The Essential Being of Happiness by Nandini Valsan –Wellness Advocate

As the world emerges from the depths of COVID 19 (fingers crossed) and everyone slowly gets back to a relatively normal life, certain new realities have surfaced.

That life is short. That we have to make the best of it by living it to its full potential. That happiness has to be in the present, not something to aspire to in the future. That a happy life has to start from within. That when we look after ourselves properly, we take care of the people in our life as well. That Self Care is the most precious gift.

Often, with our relentless pursuit of financial security and career growth; along with our many other responsibilities towards family and society, the person we neglect the most is ourselves. We keep our wellbeing on the backburner, with the mental note that we will “take care of it” when everything else falls into place. But life is not like that, things never all fall into place. And the longer we take to take care of ourselves, the more the chance that the ignored body and mind will retaliate. Either through physical illnesses, or mental health ailments. This not only affects us, but also our families and even those at our workplace.

It is now essential for us to etch out time in our own schedules for an appointment with our inner selves. Even if it is just for 15 minutes a day, prioritizing yourself and your needs will slowly translate into a more fulfilled, productive, and most importantly happy you.

While this may be accomplished in different ways, the most comforting and rejuvenating is when we connect with the natural elements around us; using all the senses that we have been bestowed with. For instance, try a barefooted walk on fresh grass to ground yourself with Mother Earth and allow that eternal connection energize your cells. Sit outside on a moonlit night and consciously breathe in the radiance emanating from the skies. Light a few scented candles in the home, turn on music and imbibe the warmth the ambience creates. Walk along the beach and feel the thrill of the gushing wetness that the waves bring along with them. Nature abundantly surrounds us with all the therapy that our individual souls need, we just need to channelize them into our lives.

It is not always practically possible for us to get out into nature, and that’s when we can look towards alternate routes towards similar fulfillment. Meditation, exercise, and in particular, massages are effective ways to harness intrapersonal benefits. A full body massage that incorporates essential oils removes toxins from our body and gives much relief to our tired muscles. But more importantly, it is also acknowledged that the techniques used during massages release endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. These are all positive and “happy” hormones that are responsible for reducing anxiety, increasing a sense of wellbeing, and boosting motivation and enthusiasm. Hence, incorporating regular body massages into your routine will guide you towards performing at your optimal potential.

It was in 2012, that the UN General Assembly proclaimed 20^th March as the International Day of Happiness with the emphatic statement “that the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal.” The General Assembly resolution decreed that sustainable development needed an inclusive and balanced approach to economic growth that promoted happiness and wellbeing of all peoples.

However it is now, after the wrath unleashed by the pandemic, that companies, communities, and individuals are acknowledging the importance of wellbeing. Let us learn from these lessons and strive to work towards this happier existence, by working on our individual selves…for the betterment of our world at large.

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Beauty & Wellness Industry after Covid-19

There is no doubt that humanity is facing an unprecedented challenge.   A crisis that caught everyone by total surprise.  No one was prepared for such a day.  Every industry has been impacted by the pandemic.  However, some industries like beauty & wellness are more vulnerable than others.

The beauty & wellness industry whose business mainly depends on being in close proximity and touching clients will not be able to stand up to this pandemic.  As the lockdown continues, many spas and salons worldwide have been forced to lay off employees, whilst others cannot afford to pay expenses which will eventually force them out of business.  Does this mean the industry will wither away?

Beauty & wellness will survive this challenge as people need to feel good about themselves.  However, the industry is bound to undergo a change in how things are done.  Many argue that salons, spas, beauty parlours & barber shops will present a threat even after the situation returns to normal as they can be a vehicle for transmitting the virus.  So how will the beauty industry survive this unparalleled crisis? What precautionary measures can the beauty & wellness sector take to ensure the safety of their clients?

Salons & Spas must start to increase hygiene measures and adopt healthy habits.  They must visibly demonstrate that they are upholding high hygiene and safety standards.  Salons & Spas must do deep cleaning regularly.  They must disinfect all surfaces, tables, furniture, shelves, door handles, card machines and computers.  All tools must be disinfected with barbicide and sprayed with alcohol then placed in closed pouches. All bottles, including hair spray, shampoo, shower gels, body lotions, nail polishes must be disinfected after each client.

Masks & gloves will continue to remain a necessity in the beauty & wellness industry as therapists, nail technicians & hairdressers should wear them as a part of their uniform in order to be seen as clean and following hygiene standards.  In between clients and treatments, beauty professionals should wash their hands and disinfect tools.  Towels and massage bed sheets should be replaced with disposable ones to give clients peace of mind that they are not using the same towel someone else used.

Salons & spas should implement extra measures such as taking the temperature of clients as they walk in and offer them hand sanitizers.   They should enforce the social distancing rule and seat the clients six feet apart.    To avoid overcrowding the salon/spa, they should accept clients by appointment only. They should do away with magazines and serve drinks in disposable cups.  Instead of cash payments, they should encourage card payments.

The beauty and wellness industry will find ways to navigate this challenge.  By adopting strict hygiene and safety standards, there is no doubt that it will survive this crisis and emerge stronger.  Change always happens for the best.

