goals in no time. The Pilates method is at the core with intimate mat classes, equipment classes, the Cadillac (Trapeze table), poles, reformers and Pilates chairs. With both ladies-only and private one-to-one sessions, instructors ensure the core which is your powerhouse can be used to move the body weight with the spring-loaded carriage. A single session, group Pilates class is priced at Dhs140, and a package of 5 sessions valid for 2 months is priced at Dhs650, additionally a private session is priced at Dhs400. Located in Villa21, 53b Street, Jumeirah 1, it’s open from 7am to 8pm.
      For more information visit thehundred.ae
      Yoga La Vie

      Based on the Joseph Pilates method, customers can strengthen their core, increase their flexibility with specialised instructors and feel at ease with each class. Located on Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, the studio also offers barre and yoga classes for both men and women, starting from Dhs126, Dhs1,134 for ten classes package, and your first trial class is free.
      For more information visit yogalaviedubai.com
      Studio14

      This boutique fitness studio offers 50-minute Pilates Reformer sessions available for people of all ages and fitness levels. As a holistic fitness get-away, the intimates space combines traditional contemporary exercises and focuses on building a strong core, ensuring each customer feels strong, stretched and connected. This eco-friendly concept has Pilates reformer classes with level 1 and level 2, with 1 group class priced at Dhs140, and the five class package priced at Dhs400, while the private reformer Pilates is priced at Dhs420.
      For more information visit studio.ae
      Yasmin Karachiwala’s Pilates & Dance Studio (The PAD)

      With a variety of Pilates classes offered, everyone can choose from The Reformer, Wundu, The Cadillac, The Bodhi, Aerial Pilates, The MOTR, Pilates for back pain, for cricketers and. more.Pilates can also be done on the mat, with or without small equipments. The package prices are available upon request. Situated in 906, Onyx Tower 1,906, The Greens, the studio is open from Monday to Thursday 7am to 9pm, Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 9am to 6pm.
      For more information visit thepadfitness.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @thisisposture More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Queen Modjadji’s Breakout Star Masutang Rasekele On Life, Wellness And Finally Living Her Dream

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      There’s been a lot of curiosity around new kid on the block Masutang Hope Rasekele, who recently made her acting debut on Queen Modjadji, a new Mzansi Magic series that has had South Africans talking since its premiere on Sunday, 14 July. Delivered purely in Khelovedu, an indigenous South African language, the show is a celebration of the life and times of the legendary rainmaking Queen Modjadji of the Balobedu nation, whose story hasn’t been documented enough to date.

      [embedded content]

      On the show, Masutang plays Dzugudini, a role she admits she got purely by being ‘at the right place at the right time’. Initially hired as a language and cultural advisor on Queen Modjadji, Masutang was recommended by a fellow crew member when the show’s ‘powers that be’ were specifically looking for an actress fluent in Khelovedu to play the fierce and controversial Princess Dzugudini. Below, the 26-year-old breakout star lets us in on her wellness practices.

      READ MORE: Food, Fitness & Family: How Zinhle Masango Juggles It All

      Best way to start your mornings…

      “I love ushering in my mornings with absolute silence. No phone, nothing – just meditating and gathering my thoughts from the previous day and deciding how I want to proceed with the new day, the kind of energy that I want to pour into the day and lots of positive affirmations. This practice of gathering my mind, body and soul in one space usually gets me into a good mental space, especially on days when I have lots of tasks ahead of me. All of this is usually sealed with a cup of tea at the end.”

      My name means…

      “Masutang (or Mmasutdani as I prefer to spell it), means ‘make way for me’. I was born on 24 May 1998, the same day on which my great grandmother passed on. My family believed that she made way for me to arrive safely in this lifetime. So, there is the Home Affairs spelling of my name, which is Masutang. ‘Mmasutdani’ is just me trying to reclaim the real spelling of my name, especially because Khelovedu is not an official language in South Africa. The latter spelling captures the true sound of my name.”

