Articles
Start the new year right
Fill the new year with positive energy by embracing these changes.
- By Charlene Stubbs, Features Editor
- Published: 00:00 January 1, 2010
- Image Credit: Camera Press
Unlock your potential
Every once in a while it's good to get away from it all - work, husband and kids. But rather than sloping off to a beach retreat for a bit of R&R, challenge yourself - both mentally and physically.
Julie Lewis has been running Mountain High since 2003 and offers diverse, action-packed adventures to open your mind and spirit. "Do something different that takes you out of your comfort zone," says Julie.
"My trips are a great way to learn new skills, see a new country, and meet new friends. By revitalising your mind, body and spirit of adventure, you can unlock all that sleeping potential within you." For a list of 2010 adventures visit www.mountainhighme.com.
Rewire your thinking
Personal and executive coach Hanan Nagi says we need to change our state of mind. Thinking positive thoughts, explains Hanan, will attract positive people and situations into your life. Hanan offers workshops and counselling sessions that will help you harness positivity and transform you life. Visit www.transformlc.com.
Create a vision
With the grind of daily life, it can be difficult to keep track of your goals and aspirations. To keep yourself focused, try creating a vision board. Life coach Lindi Kritzinger says, "Taking time out to make your own vision board will help you identify your vision for the future, discover what you really what in life, and help focus your attention and intentions on your personal and career goals."
Using cut outs from magazines, create a collage of pictures that represent what you want to achieve - this can be anything from having children, investing in property, or making a career move. Lindi runs regular vision board workshops for Dh200, which includes a blank canvas and creative supplies. Visit www.lindicoach.com for more information.
Detox your wardrobe
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It's easy to get bogged down by the clutter in our lives - especially in our wardrobes! Image Factor consultant Marissa Woods suggests removing all your clothes from the wardrobe, and pulling out anything that you haven't worn for at least a year - these items can be re-sold or taken to a charity shop.
Next, sort the remaining clothes into type - blouses, trousers, dresses, etc. Now, re-hang them back in your wardrobe, with colours ranging from dark to light. Next, go back through your rail to check for anything that is damaged, has missing buttons or stains, and put them aside to be fixed.
Now it's time to get brutally honest. Ask a friend to help you sort through your various looks and dismiss anything that's not working for you. To have your wardrobe professionally detoxed, visit www.imagefactoruae.com.
Harness the power of the tiger
Next, tackle your home. Feng Shui expert Deana Wyland-Fries says that 2010 is the year of the Yang Metal Tiger, a powerful energy that will bring a lot of opportunities. To make sure you're ready to grab onto this energy, Deana advises a ‘space clearing' of your home.
First chuck out anything you haven't used in the last 18 months. Then, make sure all the plumbing and light bulbs work properly and that your important documents are in order. To begin the space clearing ritual, Deana says you need to put rock salt in all the corners of your home, leaving it there for 24 hours.
The next day, open all the windows, turn on the taps, put on your favourite music and sweep up all the salt. Dispose of the salt immediately - but make sure this is a place outside your home.
Turn off the taps and music, and sit for a few moments in the stillness of your living room. Offer out a prayer of protection for your home and any wishes that you have for the coming year, and then spray your entire house with lavender water. To learn more, e-mail Deana atinfo@re-balanace.eu.
Remember to say thank you
"Gratitude helps me live life to the full," says Julie Lewis, who urges you to say more thank you's in 2010. "It turns what we have into enough and more, chaos into order, problems into gifts and the unexpected into perfect timing. Saying thank you makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."
Put your finances in order
For most of us financial worry is one of the biggest stress triggers - especially in the current climate. By making sure your finances are in order you'll fell less stressed and you'll be better prepared to grab hold of opportunities that come your way.
Start by sorting through past bank statements and credit card bills to find out where your money has been going. Save receipts and start logging your expenses. Once you have a clear idea, get your debts in order and prioritise the ones with the highest interest rates.
Set yourself a monthly budget, which can be split into categories of rent and bills, savings - aim to put aside ten to 15 per cent of your income - and money for hobbies, clothes and going out. Ideally you should work towards having an emergency fund equivalent to six months of your salary, so that whatever crops up in life, you'll be better prepared.
Stay on track
The New Year is traditionally a time for resolutions, with dieting at the top of the list. "The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle are forged in the smallest of actions you take every day," says Carol Holditch of the Dubai-based slimming club, Good Habits.
"Build one habit, one action at a time." When it comes to weight-loss, Carol says it's important to strive for realistic changes. Write down your goals, surround yourself with reminders of what you want to achieve and seek support.
Make a difference
Join The Blue Ribbon project, which has now touched over a million people's lives. The project follows a ‘pay it forward' system whereby one person is given three blue ribbons, one for themselves and two to pass on.
The idea is to say thank you to somebody who has made a difference in your life, no matter how big or small. The ribbons are printed with a message, ‘Who you are makes a difference and I wanted you to know that'. Visit www.blueribbonmovie.com to watch the movie and www.makeadifference.com to buy a blue ribbon pack.
Become aware
Wellbeing guru Deepak Chopra believes just 20 minutes of meditating a day can change your life. By quietening your mind and tapping into the inner calm that is already within your body, you'll soon start to enjoy the benefits of a strengthened immune system, less stress and fatigue, and have more energy and becomemore creative. To help get started, try one ofthe mini programmes or one-day retreats at Breath & Health, which include meditation. Call 04-3489940.
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