Quick and Easy Recipes for Ramadan

Try these top 5 Quick Recipes in Ramadan

All around the world, Ramadan is a special time for Muslims to get together and celebrate the Holy month. This month brings families together to enjoy the feasts in iftar and suhoor. People try different dishes with different recipes to spend delicious Ramadan.

Unfortunately, this Ramadan will be spent in lockdown, without amorous family gatherings and congregational prayers. However, this doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate this month in high spirits. 

This month forces us to enhance the performance of our religious duties. Likewise, we can upgrade the cooking experiences and enjoy scrumptious food even at home.

Here’s a list of Ramadan recipes for Iftar. 

Beef Stroganoff

Originated in Russia, this dish is popular throughout the world with little variation. It’s easy and quick to make, and tasty to eat.

First, grill tenderloin boneless beef and cook it with raw onion and mushroom. After seasoning it with hot paprika, add tomato paste, water, salt and let it simmer for 10 min. Mix the evaporated milk with the cornflour in a small bowl. Add it to the meat and stir until the sauce thickens. Stir in parsley and remove from heat.

In 30 minutes, a tasty treat is ready for you and your family!

Beef Stroganoff served in a white dish
Yummmm

Honey Garlic Chicken

Honey Garlic Chicken is the quickest recipe one can make. Made from accessible pantry items, it tastes like magic.

Take chicken (preferably boneless) and dust it with cornflour and grill it. Put a pan on the stove and butter it. Add lemon (or vinegar), soy sauce, salt, pepper, garlic paste, and honey and let it simmer until it thickens. Pour the sauce on the chicken and enjoy the blend of sauces.

It takes less than 15 minutes to cook this terrific dish. Enjoy it in the iftar or dinner.

Honey garlic chicken.
Try it

Caramelized Hazelnuts Parfait with Caramel Sauce

This dessert is going to be your next favorite dish. This mouthwatering treat takes a little long in preparation but the effort is worth it!

There are three steps for the preparation:

  1. To make Caramelized hazelnuts, place sugar and butter in a small non-stick saucepan and stir constantly over medium heat. When sugar changes its color to a golden brown, add chopped hazelnuts. Remove the pan from heat and continue to stir. After that, spread it over a baking tray and allow it to cool. After it gets solid, crush it to crumbs
  2. For the parfait: Add fresh liquid cream, vanilla, and caster sugar in a mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, mix it until it becomes almost stiff. Add the prepared crumbled caramelized hazelnuts to the cream mixture and fold using a metal spoon until well combined. Pour the mixture in an individual cup or in a rectangular cake pan then cover and freeze until it sets
  3. Caramel sauce recipe: take a non-stick pan and melt butter in it. Add sugar and stir constantly over medium heat until sugar becomes golden brown. Add liquid cream and stir on low heat for 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool

Take the frozen Caramelized Hazelnuts Parfait and serve it with caramel sauce. 

Caramelized Hazelnuts Parfait with Caramel Sauce
Hear the crunch?

Tabouli salad

If you want to have healthy food in Ramadan, you can try different types of Salads. 

Tabouli salad is originally Lebanese Salad which is served in all Arabic restaurants in KSA as well. If you want to eat this healthy treat, prepare it at home. It’s easy and quick to make. All you need is a good knife and basic ingredients.

This Mediterranean appetizer is made with bulgur, parsley, mint, and very finely chopped vegetables (tomato and onion). Season it with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and enjoy your side dish.

 Tabouli Salad.
Nom nom

Thai Style Chicken & Corn Soup

Soups in iftar is a part of the culture in Saudi Arabia. After breaking the fast with dates, Saudis prefer to have soup. 

If that is the case with you too, here is a quick iftar recipe of Chicken & corn soup in Thai style.

In a large saucepan, add water, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, chicken broth, chicken cubes, and corn. Bring to boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then add chicken pieces, sweet chili sauce, and fish sauce(optional). After the chicken is well-cooked, add cornflour and stir for 2 minutes. When you achieve the thickness you wish, add chopped coriander, lemon zest, lemon juice, and spring onions. Remove it from heat and serve hot.

3 bowls of Thai soup.
Garnish it well

The recipes of soup vary on the basis of personal choice. This Ramadan, try Thai style chicken & corn soup.

These were our top 5 Ramadan special recipes. If you want to learn more recipes, join the live stream cooking classes through the Hala Yalla app. 

In the live private session, you can learn baking, international cuisines, and vegan dishes. Try different kinds of recipes this Ramadan.

