Journals Archives | Page 15 of 37 | The Hundred

In this modern world, good health can no longer be taken for granted. To ensure complete wellness of your body and mind, everything from your thoughts to your eating habits should be clean and healthy. With that understanding and due to the uncertain times we all are living in, more and more people are now encouraged to lead a healthier life. 

One of the basic steps towards detoxing your life is by being more mindful of what you eat. What you feed your body will ultimately decide how your body will respond to external conditions. Many of our traditional recipes focused on balanced meals, sourced from local food sources. The ingredients used in these dishes are known to improve our digestive and immune systems. But today, the things we eat are questionable, more often than not.

At The Hundred, we have taken a few initiatives in the direction of providing healthier food options for our clients. The 100 Café is unequivocally our best effort at emphasizing the wellness practices and ethos we live by. Using quality products and methods, we have been at the forefront of serving healthy food that is not only nutritious but also delicious. 

After sourcing chemical-free raw materials from around the world, we curated a menu offering gluten-free vegan food. Our café focuses on re-introducing plant-based foods as a filling and tasty alternative to the often chosen fast or even junk foods.  

Wellness cafés like ours can play a big role in revolutionizing healthy eating. Let’s learn how.

Wellness Cafés – Promoting Good Health

The one thing that makes wellness cafes like the 100 Café stand out, is the attention given to sourcing the food materials. Naturally grown vegetables that are not exposed to any kind of fertilizer, pesticides, or harmful preservatives and grass-fed meat are the preferred raw products for creating the dishes in any wellness cafe. 

Wholesome, non-processed foods not only ensure the absence of toxins but are also packed with nutrition. While we no more rely just on locally sourced items, every raw material is specially sourced and used. Wellness cafes also cater to a variety of special needs. With the increased interest in vegan food, the 100 Café menu, for instance, is specifically curated with plant-based dishes.

As food allergies are also common among the general population, wellness cafes take special care to mention the ingredients in their dishes. While gluten-free dishes are more common, nut allergies are also addressed during the preparation of the meals.

The idea behind these kinds of cafes and restaurants is simple – they promote healthy eating habits and thereby good health. As a healthy alternative to fast-food joints, people are encouraged to be more conscious of their eating habits even when they are away from their homes. The more mindful people are about what they eat, the more they will be able to live and lead healthier lifestyles.

Final Words

According to science, every cell in our body has an expiry date; which is why our bodies are continuously making new cells to replace the ones that are lost. These new cells absorb the essential nutrients needed for their maintenance and existence from the food that we eat.

Eating clean and nutrient-rich food must become a norm rather than a choice for healthy living. From reducing susceptibility to diseases to premature aging, eating good food is the foundation of a healthy body. With the 100 Café, we are promoting and encouraging the same every day.

A healthy body is like a well-oiled machine. Every part of the body moves in coordination all the time, helping you go around with your daily tasks. But what happens when you injure yourself or fall ill due to a disease? Physical recovery after an injury or sickness may take a toll on the functioning of your body. People take days, weeks, months, or even years before they get their body back into shape. And even then, pain and reduced mobility can render them feeling helpless.

This is where physiotherapy comes in. As a powerful tool for physical rehabilitation, physiotherapy has been widely welcomed and practiced in all corners of the world. Physiotherapy helps people of all ages who have suffered from injuries or an illness that has limited their ability to move and function. With a customized program, therapists help individuals to cure, manage, and maintain their physical functioning. With optimal care and encouragement, patients can return to their original lifestyle just as they recover.

However, there is a common misconception that physiotherapy is just a rehabilitation program, meaning it is recommended only as a means of recovery after suffering from a condition. But, that is not the case always. Your doctor may refer you to a physiotherapy session at the first sign of a problem rather than managing it just with medicines. Let us take a look at how physiotherapy can benefit you in your everyday life.

Benefits Of Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is undoubtedly an effective therapeutic tool for injury or disease rehabilitation. The exercises and manual therapy techniques help relieve pain and restore muscle and joint function. Further, physiotherapy can also help build strength and flexibility of the body, thereby improving the overall mobility of the body. The prescribed program will depend on the patient’s condition at the start of the therapy and focuses on improving the quality of life with or without the help of any assistive devices like cane, crutches, or body braces.