      Wellness routine that works best for your lifestyle 

      “I usually don’t have time to go to the gym. I stay active by dancing, stretching and walking wherever possible to get those steps in. I also meditate a lot and love spending time in absolute silence – it’s literally the only time I get to evaluate the state of my mental health. I also journal a lot, I find that it elevates my mood.”

      Lessons from the last book I read 

      “It’s a book called Zwireto by Makhwekhwe Volume 1, written by an old Bolobedu-based lady called Makhwekhwe. She documents the different idioms and proverbs used in Khelovedu. This is the best purchase I’ve ever made because we seldom have material that is aimed at preserving languages and cultures. Language is a huge part of anyone’s identity. Having a book written in Khelovedu and aimed at preserving my language is the best thing that I’ve come across – and I absolutely love it.”

      READ MORE: This Cape Malay Stuffed Linefish Is Simple And Delicious

      My favourite go-to breakfast

      Molatša (leftover pap) with hot eggs. The eggs must be extremely well done, please! [chuckles]

      How I nourish my body

      “I could definitely do better in this area of my life. I love to prep for salads and could have them any time of the day. I follow someone who does what’s called ‘salad chemistry’ which has inspired me to incorporate a lot of fresh foods in my own creations. I also drink a lot of sparkling water — I don’t know if sparkling water is healthy enough though?! [chuckles]. I also believe that nourishing the body alone isn’t enough. So, I also make an effort to be gentle with, and speak positively to, myself. I’m also very particular with what I surround myself with.”

      Best wellness advice I have received

      “It’s the very common phrase: ‘Your health is your wealth’. I can’t think of any truer statement. If you take care of yourself, you will definitely reap the rewards in the end. This includes listening to my body when it’s had enough, that way I’m able to replenish my energy levels and continue with whatever work needs to be done. My work requires good physical and mental health. So, it’s only through taking good care of myself that I’m able to deliver.”

      READ MORE: Advice For Your 20s And 30s: What They Don’t Tell You About Ageing

      The last song that made me cry

      “Bonus by J John The Big Baby & Huzz Beats. Loosely translated, this Tsonga song says ‘we’re not sleeping today because we’ve received a bonus in the form of blessings.’ The song may not make sense or be relevant to some but, for me, it signifies the day my life changed when I bagged my current role on Queen Modjadji. I play this song daily to remind myself how blessed I am. Anyone more qualified could’ve gotten this role, instead I was chosen. The song, in the context of my life story, brings me to tears because I’m finally walking in the direction of the life that I’ve always dreamt of. “

      Best way to end my day

      “I love wrapping up my days by watching something light and funny on TV and debriefing via journalling. The latter allows me to take stock of my emotions and how I responded to certain things throughout the day. I love to laugh and don’t enjoy going to sleep with a heavy heart – so comedy and some self-awareness do the trick for me.” More

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      Want to put your health first? Here’s 10 wellness spots to visit in Dubai

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      34 mins ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 10 IMAGES
      While many of us must have set resolutions at the beginning of the year, powering through the wellness route is important too.
      If you’re thinking of taking a break from all the bars, eating out and clubs, then you’re in the right place. This emirate offers a variety of wellness spots, ranging from luxurious spas to serene yoga retreats.
      What are the benefits of wellness activities?
      Improved Physical Fitness
      Regular exercise strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall fitness. Activities like regular physical exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.
      Stress Reduction
      Activities like meditation, yoga, and spending time in nature help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. Regular physical activity and stress reduction techniques contribute to improved sleep quality and duration.
      Longevity
      A consistent wellness routine contributes to a longer, healthier life by maintaining physical and mental health. Engaging in wellness activities improves overall quality of life, making daily activities more enjoyable and less stressful.
      From sound healing to Ice Baths, each space offers an area to unwind and switch-off throughout the day, without feeling too overwhelmed from the stresses of daily life. Dubai’s wellness scene is diverse, catering to various preferences and needs, whether you’re looking for relaxation, fitness, or holistic health.
      With the wellness industry growing in the UAE, it’s time to book your next session ASAP.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @marinanorjes More

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      How I got my job as… the founder of this UAE-based wellness community