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Protect Your Mental Health During Covid-19

Social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine are terms that have become associated with the Covid 19 pandemic. This dangerous outbreak has turned our lives upside down. Many people around the world are suffering from depression and anxiety as they live in fear of uncertainty. During such challenging time taking care of mental health and well-being becomes crucial to help cope with the situation. Here are few tips on how to look after your mental health during such stressful times.

1. Spend quality time with your children. This is a distressing time for everyone including children. Explain in a simple way the impact of the coronavirus and encourage them to inform you if they are feeling any symptoms. Try to maintain a routine at home and keep the children engaged with useful activities like reading, painting or cook a meal together.

2. Broaden your horizons by doing a daily crossword puzzle, take a virtual dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

3. Exercise regularly at home. Regular physical activity has a positive impact on depression and anxiety. It enhances the mental well-being through the release of endorphins like serotonin which help to relieve tension and stress, boost mental energy and enhance the mood.

4. Enjoy the sunshine even if its just for 30 minutes. Vitamin D is key to boosting the immune system which is extremely important at this time. The sun also helps to improve the mood and balance hormones.

5. Avoid binge eating and stick to a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Try to incorporate foods that give you a good share of Vitamin C and increase your Zinc levels. Blueberries, dark chocolate, ginger, turmeric, sweet potato, almonds, broccoli, oily fish like salmon all help to prepare your immune system to fight infectious diseases.

6. Get good sleep. Avoid using your cellphone or computer an hour before you sleep. Keep your bedroom dark, cool and quiet, and refrain from doing anything other than sleeping in your bedroom. Quality sleep is essential to help you stay energized.

7. Minimize watching, reading or listening to news about the Covid-19 if you find it too overwhelming. Listening to news from different sources can be distressing and confusing. Listen to news from reliable sources only and take a break to help clear your mind.

8. Stay Connected with your family and friends. In spite of social distancing you can still stay connected to your family and friends by calling them regularly, sending emails, messages on social media or video conferencing.

9. Maintain a work life balance if you are working from home. Create a work space for yourself, but avoid the bedroom. Set time limits for yourself. Do not sit for a long time glued to your computer. Take short breaks and walk around the house, this will help to refresh your mind.

10. Maintain a positive outlook. Remind yourself that this is a temporary situation and your self- isolation is helping to slow down the spread of the virus. Remind yourself that you are doing a good deed by helping the wider community not to be affected with this virus.

At all times remember that you are not alone in this crisis. Millions around the world are passing through the same feelings and emotions. However, we all have to Stay Safe, Stay Healthy and Stay Positive.

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GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY 2019

To mark Global Wellness Day, we had arranged a Diva Chat on the topic of “How to Green Your Well-being”
our guest speakers – Harry Sealy enlightened us with his topic on “Live a green lifestyle ” where he shed light on the importance of reducing the usage of anti-Eco-friendly products like aluminium, plastic, paper. Whilst Nahed Al Alami delighted us with recipes on how to cook organic food to help us maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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We have been awarded the Business Sustainability Initiative Award 2018

We were awarded the Business Sustainability Initiatives from the Qatar Green Building Council Sustainability Awards in recognition of our steps to become a more environmentally friendly and sustainable spa. There were 130 submissions for the awards and we were among the 28 who were chosen.

Diva Lounge Spa Sustainability Initiatives 2018.

Diva Lounge Spa is committed to support Qatar’s initiative in preserving the environment and protecting its natural resources. During 2018 we continued our efforts to become more sustainable by undertaking green and environment friendly initiatives in our operations and treatments.

The highlight of our initiatives was the launch of a social media campaign on sustainability to raise awareness on the importance of going green and how small changes can help a business become sustainable. We shared engaging content and video clips which received positive engagement from our audience who shared their personal views on sustainability. Our content was shared resulting in a larger reach.

The social media campaign reflected the small changes we took to ensure the better management of our resources and the sustainability of our business. The campaign focused on four areas:

Water Management

We undertook several initiatives to better manage our water consumption which resulted in a 15% reduction in our water expenses.

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Energy Management

The initiatives we introduced to better manage our energy resources translated into saving 20%of our electricity expenses during the year.

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Product and Waste Management

Our initiatives have helped to better manage our products and eliminate waste where possible.  Buying in bulk has reduced our cost by 5%.

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Sustainable Building Management

We have also taken several initiatives to create a green spa.

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Media Links:

Gulf Times

The Peninsula Qatar

WGO Qatar

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GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY 2018

To mark Global Wellness Day, Diva Lounge Spa organized a special session of a Diva Chat on “Women’s Health & Wellness” on Sunday 10^th June 2018 at our Branch at Royal Plaza Mall. The session focused on different aspects of wellness, including, the importance of fitness, diet, how to maintain wellness at work and throughout the stages of life Four guest speakers shared their knowledge and insights on the how women can better take care of their well-being.