A secured link will be shared for the live stream before the session. For the best streaming experience, kindly ensure your internet connection has a bandwidth of 3.2 Mbps.

https://hyapp.app.link/fAuvFAUm65

Download the app on Android or iOS

Iftar Items Enjoyed Throughout Saudi Arabia

Top 7 Popular Iftar Items in KSA

All over the world Muslims rejoice for the month of Ramadan for spiritual reasons. This month allows people to get together, pray together, and eat iftar together. 

In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan holds a special place for a lot of different reasons. The Ramadan experience that it offers is different from any other place. 

For Muslims, Ramadan is incomplete without the iftar gatherings. Sitting on the iftar table waiting to break the fast, talks and laughter that follows is something so specific to Ramadan. 

Here are a few quintessential items you’ll always find at an iftar

Dates

Dates are one of the most important Saudi fruits, with or without Ramadan. People distribute dates to celebrate weddings, religious ceremonies, and everyday life.

In Ramadan, the importance of dates increases tenfold. No iftar table is complete without dates. It’s part of Saudi culture and tradition. 

People usually break their fast with one or two dates before getting into the main course iftar.

Dates served in a blue and gold bowl

Vimto

This drink is the favorite soft and carbonated drink for the month of Ramadan. You’ll find bottles or cans of Vimto in every iftar party you attend.

Its ingredients include the juice of grapes, raspberries, and blackcurrants, flavored with herbs.

Vimto bottles.
Bottoms up

Laban

Laban is a mixture of fermented milk and yogurt. It’s a traditional yogurt drink that instantly quenches the thirst. 

The body temperature drops after one sip of laban. It feels so refreshing on a hot summer day. Laban is high in nutrients, calcium, proteins, and vitamins. This combination improves digestion and boosts the immune system.

Soup

After eating one or two dates, Saudis normally start with soup. It’s gentle on the stomach after fasting for nearly 14 hours. 

There are various kinds of soups, all are easy and quick to make. Packed with deliciousness, soups are nutritious and filling too. 

Soup in a blue bowl.
Slurrrp

Hanin

For people with a sweet tooth, this is a treat in iftar. This dish is a mix of dates, wheat flour, ghee, and sugar. 

This dessert is famous in the central region of the country as a Ramadan special. 

Sambosa

This fried treat is irresistible. People throughout the country enjoy Sambosa with different fillings (minced meat, potato, cheese). With added spices and flavors it is savored in iftar. 

3 Sambosa placed on a table.
3 Sambosa placed on a table.

Gahwa – Arabic coffee

In Saudi Arabian culture, serving Gahwa is a sign of hospitality and generosity. It’s not only part of the Iftar table, but it’s a true Saudi tradition to serve them at all gatherings.

The Arabian coffee is served in small cups called ‘Finjan’, typically with dates.

dates served with gahwah

Enjoy this Ramadan in the safety of your home. Download the Hala Yalla app to book exciting live-stream cooking classes in Ramadan. Book the Blend culinary cooking class to try different recipes this Ramadan.

https://hyapp.app.link/fAuvFAUm65

A secured link will be provided before the time of the live session. For the best streaming experience, kindly ensure your internet connection has a bandwidth of 3.2 Mbps.

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What is Keeping the Ramadan Spirit Alive During Lockdown?

Top 5 things that are specific to Ramadan only.

Ramadan is the Holiest month for Muslims throughout the world. The aura of this month is so spiritual and sacred that every Muslim holds it close to their heart.

The religious experience that Saudi Arabia offers for the month is like no other. It’s special and divine. The Saudi warmth and hospitality in this month are unparalleled. 

The coronavirus pandemic has paused world activities, including the religious ones. The Holy Month this year will be markedly different in comparison to the previous ones. 

This time, Muslims are celebrating this month in the lockdown, without congregational prayers and iftar meetings. These things are going to dim the spirit of Ramadan for sure. However, some things are here to keep the spirit alive.

Here’s how people spend Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

Traditional Festive Decorations

Since Ramadan is so close to people’s hearts, they express their love for this month by decorating their surroundings. The supermarkets, malls, restaurants, and even roads are lit with beautiful light displays.

The lights, lanterns, and overall decor lift the spirits of all living here, giving a religious yet festive vibe.

Decoration on Moon and Stars
The decoration on Moon and Stars

Amazing Ramadan offers

During this month, the supermarkets and other stores offer some mind-boggling sales. 

From the edibles to technology, stores everywhere are offering discounts you can’t resist. 

beautiful iftar gatherings

 The glory of Ramadan lies in the iftar gatherings. It’s the time when people come together to break their fasts.  

