LIVING
staying home in Dubai
Update 7th May 2020
No permits required to go out during the day and some places are open for limited capacity visiting. But the walking tracks along the beaches are still SHUT and masks are mandatory. Over 60 year olds cannot go into supermarkets. There is still a night time curfew of sorts and no return flights are being booked as yet..
Update 8th April 2020
There is a PERMIT SYSTEM for going out in Dubai now, be it by car, walking or cycle. We are permitted to go out for grocery shopping or medical reasons. Some people working in vital sectors can still commute with permission. Everyone must wear a mask and gloves outside their house.
Dog walking is not permitted.
STAYING HOME IN DUBAI
Staying home in Dubai for much longer than usual is definitely new for many of us, but it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.
Staying FIT at Home
Beaches shut in Dubai on 22nd March but I think you are still able to take a short walk along the pavements and see the sea. Of course keeping well away from any other walkers near by is imperative. Also as of now, the cafés along the beach are open for limited dine in facility and regular take out orders but this is a situation that’s changing every day as we know. We like Parkhouse for our regular coffee take out.
Supermarkets are also still open so if you’re just buying a few things, try and walk to your nearest shop (NOW HAVING APPLIED FOR THE PERMIT) in the morning or early evening when it’s not too hot or busy.
I recommend some online work outs for you while you’re staying at home in Dubai. These are free and tried and tested by myself or my friends so real recommendations.
45 minutes Legs Tums and Bums work out by Tatiana from Inspire.
She has options for more basic or advanced people. It’s only 45 minutes, but you build up a good sweat. It’s a varied work out that’s not boring. Moreover she does it in a garden so you’re looking at something green. I’ve done it twice now. Here’s the link:
YOGA is always a good work out to at home for both your mind and body. I do my own 30 minute yoga session developed from years of different classes and teachers, it basically follows this series. Try and do some yoga and or breathing exercises in your garden if you have one.
TO BEGIN
Sun Salutations 5 or 6 full rounds
STANDING POSES
Tree Pose both legs
Warrior 1
Triangle Poses including reverse triangle
Surfers Lunge both legs
SEATED POSTURES
Twists both sides
Stretching forward and holding your toes with straight legs, each leg then both.
Supine Twists
Low boat, High boat
Wheel or part wheel
Shoulder Stand
Fish
To Finish
Pidgeon
Childs Pose
Savasna
Takes me about 30 minutes and I do it to this music.. link to the music is below and I will add the sequence above when I can get someone to video me doing my practice! So keep checking back please! Please note the music happens to be a Hindu prayer as well as being my yoga music.
Eat well, make a routine that includes exercise, ideally some outdoors, read that book you’ve been meaning to, cook something new from scratch and clear out at least one cupboard. Most important, don’t be afraid. Do try and clear up your e waste as well.
Don't forget your GARDEN
Do take the time to potter about in your garden every day while it’s still not too hot. Go and buy some cheap plants for your house and or garden, geraniums are good as is basil or mint that you can get from supermarkets in pots. Add some indoor plants to the area where you will be working from home, it’ll make a big difference to your mood.
We love this book.. The New Plant Parent by Darryl Cheng.
Cook something FRESH for today and later on
So much to inspire you in this department, some easy recipes to try:
Quinoa, Freekeh and lentil salad or side
Spicy Chinese style Fish Fillets
All of the above are made in our household on a regular basis, so they are real, tried and tested recipes not just lifted from the internet! They work.
And if you feel you’re eating a bit too much, then try hese ideas: Snacks for Staying at Home
No yeast for baking bread? No problem
Try this EASY SODA BREAD no yeast.
treat yourself to some "healthy" gelato
I am NOT a vegan but I don’t like eating anything with nasties in it either, so I highly recommend this plant based gelato, artisanally made in small batches here in Dubai. Stock up in your freezer especially as it’s getting warmer now and while we all need to eat as healthily as possible, we need to STAY HAPPY too!
WATCH THE VIDEO to find out what’s in this gelato and more importantly what’s NOT in it.. GOOD NEWS – You get 10% off your first order if you mention DoinDubai when ordering..
Choose immunity boosting and calming TEAS
Makes sense to boost our immunity and stay as calm as possible, so ditch all those coffees and caffeinated teas while working from home in favour of the following recommendations from serious Tea Lady Yvettes Teas.. her instagram account is HERE and she recommends the following:
IMMUNITY BOOSTING TEAS
For teas that are known to have the highest antioxidants, I’d stick with Whites, Green Teas & Matcha. Matcha is the most potent of all and is loaded with chlorophyll, vitamins & ranks the highest in antioxidants in ORAC score, known to detoxify & has anti-cancer agents.
If no matcha, then specifically Japanese Greens & White teas are next in line
CALMING TEAS
For calming teas, herbals are great.. Like Chamomile, Lemon balms, rose petals, dried lavender, etc… I particularly love Oolong teas as they’re very aromatic & also indulging.. Also Jasmine Pearls… And Roasted teas this time of year.
And for something really easy, just pour fresh coconut water over some matcha powder!
Finish or start that book you've meaning to read
Finish reading that book you started a while ago, or pick it up and finally start it! Looking for inspiration? Then here are some of our new favourites.
go back to a forgotten hobby
and value those moments with family
Many of us have our kids or spouses with us for much of the day unexpectedly and some of us have kids from overseas from university or boarding school. Remember we usually only have our loved ones in our day to day lives during carefully planned holidays and breaks.
Value the unexpected everyday time you have with your family and
count it as a blessing rather than a burden.