Milica Vujic, a Personal Trainer and Holistic Therapist gave a presentation on “Wellness as a Lifestyle” and shared her views on the importance of conscious exercise with a focus on children’s wellness. Milica concluded by stating: “I thank Diva Lounge Spa for inviting me to be part of Diva Chat.  The importance of exercise cannot be underestimated. Exercise is a major factor to maintain a balanced well- being.  I encourage women to incorporate any form of exercise in their daily routine.”

Dana Habayeb, a Certified Nutritional Consultant encouraged ladies to adopt a holistic lifestyle.  She also highlighted the health benefits of fasting.  Dana stated, “The benefits of fasting extend from better weight management, improved cardiovascular health, healthier blood composition, to better cell recycling”. Dana encourage women to adopt a balanced diet.

Diane Collins, a Beauty & Spa Educator from Tajmeel Academy focused on “Posture and Ergonomics”. She shared her expertise on how posture affects the health of an individual over a long period of time.  Diane mentioned that: “Using good posture will influence a number of things such as your risk of experiencing lower back pain, your energy levels, as well as your focus and concentration”.

Dr Veronica Parra, a Sports & Exercise Medicine Physician from the Primary Health Care Corporation highlighted the importance of healthy living throughout life stages”. Dr Parra emphasized that: “It is of great importance to introduce wellness habits to children at an early age as this will reduce future challenges such as obesity, heart problems and depression.”

Global Wellness Day is a non-for-profit campaign aiming to raise awareness on the need to live well in terms of mental and physical health. To make wellness a lifestyle, Global Wellness Day focuses on fitness, diet, environmental awareness, social wellness and rest. Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life.  Maisam Kamal, Director and Co-Founder of Diva Lounge Spa stated “We join thousands of organizations around the world in celebrating Global Wellness Day”. She added “One day can change your life is the motto of the day, and we strongly believe that it is our responsibility as a business to educate women in Qatar on the importance of embracing wellness. We hope that our efforts will inspire women to take small steps to live a more wellness-focused lifestyle.”

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Personal20 Electro Fitness at Diva Lounge Spa

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training has hit the fitness industry by storm.  With the availability of many brands for EMS machines in the market, gyms in Qatar seem to be investing in this type of training.  So, what is this new popular phenomenon of being hooked up to electrodes and having small electric pulses going into your muscles? Is it safe? And should you give it a go?

Read below, an interview with Nerine Worsley, who has recently joined Diva Lounge Spa as a fitness instructor.  Nerine is a passionate about the health and fitness industry.  She has a degree in Human Movement and is a qualified personal trainer, dance instructor and EMS certified. Ohlala Magazine asked Nerine a few questions on Personal20 EMS training that is available at Diva Lounge Spa.

Nerine, what is Personal20 EMS Training?

Personal20 EMS training is great from a personal training perspective. Personal20 is based on the Efit 1280 patent technology which is the only machine approved by the FDA.  Efit 1280 is the only brand of EMS training that works with the Impulse Shift Technology (IST) that prevents diagonal electric current through the organs and reduces the amount of current delivered to the body. Efit has 22 electrodes more than other brands, it has a separate electrode for biceps and triceps which makes exercise more natural

In general EMS training is based on high intensity, short duration principles and the electric component means the intensity of the muscle contractions is higher than any normal training. It is a safe and effective way to tone your body, increase your strength and mobility, and ultimately become a healthier person. A few minutes warm-up, a strength protocol, a core workout and a relaxation time fit in to the 20 minutes. I believe Personal 20 EMS training to be one of the “ways forward” in the fitness industry as it is effective and convenient.

Why has EMS training become so popular?

EMS training is not really a new concept.  It has been used by many athletes for years.  However, recently it has gained popularity due to the busy work life professionals lead.  EMS training is convenient as it can be done in 20 minutes whilst your muscles do a workout that is equivalent to an hour at the gym.  So, it is an option for those who don’t have time for exercise.

How does Personal20 Work?

Personal20 EMS training is performed by placing small electrodes on different parts of the body. Small electrical impulses are then sent to the muscles contracting them. These impulses reach deep muscle layers, which are harder to activate through normal training. The effect of the impulses causes the muscles to work 90% harder than they would in a conventional training session.

What should one expect on their first session:

The session starts with a comprehensive body analysis to determine how many sessions a client needs based on their body shape, weight and composition.  A client is given a cotton top and legging to wear, then a body suit with wet pads to facilitate the flow of the electric current is fitted. The session then starts by allowing the electric current to pass to different parts of the body.  The beauty in that training is that you can control the percentage of the electric impulses to the part of the body you want to focus on.  So, if you want to strengthen and shape your legs then the electric impulses can be increased to that part only. The electric impulses can be increased or decreased depending on the client’s tolerance.  The session usually includes a warm up, followed by lunges, squats, sit ups, planks, shoulder presses and finally a cool down.

Is Personal20 EMS training safe?

Personal20 EMS training is safe.   The basis of Electro Muscle Stimulation is exactly what happens in our daily movements. Naturally, our bodies use electrical stimulation to activate our muscles. In the Personal20 workouts this stimulation of the muscles is simply initiated and maintained by the machine. However, this type of training is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast feeding, nor those who suffer from heart disease, pacemakers, or other implanted electric devices.