Physiotherapy is also a highly recommended method for prevention and recovery from sports injuries. Therapists design specific programs that ensure athletes and sports persons have a safer chance to return to their sport.

As mentioned, physiotherapy is widely used for the prevention of other conditions as well. Doctors often suggest it to patients as a means to prepare for or avoid surgery. The healing techniques ensure that the body is in a better shape, which can speed up the recovery. Additionally, physiotherapy is used to manage diabetes and vascular conditions. Specific exercise plans are recommended to control blood sugar levels and deal with blood flow to the legs and feet. Therapy sessions also help patients recover from pulmonary diseases.

Physiotherapy in general is highly recommended for the elderly. As we age, our overall mobility, balance, and coordination reduce. Age-related arthritis and osteoporosis can be managed efficiently through physiotherapy with or without the need for joint replacement surgery. Physiotherapists screen older patients for their fall risk and teach them specific exercises and movements that improve their overall coordination. 

Final words

Physiotherapy is an ideal solution for improving and maintaining your body’s mobility, flexibility, and coordination at all times. This therapeutic method goes beyond traditional physical rehabilitation and helps people manage everything from lifestyle conditions to age-related difficulties. So, do not hesitate to consult with our physiotherapist in Dubai if you have any physical aches and ailments that need attention.

 

Pilates is one fitness regime that has gained many loyal followers over the years. Unlike many of the numerous fitness fads that have come and gone, this unique training has revolved around conditioning your body by emphasizing aligning the body, working on your breathing, and developing core strength.

Research also shows that people start losing their muscle and gain body fat from the early 30s. Almost 10% of muscle mass is lost in men and women by the age of 50 without proper strength training. With these recent studies emphasizing the importance of muscular strength training, mainstream personal training is mostly designed as machine-based workouts. 

However, unlike working out using machine weights, Pilates routines are better at employing more of the muscles in your body and strengthening them. The exercises if done right can hone long, lean muscles that increase core strength as well as the outer body frame. Let us learn more about how Pilates can help improve muscular strength.

Strength Training With Pilates

With pilates, you don’t need to do heavy weight lifts to build your strength. By introducing moderate levels of resistance, you can work the major muscle groups in your body. As the routines are more fluid than traditional work out practices, elderly individuals can also practice and benefit from it.

Our Pilates classes at The Hundred focuses on the mat and equipment-based Pilates for strength training. While mat Pilates teaches the art of using your body weight to improve strength, Pilates on equipment employ tightly coiled springs as resistance to push the body. As the routine constantly pushes and challenges your muscles, it helps build muscle strength with regular practice.

You Personalized Pilates Routine

At The Hundred, our private and group Pilates classes help clients follow and practice personalized routines that address individual needs. For instance, if a person has opted for Pilates classes as a form of rehabilitating from an old injury, then special attention is given to him or her in strengthening the injured muscle group. 

Strength training with Pilates helps improve muscle mass and bone strength, making you stronger and fitter. With continued training, your body mechanics improve, which helps in preventing diseases like osteoporosis, osteopenia, and arthritis. Additionally, strength training is known to release “happy hormones” or endorphins, which elevates your general mood. 

Signing Up For The Right Class

No one becomes an expert overnight. With that understanding, we have various levels of Pilates classes at The Hundred where you can join. If you are new to Pilates, it is best to start with the basics. Our beginner’s level is ideal for newbies and people who are rehabilitating from old injuries. The exercises at this level will be solely focused on stabilizing your body’s alignment and engaging the core muscle groups that support the spine and hip. 

Individuals can move into intermediate and advanced levels as they improve their muscular strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control and coordination.

Pilates is an all-encompassing exercise regime that helps with all four components of fitness: Cardio, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance. Whether you are new to fitness programs or already on the path of bodybuilding, Pilates can help you build up the deepest layer of muscle, helping your body heal and build strength over time. So join our Pilates classes in Dubai to start on your journey towards a healthy physique.

Everyone feels sad, anxious, or irritable at some point in their life. As humans, we are prone to emotional vulnerabilities that affect our lives in multiple ways. From being unable to make decisions to losing the will to live, turbulent thoughts and emotions can take over our natural capabilities, rendering us feeling useless. Having such prolonged feelings of anxiousness and depression could be an indication of deteriorating mental health, which is why they must be addressed early on.