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      This week, Emirates Woman sat down with Rhea Jacobs, Founder of Rhé , a UAE-based wellness platform.
      Her vision is to inspire and empower our community to make selfcare a genderless and ageless household practice while bringing a simplified, realistic and accessible approach towards wellness for all.
      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible wellness, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      My intention with Rhé is to build a safe, realistic and accessible space for the people of today highlighting the importance of investing in your mental health and inner peace” says Jacobs.
      With the first launch being the Rhé Of Light Journal, it’s a daily guided introspective journal designed for the busy individual of today. This comprehensive journal tackles key concerns like inner child healing, daily gratitude, goal mapping, body positivity, manifestation, relationship with money, career development and more.
      To delve into her journey more, Emirates Woman sat down with this wellness entrepreneur to see how it all began.
      What was your favourites subject at school?
      I loved Art, My major at school was Business, Environmental management and Art. I enjoyed Art so much and was always the kid who had paint on her hands and uniform. Creativity of any kind inspired me even then.
      What was your first job?
      In University I majored in BA Fashion Honors my first job was then, where I got an internship with an upcoming designer. My role was illustrations and design development.

      What brought you to Dubai?
      We grew up seeing the city change from what it was to the impeccable feat it’s reached at today, the idea that any thing is possible is a mindset you slowly adapt by observation with time. My parents moved her when I was a baby, Dubai is my home and I owe a lot of what I am today to this country and the mindset you develop while you’re raised here.
      What inspired you to enter the wellness space and launch Rhé?
      It was during the pandemic, a challenging time that forced so many of us to introspect and evaluate. Apart from the dalgona coffee, banana bread bandwagon that everyone including myself got on… I was also introduced to yoga and journaling. This acted like a catalyst and made me realize how prior to this i never really prioritised my mental health and was so out of touch with my inner self.
      I was also reading the book called Ikigai around that time and the concept revolved around how ones purpose is quite often something that they personally love and are passionate about, something they can do well, and is something that could bring value to peoples life. The benefits that I reaped entering this space was something that I definitely knew I wanted to share with the world. I always knew I wanted to take the entrepreneurial route and would often discuss this with my mother saying I wanted something that would be a true ray of light for people. We both had an aha moment and knew this was something.
      Talk us through the concept?
      Our concept and vision at Rhé is to inspire and empower our community to make self-care a genderless and ageless household practice while creating a simplified and accessible approach towards wellness for all.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Being a founder of a nascent business, which we launched in February 2024, I find myself assuming multiple roles, ranging from design execution, quality control, to marketing strategies and sales, and even managing basic logistics. I am fortunate to have an exceptional team that greatly contributes to our progress and success. i find it essential as a founder to create a healthy working environments that has the right balance. However, for a business as young as ours, still in the process of establishing its foundation and reinforcing our core values, it is imperative as the founder to remain actively engaged and present.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      My day begins around 6am, first thing I do is meditate and journal. It helps me set my intention for the day. This is usually for around 10 – 15 minutes. I then go downstairs hydrate, get my puppy Gucci fed walked make myself a cup of herbal tea, workout for an hour and shower. This is the one constant I have and prioritize no matter how different each day is since I not only have my role at Rhé, I also am a digital creator and model.
      So my day usually begins with our home office at Rhé with my team and then shuffles between Editorial sets when I’m shooting, meetings, events or creating content for my personal social media. My day usually winds down around 8pm, its at this time when I switch off completely from social media and my phone, and begin my wind-down routine with a shower, I use this time to read a little, then journal to reevaluate the day with some herbal tea and finally of to bed round 9:30pm to 10pm.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      I would say do everything with intention, it really does come through and makes a difference. Also don’t get demotivated by setbacks, every setback is a redirection.
      Tell us more about the products?
      Our inaugural product is our Rhé Of Light Journal, when I personally began journaling the first thing I thought about was, but what do people write in journals? Our Rhé Of Light Journal tackles this very issue, it’s a A simplified daily guided journal for anyone and everyone, whether you are someone who avidly journals or are new to the concept our journal is for you. We take you through a journey of deep introspection addressing topics like inner child healing, goal setting, developing gratitude, body positivity, relationship with money, career building and more. Every day we have an option for a guided prompt or a section to brain dump (vent what you’re feeling) and every 7 days we have our self help worksheets that helps to break monotony and yet still keep you in track.
      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      Nothing is impossible, any setback is only a redirection .
      And what is the worst?
      You can’t have dreams so big coming from where you do and looking like that.
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      My biggest challenge had definitely been making myself believe I can, I had these goals but didn’t really know if I could achieve them. Fighting self doubt, procrastinating due to fear and not being brave enough to take the step is definitely the challenge that took the most out to me to unlearn. Of course there are daily challenges owning and running a business, but when it aligns so deeply with who you are and what you believe in you know there will always be a way to come out of it.
      What’s your future for the brand?
      At Rhé, our core mission is to promote mental well-being and personal growth, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating thoughtfully designed products that support these goals.Looking ahead, our strategy involves a multifaceted approach. We aim to broaden our product offerings to include a diverse range of tools and resources that cater to the holistic wellness needs of our community both in tangible and digital form
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      in lifestyle and culture