What are the benefits of Personal20?

Personal20 has many benefits.  The fact that it is a complete body workout in just 20 minutes provides convenience to many people who are unable to spend time working out.  Personal20 is easy on the joints so it is suitable for elderly people as it stimulates their muscles.  It can help in relieving back pain, improves blood circulation, treats cellulite and increases metabolism hence it helps in weight loss.

How many sessions per week is recommended?

Because of the intensity of the EMS workout a maximum of 2 sessions per week is required.  No other form of exercise should be done on the day of the EMS session.

When would a client expect to see results?

As with any other work out, the body takes time to respond. This greatly depends on the lifestyle of the client.  However, with EMS training it is expected that after 8 sessions a client would see results.  In addition to muscle shaping and toning, a client would see physical change, and if she is on a healthy diet she will lose weight as well.

Diva Lounge Spa is an independent, boutique day spa that caters to the wellness needs of professional women in Qatar.  Recently voted as the Favourite Day Spa by the Ohlala Spa & Wellness Awards, Diva Lounge Spa offers relaxing body treatments in a soothing environment and a five-star level of customer service at affordable prices.  Diva Lounge Spa offers massages, facials, body & slimming treatments, hammam rituals, nail care, waxing and hair spa services.

Diva Lounge Spa also offers a fitness classes such as Belly Dance, Latin Dancing, Trampoline Burn, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Dance Fit and personal training. We have recently added the Personal 20 Electro Muscle Stimulation technology to our Fitness studio.

Diva Lounge Spa caters only to the ladies of Qatar. This means that any training session with Nerine will be in a quiet, private training room, without the public exposure of going to a large gym.

And… you could always follow your training session with a relaxing massage!

Visit our Royal Plaza Branch for a trial session. For further information on our Personal20 kindly call 44326927 for an appointment.

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Taking care of your Wellness during The Holy Month of Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan is here, and our lifestyle habits change. You can still maintain your health and wellness while you fast and observe the traditions of this month. We have answered the most common questions about how to take care of your diet, exercise, skin care, hair and nail care during the Holy Month.

Diet

How can I prevent dehydration? Prepare for your day of fasting by drinking enough water throughout the night. Keep a bottle of water close by during the evening and try to drink a cup or two at least every hour. You should drink at least eight glasses of water a during the non-fasting hours.

Which type of food is the best to eat during Ramadan? Fasting shouldn’t stop you from having a complete and balanced diet. Consume vegetables that are rich in fibre like spinach and lentils, and fresh fruits like watermelons and oranges that contain liquid to keep you hydrated especially in the hot days

What should I eat first when I break my fast? Dates! Besides following the tradition, dates are easily digested as they are full of fibre and provide you with an immediate source of energy. Dates are rich in essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and iron, and they help muscles and nerves to function well.

Exercise

Should I continue exercising during Ramadan? Yes! Exercising during Ramadan is both energising and revitalising. An entire month of inactivity will only cause a great setback to your strength, fitness and endurance levels. Exercising helps your body get rid of toxins that might cause dehydration later. You can always compensate the water you lose by continuing to drink water until the Suhoor.

When is the best time to exercise? There is no best time to exercise. It depends on your body and fitness levels though working out before you break your fast is good because it increases your metabolism. Working out on an empty stomach results in potential to burn more fat as your muscles will draw sugar from stored energy. If this is difficult for you then it is recommended to exercise at least 2 hours after Iftar to avoid stomach discomfort while working out.

What type of exercise should I do during Ramadan? Ramadan is the best time to focus on core and flexibility training such as pilates, yoga, personal training or short sessions of quick cardio such as high intensity interval training. We recommend the Personal20 Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS) which needs only 20 minutes twice a week. Personal20 EMS will boost your metabolism, tone your muscles and improve cellulite. It is the smart way to exercise during the Holy Month.

Skin Care

How do take care of my skin during the hot season? Keep your skin well hydrated and moisturised by using a day cream, sunblock and night cream. Moisturising the skin is important because it will minimise the appearance of pores and will also improve the skin’s tolerance to external aggressions such as this extreme heat. You need to use a moisturiser that is oil-free to keep the skin from becoming dehydrated. We recommend Vie Collection Accelerated Recovery Cream which can be used daily. The Accelerated Recovery Cream by Vie Collection will keep your skin well moisturized.

Should I have a facial during Ramadan? During Ramadan you don’t drink much water, this might cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull. Facials become more important to keep your skin well hydrated and revitalized. We recommend Thalgo’s Hydrating Marine Ritual . This is a deeply nourishing and moisturizing facial treatment that revives dull and dehydrated skin.

How do I protect my skin against the sun rays? Sunscreen! Protect your skin by applying a good sunscreen with SPF 50. UV rays from the sun are extremely damaging to the skin. They not only promote pigmentation problems, they also damage skin’s collagen and elastin leading to early aging in the form of wrinkles and skin sagging. We recommend Thalgo M-Ceutic SPF sunscreen which provides high protection against the strong UV rays during the summer season.

