ALL FoYD CLASSES PAUSED
5 June 2014 - 15 August 2014
As if you haven't noticed by the rise in temperatures, summer is upon us here in Dubai. Like cold, cloudy winters in other parts of the world, our high temperatures combined with high humidity drive most Dubai residents indoors for the better part of the day. The hot Dubai summer months can be both physically and emotionally draining. Spending hours upon hours indoors in 'artificial' surroundings often accompanied by the non-stop hum of the air conditioning unit takes its toll on the soul. In order to lift the spirits and improve your emotional and physical health, here are some suggestions to battle the Dubai Summer Blues:
Take early, early morning walks, jogs or runs
Get up before the sun and get out of the house while the temperatures are somewhat bearable. Go for a walk, jog or run. The activity will increase the level of endorphins in the system which act like a natural anti-depressant.
Drink plenty of water...then drink some more!
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day before you feel thirsty. This will help to maintain your energy levels and your overall well being.
Keep up your yoga practice
Yoga practice involves much more than just asanas (postures). Yoga practice also involves meditation, a focus on breathing, maintaining a healthy diet, selfless giving and devotional time. When the summer temperatures start to get you down, take some time to incorporate these many different aspects of yoga practice into your life.
Eat light, fresh meals.
Nothing feels worse in the body than being hit with the heat after a heavy meal. Focus on meals that refresh the body such as green salads, lightly steamed vegetables, lean sources of protein, fresh fruits and the like. As your body is already working hard to keep you cool, it doesn't need the additional work of trying to digest a meal heavy in carbohydrates, fats and sugars.
Siesta!
If your schedule allows it, try to rest (or at least slow down) during the hottest hours of the day. From 2pm-4pm try to keep your physical activity to a minimum in order to allow the body to 'recharge its batteries'. This is not the time to practice asanas but might be a great time to focus on meditation and very gentle breathing exercises.
By incorporating some of these easy practices, you'll feel healthier, cooler and you just might avoid the Dubai Summer Blues. To help you battle the blues, I've included a recipe that an Ecuadorian friend shared with me.
Watermelon-lemon-mint Cooler
3 cups seedless watermelon, cut into large chunks
Juice of 1 large lemon
1-2 cups of very cold water
Handful of mint leaves (stems removed)
Agave syrup to taste
Instructions:
Place watermelon, lemon juice, 1 cup of cold water and mint leaves in the blender. Blend on high and add remaining water until it reaches the consistency you desire. Add agave syrup to your taste.
Optional add in: ice cubes, lime juice (instead of lemon), fresh papaya (peeled & seeded), passion fruit (seeds strained out first) or Kiwi fruit (peeled & cut into chunks)
Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately. (Serves 2)
FoYD Classes Paused for the Summer
I will be in the USA from mid-June to mid-August. Please take note of the dates of the LAST FoYD Classes before we pause for the summer
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| photo credit: Gina Johnson |
Sunrise Beach Yoga
Saturday, 31 May 2014, 6:30am on the beach in Umm Suqiem 1, adjacent to Bait al Bahar Restaurant (FREE class)
Hatha Flow in the Garden
Monday, 2 June 2014, 7:30pm at the home studio (50 aed pp)
Candlelight Yin Yoga
Wednesday, 4 June 2014, 7:30pm at the home studio (50 aed pp)
Private Lessons will continue until 5 June 2014
I will continue to teach my classes (Hatha Flow [Sun 10:30am], Yin Yoga [Tues 8:30pm] & Teen Yoga [Mon 4:30pm] at Eco Yoga Sanctuary until Tuesday 10 June. Another yoga teacher will teach the classes at EYS in my absence during the summer. Ladies, if you haven't tried this new ladies-only yoga studio in The Village mall in Jumeirah 1, get over there and take a look! They offer many types of yoga including, Kundalini, Hatha Flow, Hot Yoga, Mommy-Baby Yoga, PreNatal Yoga, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga and more. Your first class is FREE so be sure to stop by for a class. Phone them for info and bookings +971 (0)4 385-6633
Thank you for sharing your yoga practice with me and I hope to see you on your mats and practicing with me in August.
For those of you traveling to the USA this summer, if you happen to be near Arizona, come for a visit in the eclectic, artistic, funky town of Bisbee. I will be there teaching yoga, hiking and enjoying the summer monsoon rains.