      RAKxa Integrative Wellness: A holistic approach to healing in Bangkok

      by

      Life

      by Team Emirates Woman
      2 mins ago

      Seeking a transformative wellness experience that goes beyond a simple massage? Look no further than RAKxa Integrative Wellness, a beacon for holistic healing nestled in the heart of Bangkok. This luxurious retreat seamlessly blends cutting-edge integrative medicine with Eastern and Western healing traditions, all within a serene sanctuary designed to cultivate lasting wellbeing. From personalized meal plans to award-winning wellness experiences featuring everything from cryotherapy to Ayurveda, RAKxa offers a personalized path to true rejuvenation.
      The Stay

      RAKxa Integrative Wellness takes wellbeing to new levels. It seamlessly combines integrative medicine, holistic health, and personal transformation for life-changing results. Located amidst the lushness of Bang Krachao, a protected island dubbed the Green Lung of Bangkok, its 70 luxurious suites are carefully designed to provide a serene sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Contemporary elegance meets traditional Thai charm with ergonomic design, including hypoallergenic finishings and natural materials used throughout.
      The Dining

      Nutrition is a key component at RAKxa, where the team champions food for its healing properties. The chefs, nutritionists, doctors, and traditional medicine experts work hand in hand to curate personalised meal plans. They are not just based on general guidelines but are supported by advanced lab diagnostics to cater to individual needs.
      Served at its restaurant Unam, these menus support gut health, reduce inflammation, and restore balance. The ingredients are sourced from their organic farm and local suppliers. The team draws inspiration from Thai and Western cuisines, ensuring every dish is bursting with flavour and nutrients. Think green curry quinoa bowls, spicy papaya salads and homemade kombucha.
      The Wellness

      At the heart of RAKxa lies its award-winning wellness centre. Integrative diagnostics pinpoint underlying imbalances, laying the groundwork for your personalised treatment plan. It is crafted around four key pillars— therapy, nutrition, rest, and lifestyle. You will then embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal that draws from Eastern and Western healing traditions.
      RAKxa’s transformative holistic approach offers signature treatments like IV Immune Meyer Infusion, Cryotherapy, and Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy, alongside Physical and Sports Therapy such as Pilates and Thai Stretching. With a comprehensive array of Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese, and Thai Medicine treatments, energy healing and therapeutic spa offerings, you will experience a strategic combination of therapies. These not only enhance healing benefits during your stay at RAKxa but also continue to positively impact your wellness journey beyond.
      The Experience

      RAKxa is known for hosting globally acclaimed figures in healing and wellbeing. Recently, Dr. Deepak Chopra led a transformative five-day Life & Soul Longevity retreat featuring enlightening talks, intention setting, and advanced spiritual meditation sessions. Keep an eye out for their upcoming events, where you might find yourself meditating next to esteemed personalities ranging from high-flying business executives to Hollywood actresses like Pom Klementieff, iconic models such as Kate Moss and Jourdan Dunn, and regional tastemakers like Hala Kazim and Mthayel Al Ali.
      What To Pack

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