Hair & Nails

What is the importance of taking care of my hair in this heat? It is extremely important to take good care of your hair during the hot season. The sun can greatly damage your hair resulting in discoloration, dry and brittle strands, broken or split ends, thinning and frizziness. Damaged hair has a dry look and feel, and it is also difficult to manage as it won’t hold a curl or style. Focus on washing your hair regularly to remove items that block follicles and do regular hair treatments which nourish your hair and scalp. Try the Collagen Phyto Hair Repair treatment by Nashi it will keep your hair well nourished during the summer.

Which product can I use to take care of my hair at home? Make sure to apply a leave-in conditioner when washing your hair especially during the hot days. The conditioner will leave your hair well hydrated. The Instant Hydrating Mask from Nashi is recommended for damaged hair as it eliminates frizz, moisturizes and protects the hair against heat.

How can I take care of my nails during the Holy Month? Cut your nails short! Frequently cutting your nails helps to speed their growth, keep them stronger and healthier. Short nails have fewer exposed edges that can be ripped or broken during your summer activities, and they require less moisture and upkeep. Regular manicures ensures that you will have healthy nails.

Ramadan is the perfect period to relax and enjoy some quiet time at the spa. Visit Diva Lounge Spa during this month for some well-deserved pampering. All the treatments and products stated in this article are available at Diva Lounge Spa. Visit one of our branches today and book your treatments.

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CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018

“There is nothing more rare or more beautiful than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. That is the true essence of beauty.” – Steve Maraboli.

Happy International Women’s Day to all our wonderful Divas! 8th March is globally recognized as the day to celebrate women. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging and honouring the contribution of women to society. Over the years women have taken major strides and have proven themselves to be successful across different spheres of life. Women are capable of creating change and shaping futures.

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘woman’; gentle, caring, selfless, loving sensitive, persistent, multitasking. A woman has the courage to develop, nurture and transform. A woman has the power to encourage, sacrifice and give hope. We often hear the phrase “Empower a woman you empower a nation”, indeed this is true as a woman is half the society and the base on which the world stands. As Alphonse de Lamartine rightly said: “There is a woman at the beginning of all great things”.

The value of a woman cannot be underestimated. We have all been positively impacted by a woman in one way or another. We have all watched and learnt from our own mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, that being a woman means being strong, confident, bold and beautiful.
This month we encourage all the beautiful and talented Divas to step out and shine. To support and believe in each other, and work towards our goals. The world is in need of strong, confident women who are not afraid of change. Women who will lift and develop others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will. – Amy Tenney. Women who can make it happen. Let us rise with confidence and be those women.

We salute those women who have made a major impact on our lives. We salute those women who struggled to express their right for speech, equality, education and freedom. May the beauty of every woman eternally shine.

Here’s to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.

Diva Lounge Spa

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Wellness Goals for 2018

Happy New Year Divas! We all love January because it presents itself as a fresh new start. A new year gives you a chance to set resolutions and take steps to help improve your wellbeing. It is an opportunity to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle and develop new habits that nourish your mind, body and soul. Have you set your New Years’ resolutions yet? Unsure where to start? This month we are sharing some easy-to-adopt wellness goals that you can apply to kick-start your 2018.

Healthy eating
Practice mindful eating and choose your food consciously. Read ingredients on labels and avoid processed foods. Aim for more balanced meals. Monitor your portions, reduce your sugar and carbs intake, and add more fruits and vegetables in your meals.

Me-Time
Push pause and give some ME-TIME to yourself to relax, rejuvenate and recharge. It is important to take care of your wellbeing. Include regular spa visits in your busy schedule. Spa treatments release endorphins – “feel good factors” which induce your individual wellbeing. Spa treatments also improve your blood circulation, get rid of toxins in your body and improve the health of your skin.

Fitness
Physical activity is an important component of good health and it will improve the quality of your life. Exercise benefits every part of the body, it increases your energy levels and lowers your risks of getting sick. Choose an activity that works well for you and commit to it. It could be anything from running, walking, dancing or even taking the stairs. Group fitness classes are an opportunity to socialize with others, or you can choose to melt away calories with fun classes such as Belly Dance, Zumba Fitness or Trampoline Burn.

Take care of your skin
Start taking good care of your skin this year by getting professional anti-aging facial treatments. Regular facials will promote cell turnover and boost collagen production to prevent aging. With the help of professional skin specialists, you can build up the perfect regimen to improve the health of your skin and to reduce any wrinkles. Invest in good quality products and commit to a daily skin care routine.

Drink more water
You will find this one on everyone’s new year’s resolution. Drink at least 2 litres of water daily. This will energize the muscles and hydrate your cells.

Gratification
Take a few minutes each day to reflect and appreciate all of things you are grateful for. Gratitude improves your psychological health and increases mental strength.

Manage your stress
Reduce your stress levels by prioritising your tasks, finding solutions to problems, resting and reducing your workload. Take it easy. Relax. Slow down, breathe deeply and tune into your body. Reducing stress will improve your mood, boost your immune function, promote longevity and allow you to become more productive.