On average, depression rates are higher in females than in males after puberty. The same goes for anxiety issues; studies show that women experience anxiety disorders at nearly twice the rate of men. While these studies suggest that women are more vulnerable to mental disorders, it doesn’t mean that men are immune. When it comes to mental health, women are also the ones who get better care and attention after an early intervention of their condition, while anxiety or depression in men goes unnoticed mostly.

Understanding Anxiety & Depression In Men

Society often perceives emotional vulnerability in men as a sign of weakness. While women are encouraged to open up and seek support from peer groups or a professional, men are under pressure to suppress their feelings. This is why anxiety and depression in men are usually hidden behind a display of aggression. 

Anger outbursts, irritability, sleeping problems, alcohol, and drug abuse are very common among men suffering from mental disorders. To cope up with their inner turmoil, men often turn to long-term substance abuse, which paves the way for other health conditions.

Studies also show that self-harm and suicide rates are higher among men who suffer from anxiety and depression. As men downplay their signs and symptoms, their issues go unnoticed until it’s too late.

How can you help?

If your loved one or someone you know talks about prolonged sadness, hopelessness, and sleeping troubles or exhibits destructive behaviors like substance abuse, abusive behavior, and aggression, convince them to get professional help. Psychotherapy sessions with the best professionals can ease the symptoms and bring the patient back to normal.

At the same time, here are a few ways in which you can help them:

  • Never use the terms anxiety/depression loosely. These terms make men uncomfortable and reluctant to seek treatment.
  • Be more compassionate to their issues. Listen to what they have to say.
  • Don’t give an ultimatum to begin a treatment or change a habit. This will make them rebel and not take the right course of action.
  • Express your worry and concern about their suffering. Tell them how it is affecting you as a family/friend.
  • Encourage healthy living in general. Ask them to work out with you and ensure that they are eating well and taking enough rest.
  • Support them when it comes to seeking medical help. Be with them whenever they need your physical presence. Encourage them to be open to the idea of therapy and medicines if needed.

Final words

Humans are all emotional beings. Feelings of sadness and pain are just as normal as happiness and hope are. If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety or depression, do not hesitate to seek help. Be compassionate towards yourself and towards others. Remember that getting help at the right time can make all the difference.

 

COVID-19

Our aim is to create a safe and welcoming space, reduce stress, and provide an idyllic escape designed to improve the wellness and happiness of our clients. Health and safety are our greatest priorities, and with that in mind, we have developed the following practices to ensure peace of mind for everyone who enters our doors.

  • A nurse will take the temperature of all clients and employees upon entry to the building, entry will be refused if the temperature is over 37 degrees.
  • Clients are advised to use the hand sanitizer and wash their hands for 20 seconds before every consultation.
  • Supporting social distancing, all waiting area chairs are positioned two meters apart.
  • Regular use of medical grade, Dubai Municipality approved & non-toxic disinfectant fogger on all surfaces.
  • All clients must wear a mask.
  • All clients must pre-book their appointment. If they have travelled recently, they must complete a 14-day self-isolation before visiting the centre.
  • Pilates & Yoga Clients must wear socks.
  • Pilates & Yoga Group classes are reduced to a maximum of 5 clients with 2-meter distance.

While adhering to our new safety standards, we are now offering Pilates, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Homeopathy, Psychotherapy and treatments to provide our clients with the care, strength and support they’ve come to rely on us for. Please call our reception desk to schedule your appointment.

For those that would prefer to remain socially distant, we are also providing online sessions through Zoom, so that everyone has access to help when they need it.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Opening Hours:

100 Café

Saturday – Thursday, 8 AM – 7 PM

The Hundred Wellness Centre Reception

Appointment reservation and supplement collection: Saturday – Thursday, 7 AM – 8 PM

Friday: Closed

Location:  The Hundred Wellness Centre, Villa 21, 53b Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE

Contact:

100 Café

For car pick-up and pre-orders, please call or WhatsApp +971 56 164 8924

The Hundred Wellness Centre Reception

Please call 04 344 7333 or [email protected]

It is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. When you think about it, truer words have been said about the human mind. When our mind is idle, it tends to reel back to thoughts and memories that are dark and dubious. On the other hand, it is the most colorful and creative asset you have with a little effort. This is why it is important to keep your mind active and stimulate your imagination. 

