A fast-paced world, and an ever-evolving country such as the UAE, means maintaining a balance between hectic schedules and a healthy lifestyle is a constant struggle for many. A word of advice: ditch the shortcuts. If you’re truly looking to improve overall well-being, you need to think holistically.
It’s a buzzword, I know, but if you embrace a holistic transformation, you instil in yourself a state of physical, psychological and spiritual balance.
Your body is a product of your lifestyle and a reflection of your thoughts. Transformation requires a change of perception that is not solely focused on a simple weight-loss journey, but a remodelling of your outlook and actions. Adopting — and truly accepting — a better lifestyle with a variety of supportive techniques will allow you to thrive long term, no matter how your hectic your weeks and months are.
We are multidimensional beings and are at our best when we work on ourselves wholly and consistently. The aim is to create a difference and adopt intangibles beyond conventional fitness. Holistic transformation focuses on the subconscious mind, pushing people to believe in the true importance of their transformation journey, as opposed to standard fitness training where the focus is largely on the mechanism.
With this in mind, here are some primary challenges people face, as well as ways to recognise and change these habits one by one to kick-start your wellness plan.
1. Nip the abundance of excuses
We are all aware that if we don’t put in the work, results are hard to achieve. Excuses are one of the foremost obstacles to reaching the milestones you set out to conquer. Whether you are busy, have too much going on or even if you’re recovering from an illness, fitness is often not seen as a priority until it becomes a necessity.
There are two ways to overcome this: find in yourself an inner reserve of strength and willpower that ensures you exercise self-discipline; or seek out a programme that fosters accountability or a professional who encourages you to make health your number one priority.
2. Emerge from the sand
Being fully aware of your lifestyle and its repercussions is key. Ask yourself: are my surroundings aiding my fitness journey? Has fitting into social circles and overindulging at weekends become my culture? Just as you watch hard-hitting documentaries on slaughterhouses and climate change on Netflix, educate yourself about the long-term health issues an excessive lifestyle can lead to. The aim is to help you want to challenge and change it.
If you adapt your surroundings to serve you and your goals, that’s half the battle won. It’ll mean you are more aware of what you eat and who you look up to, emulate and even follow on social media. Surrounding yourself with positive examples will play a major role in your holistic well-being.
3. Every day is not Monday
I strongly believe a person controls his or her own motivation levels. If you are faced with a lack of desire, don’t wait for a sign from the universe. Instead, take baby steps on a daily basis and make decisions based on your goals — not your feelings.
Motivation is an emotion; its levels can vary based on the events of your day. Yet, each day is not the same, nor should be treated as such. A lack of motivation on Monday should not dictate your actions for the rest of the week. No excuses.
4. Keep at it
We’ve often heard the old adage consistency is key and this is most applicable on your fitness journey. A tendency to give up, especially when you don’t get quick results, is one of the biggest reasons people fall off the wellness wagon.
Instead of thinking “what’s the point?” change your mindset to believe “a little effort every day will show big results someday”. Consistency will follow.
5. Make wellness a habit
It sounds basic, but a significant number of people are intimidated by the thought of entering a gym. If you don’t have it in you to jump head-on into your journey, enlist a friend who can guide you. Fitness buffs like nothing better than to bring others on side.
There is no magic solution to a healthy, well-balanced life. It simply starts the day you decide to make it happen. Better habits start as a single action. Repeated over time, they become second nature. And, that is the simplest way to embark on a journey of holistic transformation, with no doubts and fears.
Empowering people to train their minds to overcome tiresome habits, as well as championing the belief that the impact you make on yourself is an impact made on society, is one of the primary pillars of my Transform Your Body programme, which is centred on the idea that the body achieves what the mind believes.
Yasir Khan is a transformational mentor and trainer to celebrities such as influencer Khalid Al Ameri and tennis star Sania Mirza. Khan will launch TYB Gym in Dubai in September
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AVOID SCAMMERS: TIPS FROM EMIRATES NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
THE SPECS
Cadillac XT6 2020 Premium Luxury
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Transmission: nine-speed automatic
Power: 310hp
Torque: 367Nm
Price: Dh280,000
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
The years Ramadan fell in May
What is a black hole?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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if you go
The flights
Air France offer flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Cayenne, connecting in Paris from Dh7,300.
The tour
Cox & Kings (coxandkings.com) has a 14-night Hidden Guianas tour of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. It includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, a local tour manager and guided sightseeing. Contact for price.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Squads
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Revival
Eminem
Interscope
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