Get more sleep
Aim to sleep at least 7 to 8 hours daily. Try to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, avoid bright screens within 2 hours of your bed time and avoid big meals at night. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and will benefit your heart, weight, mind and appearance. It sharpens your attention for the next day and lowers any risks of accidents.

Unplug – Disconnect – Get Offline
Break up with your phone. Give your eyes a break by scheduling the amount of time you spend on your phone. Turn off your notifications and learn to live in the present.

Learn something new
Explore your hobbies further this year and try to gain professional knowledge on them. Attend workshops and classes that revive your mind. Examples include cooking class, art class, yoga, photography or museum tours.

Travel
This year travel to a place you have never been before. Travelling will make you wiser and open to more opportunities. It gives you a chance to enjoy living in the moment, and taking a break from your standard routine will make you happier.

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Pinktober & Wellness

October is PINKTOBER!   Known as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It is the month where special attention is given to Breast Cancer by supporting research and educating women about prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. As a spa, it is a social responsibility to raise awareness about breast cancer and to educate women on the importance of regular screening, adopting a healthy lifestyle & pursing wellness for a better life.

Life is all about choices.  The lifestyle you choose to adopt can greatly affect your chances of developing cancer. So, if you are concerned about cancer prevention small changes in your lifestyle will make a difference.

Without any doubt eating a well-balanced diet based on veggies, fruits and whole grains, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding tobacco are all the right steps to minimize the risk of developing cancer. Regular screening mammogram is extremely important as it is the best method to detect breast cancer in women.  Early detection increases the chances of survival.

Another important factor is STRESS, which is sometimes referred to as the silent killer. Some studies indicate that stress affects the immune system hence it might indirectly increase the risk of cancer, specifically breast cancer.  Stressful situations can sometimes encourage less healthy choices such as smoking, overeating or consuming more alcohol all of which can lead to cancer. Hence it is important to manage stress.

Physical activity, yoga classes and meditation all help in managing stress.  Regular spa visits will boost your physical immunity and will positively impact your psychological health.

All types of body massages increase blood circulation, reduce blood pressure and relief stress. Treatments such as facials and hammams will leave you feeling revitalised, whilst reflexology will aid in the body’s natural healing process. Especially for breast cancer patients, the spa serves as the perfect place to draw positive energy. A nail spa treatment, a makeover or freshly styled wig will brighten up the patient’s day leaving them feeling revived and pampered. Spa visits and complimentary therapies allow you to relax and destress and enhance your body’s well-being.

“Relax your body,

Calm you mind,

Renew your spirit.”

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The purity of a Thai-Yoga Massage experience

The purity of a Thai-Yoga

Massage experience

It’s not a lie to confess that we live in very exciting and yet stressful times, where multi-tasking has become a celebrated skill and impatience dominates us all. Just like how we browse the internet with eight or more tabs open at a time and our desktops are full of icons, our poor minds have been piling up with tons of thoughts and agendas that just never close. Too many plans running in our heads, unattended thoughts, constant work reminders and baggage of social media content all take over our minds and the end result is stress, anxiety, constant fatigue and crampy moods. All this happens knowing that tomorrow we are adding more baggage, similar to how the mail inbox folder just keeps receiving more and more emails reaching to thousands of unread messages. Yes, that is the feeling that I am talking about, and too often we do that to our poor minds. Just as our human form is whole, if our minds are exhausted, our body and soul follow suit. We see ourselves exuding negative energy and waking up grumpy at everyone for no particular reason, with unexplainable pains on various areas of the body. A friend once described this feeling as waking up straight from a battlefield; tired, weak and claiming it to being a long day before noon! Now that is just sad, but thankfully there is hope for all of us. We don’t need to feel tired and sluggish forever. There are many ways to revive ourselves and today I am sharing a method I tried and fell in love with myself, Thai-Yoga Massage!

“Thai-Yoga Massage is a holistic blend of meditation,

acupressure, reflexology and chiropractic.

After two days of a Thai Yoga Massage workshop, I left the studio feeling like a brand-new person floating lightly with every step I took. I had just immersed myself for two days in a positive atmosphere where I felt totally comfortable in my own skin and body, and my words and actions flowed out freely with no fear of any judgment or offense. The bliss of this change that I experienced in my own mind, body and soul inspired me to share it. Thai-Yoga Massage could be what your body is yearning for. Each of the different elements of Thai-Yoga Massage contribute uniquely to the final vitality that the body experiences. You can apply the principles of Thai Yoga Massage in your daily lifestyle.

Meditation
Loving kindness is found in the stillness of the mind

At least once during the day, it is important to pause and quieten the mind. This can be challenging at first, but it is a commitment to focus on one thought that calms you. You can think of the sun, a flower, or think of the smile of a child close to you. Choosing twenty minutes in your schedule to just sit and meditate relaxes your nervous system, calms your mind and leaves you with a sense of peace.