One of the easiest ways to keep your mind busy and creative is to indulge in some really good books. Reading has always helped people learn and grow in more than one way. When you read a book, the author is taking you to his world, showing you how he or she sees everything around them. You are essentially transported to a place and time where the narrative takes place, helping you imagine and understand things from a whole new perspective. May it be a novel, a travelogue or a self-help book; every book has a tale to tell that takes the reader through a journey where they come out being more thoughtful and imaginative.

So, with all of you staying home and keeping safe, why not start or get back into the habit of reading and exploring the world like never before? With that said, here is a list of some of our favorite picks that you can read this season.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia

The first thing about this book that you’d notice is the word Ikigai itself. Simply put, Ikigai means “reason for being”. In the book, the authors explore the philosophy of Ikigai, after listening to the residents of a Japanese Village with the highest percentage of 100-year-olds. It is considered one of the world’s Blue Zones, where people have realized the various aspects of life that help humans achieve a long and healthy life. 

Ikigai reveals the secrets to longevity and happiness as lived and experienced by the Japanese villagers. By sharing their best-kept secret of living everyday life, the book teaches readers how to find the Ikigai that brings satisfaction to their lives. 

On Being Nice – The School of Life

Where most self-help books give us the guidelines and route map to be richer, smarter and successful, this book simply tells us to be nicer. As you read along, you will find ways to be less irritable and be more patient. You learn how to be a good listener and be more warm and friendly to the people around you. In short, the book explores the importance of being nice, regardless of its lack of immediate allure.

So, pick up this book and enjoy a great read as it explains “niceness” and why it deserves to be recognized as the highest of all human achievements. 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” 

If you have heard this beautiful quote at least once in your life and wondered what the story behind it is, it’s time to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This enchanting novel takes the reader on a journey from Spain to Egypt alongside the protagonist Santiago in search of a buried treasure. Along the way, he meets some very interesting people, who all point Santiago in the direction of his quest. 

What starts as a journey to find physical treasure turns into a story of discovering the treasure within. If you are a fan of fantasy interwoven with deeply humane emotions, The Alchemist is a must-read for this summer.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter

Often considered as the ultimate guide to financial literacy, this book not only outlines the best ways, but also the right attitude for building wealth. 

The book talks about two dads in the author’s life – Robert’s real father, the “poor dad” and the father of his best friend, his “rich dad”. The story explores how both men shaped their fortune, what worked and who did it better. As you read along, you will learn the stark difference between working to earn money and having money work for you in the best way.

If you are looking to make the most out of your money and build a secure future through better management of personal finances, Rich Dad Poor Dad is the one book you must read.

The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

If you are a fan of self-help books that inspire you to be a better version of yourself, this book should be your golden guide. The author, Dr. Joseph Murphy has beautifully painted a perfect picture in this book as to how changing your thought patterns can produce dramatic improvements in your life. With practical and easy to follow techniques and real-world cases, the doctor shows the reader how every aspect of life from relationships to finance can influence the subconscious mind.

A life-changing classic, this book is your best friend on your journey towards self-realization and improvement. So don’t forget to add it to your reading list today.

The Gift Of Imperfection by Brené Brown

This best-seller of all times is undoubtedly an inspiring book that focuses on the need for cultivating the courage, compassion and connection to embrace once imperfections and to recognize that they are enough all along.

The book draws images from society and media that constantly tell us who we are and how we should be. It further shows how this pressure of being imperfect and inadequate is baseless and why it is important to find your place of worthiness in the world. A perfect read that helps you embrace all your imperfections.

E Squared: Nine Energy Experiments That Prove That Your Thoughts Create Reality by Pam Grout

If you are really into DIYs, here are nine DIY energy experiments to turn your life around! E-squared by Pam Grout is often described as a lab manual of experiments that prove once and for all that reality is malleable, that consciousness trumps matter, and that you shape your life with your mind.

The book takes every reader through an amazing set of theories that can be proven through nine 48 hour experiments. As you decode every theory in this book and realize it’s verity, you feel energized and empowered to create your reality.

Final words

So here it is – seven powerful books to keep you company and expand your universe this summer. These books will undoubtedly help you unlock your potential and give you all the strength and creativity to overcome the toughest uncertainty of our times. From all of us at The Hundred, we wish you better and fruitful quarantine days with these wonderful reads.