Acupressure
Equilibrium is where perfect balance and wellness meet each other

Applying pressure on certain parts on the body releases energy and opens up blockages which leads to released tension, improved blood circulation, restoration and healing. Find out where the meridians on your body are located, and once daily commit fifteen minutes to apply pressures on those points. Now I know for sure that whenever my head starts to ache, I just need to apply pressure in small circular motions on my temples to release the pain, and this for me works better than painkillers. Find out which points work best for you and experience natural healing.

Reflexology
When our feet hurt, we hurt all over

Now if ever there was a spa treatment for you try, please select reflexology. After one session, you will feel like you are walking on clouds with every step you take. The main idea behind reflexology is that certain points on the foot correspond to organs in the body and thus following the same principle with acupressure. If you apply pressure on the points on the foot, tension is released in various internal organs such as the brain, heart, lungs kidneys, and the list goes on. If you have contraindications stopping you from having a full spa experience, sit down and apply pressures with your fingers on the soles of your feet. You can do this for about ten minutes, and book a reflexology treatment for your next spa visit.

Chiropractic
The doctor of the future will give no medicine but focus on the spinal health

Thai-Yoga Massage largely uses chiropractic principles by manipulating joints and soft tissue through stretching techniques and posture. The main belief is that spinal misalignments interfere with the flow of energy along the nerves. Incorporating simple stretching techniques in your daily schedule will enhance coordination, improve posture and performance, and also relieve stress and tension.

Your turn now…..

Since the Thai-Yoga Workshop, I have been using the above principles daily, and already I feel energised and more positive, though I experienced ultimate satisfaction after receiving a full Thai-Yoga Massage. Embarking on your wellness journey and applying these principles will surely relieve the tension and pains that you feel daily.  Visit Diva Lounge Spa for a Thai Massage or a Reflexology session and experience natural body healing for yourself.

Blog article written by Grace Zichawo
Spa Manager, Diva Lounge Spa

+974 44074 555

Your Journey to Wellness starts with a cup of Ginger Tea

Your Journey to Wellness

starts with a cup of Ginger Tea

“Everything good is found in Ginger”

The Indian proverb states “everything good is found in Ginger” that’s why at Diva Lounge Spa we chose Ginger Tea to be our signature beverage and the start of your journey to wellness.

As you step into our spas, you are immediately greeted with a cup of Ginger Tea that brings with it a host of health benefits.  One can easily recognise the distinctive aroma of the ginger and its spicy taste blended perfectly with honey. Over the years this has become our clients’ favourite treat, a ritual which perfectly works before, during or after any spa treatment. It is stimulating yet refreshing for the body. It subtly wakens up your senses, making you conscious of your body’s needs and feelings at that moment. This powerful effect is the reason why we gladly serve ginger tea to our clients.

So, what are the health benefits of Ginger Tea?

For many years in most parts of the world, ginger has been used for its therapeutic and preventative effects for the treatment of hundreds of ailments from colds to cramps. Blended well together, honey is an excellent medium for transmitting the benefits of the ginger root into the body. Let us look at some of the benefits your body receives when you enjoy our signature beverage treat.

Blood Pressure: The moderating effects of honey and ginger tonic assist in easing the tension in blood vessels, resulting in lowering blood pressure and reducing the chances of heart attacks and strokes. After a cup of ginger tea one will feel more relaxed and stress levels are lowered.

Aids in weight loss: Now this one is a favourite for many of us! Ginger can help to speed up metabolism, which leads to burning calories with the end result being weight loss.

Suppresses your appetite: Incorporating ginger tea in your diet will help you to feel fuller for longer. This feeling ultimately decreases your calorie intake as your feelings for hunger are reduced. It also helps to reduce habits such as overeating and binge eating and gives you back full control over your diet throughout the day.

Opens your sinuses: Ginger helps to unclog sinuses and facilitate drainage. This is the reason why ginger tea is so popular especially during periods of the cold “bug”. If you suffer from a cough or runny nose, a cup of ginger tea will relax the respiratory system and provide warmth to your body leaving you feeling fresh. Ginger tea will also improve your breathing during a cold or a fever.

Great relief for pain: Ginger acts as a natural pain reliever. It fights inflammation that causes pains and aches; and it also speeds up muscle recovery, especially after a long workout session. It treats inflammation of the joints, helping you get rid of tiredness, swelling and puffiness of sore muscles and joints.

Also for detox: Ginger contributes in cleansing the lymphatic system, killing bacteria found in our bodies and flushing out toxins. It eventually strengthens the body’s immune system making us less prone to catching illnesses and viruses. This powerful preventative measure is the reason why ginger tea is recommended at least once a day.

Best remedy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and stomach discomfort: Ginger has a calming effect on the digestive system as it can relax the intestines during a flare up. It also provides relief if you suffer from cramps, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Ginger tea also helps with digestion by minimizing stomach pain and improving food absorption. After a big meal, it is often recommended to drink ginger tea in order to stay comfortable.