 

What is the first thing you think of when you wake-up? Do you groan as you snooze your alarm yet again? Bolt upright in panic? Or do you start your morning with a healthy routine that sets the tone for the rest of the day?

Amid the current stresses of the global pandemic, it is so easy to fall into a pattern of late-night overthinking, overeating and oversleeping. Although our normal “realities” and daily lives have taken a significant shift and this is not the time to give ourselves any added pressure, a well thought out morning routine can help us accomplish our goals. Try these simple steps when you wake up and see how a positive morning routine makes a difference to your day.

Affirmations and Meditations

When we first wake up or just before we fall asleep our state of consciousness changes, making it easier for messages to be absorbed and understood by our subconscious minds. This is the area of our brain that stores all of our deep-rooted values, our truths and rules for how we live our lives. The best time to listen to affirmations and meditate is when our conscious minds are relaxed and we are in the theta state so that the messages can sink in and become our new beliefs.

Gratitude

Starting the day with gratitude makes us more likely to find things to be grateful for throughout the day. Commit to writing a list of three specific things you are thankful for each morning, include all of the good in your life and notice all that you have received. When first beginning this practice, it can seem difficult to think of our blessings, but after some time, this daily gratitude will shift your mindset so that you are in a state of appreciation. By forming this new habit, we can strengthen our neural pathways and train our brains to reduce the chance we are taking things for granted and find even more to be grateful for.

Touch base with your ego

When we are in a reflective state, it is easier to connect with our true selves and discover how we feel about the situations in our lives. If anything is bothering you, use this time to look at it from a different perspective, consider the other people involved and as Oprah says, ask yourself “what role does the ego play in this?” Often, we get so caught up in our circumstances and how they impact us, we can fail to see the bigger picture and lose connection with others. Use compassion to see if you can find a solution that benefits everyone involved.

Start your day with a willing intention

The morning is the perfect time to prioritize and create a plan for the day ahead. Take a few moments to think about everything you wish to accomplish and determine one clear intention for that day. As taught by Michael Beckwith, this willing intention will be the reason you can complete your over-flowing to-do list and become the guiding compass for your additional tasks. It can be simple, such as “act with kindness today”, or “show gratitude and appreciation today”, or you can focus on something specific such as “complete analysis report”. Use something that resonates and motivates you, and then surrender and let go of control for a productive and joyful day.

Uncertain times have befallen us with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the many standard precautions that WHO is urging us to take, social distancing seems to be the one that is taking a toll on all of us.

When practiced collectively, social distancing can greatly minimize the spread of the virus. However, as governments across the world persuade their citizens to stay at home, it has started affecting their mental state and general happiness. Even if it may seem silly to prioritize people’s happiness in a serious situation like this, studies show that it is necessary to maintain some level of joy and mindfulness to tackle this pandemic at every level. 

Happiness and positive thoughts are powerful tools in helping us to increase our resilience during crises. As these must come from within, each and everyone of us should focus on oneself to find what makes us happy. The time has come for us to really love and appreciate the simple joys of life. Remember that if you are healthy, have access to clean water, food and basic necessities, and have a roof over your head, you are one among the most privileged people in the world right now.

So how do we stay positive and full of love in this period of social distancing? Let us find out.

Keep a routine

When you stay at home all day, it is easy to lose your sense of time, even if you are working remotely or taking care of your family. With everyone staying indoors all day, the first thing you need to do is establish a routine for your days. Sticking to a routine will help you organize and maintain an order in your life amidst all the new chaos.

Treat your days just like how it was before the quarantine period started. Wake up and have meals on your usual time, and do the things that you normally do on a weekday. With the kids running around the house, it may seem a little strange at first; which is why the same rule should apply to your children as well. With schools closed across the country, set up a routine for them that keeps them engaged for the better part of the day. You can also set aside some time for family activities, which is definitely going to help you bond and have fun with your family.

Connect with your loved ones

Humans are social beings. We thrive on our interactions and relationship with others. This is why spending time at home makes us realize the importance of grabbing every single opportunity to reconnect with our friends and family.

If you are home with your loved ones, make each day count by spending time with them. Find creative opportunities to interact and have fun with your parents, spouse or children. Show your love by helping and making each other comfortable around the house.

If you live far from your loved ones, make use of technology to connect with them virtually. Chat with them over the phone or FaceTime. You can now even hold parties and play games over meeting apps like Zoom. Utilize these platforms effectively to be in touch with people who matter the most to you. This is the time to share some love.

Take a break from media

As you continually scroll through social media or listen to the latest news for updates, you are unnecessarily increasing your level of anxiety. Once you have the right information to stay safe, take a break from all sorts of media. Be mindful about a possible information overload – especially something as serious and scary as a pandemic can increase your stress levels putting you in undue mental strain.

Instead of looking at a screen all day, occupy yourself with other stimulating activities like reading or exercises. This not only distracts you from all the anxiety, but will also help you remain healthy mentally and physically.

In a nutshell, focus on the positive side of everyday life rather than consuming all that comes over the media. This will help you cope better with this period of uncertainty.

Be grateful and compassionate

Our lives are filled with small blessings. We may not have realized it earlier. But understand that each day that goes by where you and your family are safe and healthy is a wonderful blessing. Be grateful for the simple things in life; from the food you eat to the bed you sleep in. At this point, your happiness should come from the fact that your loved ones are all healthy and happy.

At the same time, be compassionate. Be helpful towards the less fortunate. Even in times of social distancing, if there is any kind of help you can extend towards another, it can not only bring happiness to others, but just as well to you. Instead of worrying about the future, focus on the present and each moment.

Final words

This world needs to be a kinder place and that’s the one thing that this pandemic has taught all of us. Even if you are indoors and keep a safe distance from others, do your part towards society. When you get essentials delivered at home, leave a tip for the person who came all the way. Avoid unnecessary trips outside your compound, not only for your sake but for the sake of your loved ones. Don’t forget to rekindle your love and connection with people that matter. And always believe that this too shall pass.

 

One of the many things that make us human is our ability to stay hopeful and optimistic even during the darkest of days. Time and again we show resilience and overcome situations by focusing on helping one another and going back to enjoying the simple things in life. 2020 has again thrown a curveball at everyone in the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the seriousness of the situation, most of us have found ways to stay safe and healthy.

As staying indoors has become the new norm, households all around the world are now bustling with activities to keep all the family members, including children, healthy, happy and occupied. With zero options for outdoor activities, everyone is looking for ways to enjoy quality time at home with fun indoor activities.

So in this blog, we have put together an interesting list of fun activities you can enjoy with your family while staying safe and indoors.

Classic board games

Board games are a traditional choice of indoor entertainment which we all grew up playing. Even today, it is a timeless option to have fun indoors with your whole family. Stock up on board games, cards and puzzles like Snake and Ladder, Ludo or Monopoly, Chess, Carroms, Uno and Jenga and get your whole family together for a game night. Indoor games like these can be super fun as it brings along a sense of friendly competition. 

Art and crafts

If you want your children to enjoy art and crafts, this quarantine period is the best time to introduce them to it. Instead of just getting the materials for your children and leaving them with it, why not join them? Draw, paint or try your hand at crafts like clay modeling or origami. There are numerous videos online that teach you to paint and do fun and unique crafts. So pick up the right tools and sit down with your young ones to have exciting art and crafts sessions.

Movie time

Everyone loves a good movie. With a lot of great movies available online, for example on Netflix or on other streaming service portals, get your family together for entertainment-filled movie time. Choose from animated favorites like ‘Frozen’ or ‘Finding Nemo’, live-action like ‘Lion King’ or simply an oldie like ‘Home Alone’. Watching a movie is not just about enjoying what’s on the screen, but also about spending quality time with your family. So get the popcorn and fruit juices out and huddle up in front of your TV!

Indoor treasure hunt

Want to keep your little ones busy on their feet while you get some work done? Try setting up a fun indoor treasure hunt for them! Leave notes and clue cards in different places around the house. You can hide exciting collectibles and prizes in drawers, cabinets or under the mattress. Include entertaining puzzles or even math or science questions for them to solve, adding a little educational twist to the game. An indoor treasure hunt can keep your children occupied and let them have a lot of fun!

Cooking together

When everyone is home, it calls for a feast! Children love cooking, especially baking. So hand your little ones an apron and ask them to join you to bake a cake or some cookies. Start with something as simple as an easy to make cheesecake. Children can be messy, but remember that is all part of the fun and learning. Let them get hands-on with the mixing and making process. All you have to do is to help set the oven.