Try to make your own Ginger Tea the Diva Lounge Spa way

“Life is like a cup of tea, it’s all in how you make it”

Now that you have read all the amazing benefits of ginger tea, it’s time to try the recipe at home and get that same taste that you always get at Diva Lounge Spa. To serve six people, you will need just the following:

• 2 tablespoons of cubed ginger
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 litre of water

Believe it or not, this signature recipe is a simple two-step process:

• Bring to boil the water with the ginger cubes inside for two minutes
• When boiled, add the honey and boil everything again for two minutes

Serve in tea cups and enjoy our signature drink, Diva Lounge Spa Ginger Tea. Or, you could just pay us a visit and we will welcome you with a perfect cup of Ginger Tea, served with a smile!

Blog article written by Grace Zichawo
Spa Manager, Diva Lounge Spa

+974 44074 555

Why everyone is falling in love with “Wellness”

Before we start, let’s rewind back to three decades ago, or even two,

maybe just one, when visiting the spa was just a for a birthday treat, waking up early for a run was just for that marathon preparation, or fruits were eaten just because mum said so. Our habits were merely just focused on surviving throughout the day or doing things because we had to. For example, do we take our showers daily because we grew up doing so, do we drink water during the day because it’s the most common choice of drink found worldwide, or are we actively pursuing a goal? Are we consciously thinking of our body, health and being? Do we ever take time to pause and just pay attention to ourselves? That’s where “wellness” comes in. Let’s take a closer look at what this trendy buzzword really means.

“Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life”

By University of California

Wellness is the path that we take to enhance our existence as humans here on this earth in the pursuit of a healthier, happier and more satisfied life. The process of wellness affects our lifestyle in many ways: mentally, spiritually, socially and largely physically. Embarking on a journey of wellness can simply be expressed as falling in love with yourself, your body and your life, and realising that today is the youngest that you will ever be, and the fittest that you will ever feel unless you make a change. Embracing the wellness approach means that you proactively choose health over sickness, serenity over stress and peace over chaos. It involves a conscious choice that one must make to positively improve their quality of life and to ensure that each minute will one day serve as a joyful memory. Taking on this process of wellness allows you to reach a level of satisfaction where you experience freedom from disease, freedom from burnout and you experience pure refreshment that can be likened to the glistening stars gently floating on a river stream. Now this all sounds too good to be true, but guess what? It is all achievable! Regardless of the environment that you live in or the hours in your day (that you feel you may have less of as compared to others!!), all you need to do is to start making changes in your current lifestyle, and with discipline and passion you will get to this sensational level of satisfaction. Because wellness encompasses so many dimensions, I will just zone on steps and habits that you can start adopting today to enhance your physical level of wellness.

The top 5 steps for starting your physical wellness journey

Drink water

We have heard this one too many times now, yes that’s because it is true. So simple yet so powerful! 75 % of our muscle tissue is made up of water. We need to hydrate our bodies to increase performance in all that we do daily. Dehydration leads to weakness and fatigue and it presents itself as dullness on the skin.

Take that spa visit more seriously

This in itself is a large topic that we will focus on later, but in this fast-paced world of technology and speed, it is a great necessity that you wind down in the serene environment offered by the spa. For whatever treatment you are having, just stepping into a peaceful space already cleans your psychological stress. The spa indulges each of your senses, giving you an internal healing effect that cannot be explained, but only experienced. Gone are the days where spas were only for pampering. In this new age, the spa will revive your body and soul with every treatment offer. From a basic nail fix to the revitalising full body spa treatments, your wellness is the first priority!

Get moving

We wonder why children are so happy and always full of energy even when the clouds are dark. It’s because they move! You can start simply by choosing to take the steps in the mall, walking the dog around the block or joining a fun Zumba class. After about a month or two of these easy basic habits then we will move on and start talking about those marathons and running dates. Just start today. In fact, start now.

Detox

This one is another popular buzzword trending the social circles. Detoxification is the removal of impurities in our bodies’ systems. It is when we cleanse our blood and keep our immune system “in shape”. There is many ways to detox but today I will recommend the top treatments that will help you achieve that process while you relax. (Did I just kill two birds with one stone?); Massage, Salt Scrub, Reflexology, Hammam Demashky and many more…

Change your diet (start thinking natural!)

Others have said “You are what you eat”. Well, yes. This is one is also an easy one with no way out, yet we still fight against it. A future post will zone in deeper on diet, but while you wait for that please do cut out the fast foods, the junk and all the secret bars of chocolates you are hiding in your cabinet. Not only will eating healthy have an enormous effect on your energy, it may also save your wallet. So let’s keep our plates green and colourful starting today.

Wellness is such a big topic with many dimensions but now you can start to think of habits to adopt as you make wellness a part of your life. The biggest idea for me here is change. Yes, change! As Robin Sharma stated,

“Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end”

Think of the person you want to become one day. Think of the body you have only ever dreamed of and think of that sense of satisfaction that you have always longed for. Now choose to be that person. Choose to change, choose to learn and choose to live. It may be challenging at first, but Diva Lounge Spa will walk you through the journey with our customised offers, and you will love it. But most of all, you will love yourself. So, start now.

Blog article written by Grace Zichawo

Spa Manager, Diva Lounge Spa

+974 44074 555