Karaoke with favorite songs

If you and your family enjoy singing, why not hold a karaoke night? There are many karaoke systems available in the market which are perfect for a small house party. But if you prefer not to spend on a system, you can always find online karaoke sites with thousands of songs to choose from. Set up a small microphone and speakers for your children to sing along. You can also join the merry contest and sing a song or two.

Stay active together

With days and weeks spent at home, people tend to get lazy and bored after a while. Kids especially find it hard to stay put at home as they need some way to spend their energies. To break out of this, start a fitness routine at home. Apart from your regular workouts, find some activities in which your kids can also easily join. Buy a skipping rope or a hula hoop and teach your kids how to use them. You can also play some funky songs on your TV and dance to it along with your kids. 

Final thoughts

Staying at home all day can be tough for everyone. But with the right mindset and with a little effort, these quarantine days can be fun and productive. Stay off social media and take some time to connect with your family members. With activities like the ones we mentioned here, you can bring the kids and adults in your family together for some great indoor fun and laughter. 

 

It’s April again and the summer is upon us. Unfortunately, we are still in difficult times and it is best to be indoors in the comfort of our homes to stay safe. We understand that you are missing out on the final few days of warmth before it gets too hot. But with everything considered, it is time for us to stay brave and take care of ourselves and each other through little steps.

As we are all adjusting to this strange new way of life, it doesn’t go unnoticed that our time in quarantine does inflict mental and psycho-social strain on everyone. While we do get to spend time with our families, regular routines that involve interactions with others and moving out of our home for work and other needs are lacking. But those are essential for our identity, self-confidence and purpose.

Apart from the fear and anxiety brought about by COVID-19, it is normal for people to feel stressed and listless due to spending days and even weeks at home. So how do we overcome this? How can we reduce our stress and find calmness in times of uncertainty? 

One way to keep your mind and body healthy and stress-free are by staying active at home. And for that, we recommend our virtual Pilates classes.

Interested to learn more? Let us help you to understand how Pilates can help improve your mental health while staying in quarantine.

The Effect of Pilates on mental health

Since the time of its conception, Pilates has been a proven method to increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and tone the body overall. However, today we know that apart from its physical impact, Pilates can help in reducing mental stress and enhancing mindfulness.

Through regular practice of Pilates, your body will reduce the production of stress hormones like cortisol and release endorphins, which are “feel-good” hormones that have the power to lift your mood. Also, Pilates pumps blood to the brain, specifically to the hippocampus which is the region responsible for memory. Activating the hippocampus improves memory and protects the brain against diseases and injuries.

Pilates is also an incredibly powerful tool that helps your body relax and rejuvenate. As you follow the various steps and postures during the workout, you are essentially providing your mind space to focus on the present. Further, the principles of Pilates emphasis on the importance of breathing correctly. This ensures proper oxygenation of the blood, helping the brain to calm down. 

Studies also show that exercises should be included as an essential component in helping patients recover from mental illnesses. Group Pilates is a recommended exercise that assists in the treatment of anxiety and depression as it offers the patients to socialize and create a diversion from negative thoughts, while at the same it helps to establish a self-care routine. 

Why we recommend virtual Pilates classes

While Pilates can be practiced alone, engaging in a one on one or group session with an accomplished trainer has its perks. It presents a chance for you to train right and get the maximum benefits of doing Pilates. With virtual Pilates classes, you can now keep up with your workouts without any breaks. Further, virtual group sessions allow you to interact with your fellow practitioners, making your Pilates classes fun and eventful. 

At The Hundred, our signature Pilates classes are now accessible via Zoom to anyone interested. You can enjoy free online sessions every Sunday at 11 am or paid group sessions on Wednesdays for 55 AED per person for 55 minutes. Even virtual one to one sessions are available for Pilates, as well as physiotherapy in order to check on the progress of our existing patients and introduce them to new rehabilitation exercises – both at 315 AED per person.

We aim to give everyone a chance to make this COVID-19 quarantine period productive while improving and maintaining your physical and mental health. So take the next step and join our classes today. Stay home and enjoy healthy and stress-free days ahead with virtual Pilates classes at The Hundred.

For bookings or information, call 043447333 or email us at [email protected].