Given the social distancing protocol, iftar gatherings will have fewer people. However, the iftar still remains the cherished time of the day in Ramadan. Celebrate it religiously with the people you live with.

Iftar table
Look at all that scrumptious food!

Reduced work hours

To allow people to focus more on their religious duties, work hours in Saudi Arabia are reduced every year for this month.

This allows people to help and connect with each other more. 

Night tournaments

The nightlife in Ramadan is the best time of the year. The time before Suhoor, people are awake playing and talking together. Cricket, football tournaments happen every Ramadan in Saudi Arabia.

This Ramadan, join Gamers Without Borders at Kafu Games to win prizes worth $2 million.

https://kafugames.com/en/

app_logo
It’s in the game

You can also join live stream classes through the Hala Yalla app to stay productive and positive.

Download the app today on Android or iOS

10 Best Shows About Travel to Binge while you Can’t Travel

The global situation ushering people indoors has definitely thwarted a lot of travel plans. But you can have an equally amazing globe-trotting experience from the comfort of your home. We’re here with some of the best shows about travel, to watch while you can’t travel – touché right?

When platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime provide unlimited binge-worthy fun, it’s gonna take some real effort to get bored at home. 

We’ve compiled a list of top 10 travel shows that talk about food, travel (of course) and overall adventure for those seeking a touch of wanderlust during the quarantine. Read on!

 

  • Parts Unknown

 

Best shows about travel - Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown

No ‘best shows about travel’ list can ever be complete without mentioning this legend. At first, it may seem like a show all about food since its host Anthony Bourdain is a former celebrity chef. Soon you’ll realize how different cultures are tied together by the love for food.

He visits cities all over the USA, Europe, and even goes as far as Congo and Libya to explore his love for people, their lifestyles, histories, and of course – good food. 

Bourdain created 12 seasons of the show before he tragically passed away in 2018. The last season was aired posthumously without his legendary voiceovers. 

There’s enough to learn and discover in each of his episodes, so if you’re truly looking for something to binge on – start here!

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQgOKK62GBU

 

  • Planet Earth

 

Planet Earth's cover image

A groundbreaking natural docuseries created by BBC One both seasons of Planet Earth are one of the most extensive and extraordinary shows about our planet. 

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, the series was filmed over four years across 64 different countries. Covering oceans to the deserts to the polar ice caps and wildlife in all these regions.

The first season was aired in 2006, and owing to its massive popularity, 10 years later in 2016, Planet Eart II was released. Sir David returned to narrate the second season that ventured into jungles, islands, and wild mountains.

A second sequel, Planet Earth III is currently announced and planned to air in 2022.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETNYyrqNYE

 

  • Street Food: Asia

 

Street Food Title Image

Highlighting street food vendors in almost 9 cities all over Asia, Street Food is your no-frill, on-the-ground, as local as you can imagine food show. From the creators of Chef’s Table, it’s the new addition to Netflix’s growing originals’ list.

Combining mouth-watering food with travel, each 30-minute episode ventures deep into the history, culture, and struggles of vendors and the stories behind their businesses. 

Experience hawker stalls in Thailand, food carts in India and get to know the world beyond from the comfort of your home.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI_LjETc_Ak

 

  • Ugly Delicious

 

Ugly Delicious title image

Chef David Chang is trotting the globe in hunt of the purest and most authentic forms of food. Rather than just being about food, the series focuses more on the culture behind food in these cities.

Each episode highlights one dish or concept and explores how it’s evolved in different regions. Chang picks up one popular food, like tacos, and traces its history with some famous personality always accompanying him. 

Ugly Delicious is available on Netflix.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN_XItALHmM

 

  • Chef’s Table

 

Food is truly viewed as art at Netflix’s original docuseries, Chef’s Table. World-renowned chefs share their deeply personal histories and unique styles within the food industry. The Emmy-winning show is about as close as you can get to eating at a restaurant without physically being there.

This is not just a cooking show. It’s about the chefs who’ve carved their own roads to reach where they are now. Step into their shoes and see food from an artists’ perspective as they create super complicated dishes.

A glimpse behind one of the most sought after dining experiences in the world, from your living room!

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKqj85oo2wI

 

  • Dark Tourist

 

Best travel shows - Dark Tourist

Most tourists, adventurers, and thrill-seekers visit popular attractions like beaches, islands, bustling cities, and museums while on vacation. There are also quite many who visit less-known places associated with ancient cult activities. This is dark tourism. 

And journalist David Farrier is doing just that in his docuseries Dark Tourist. It’s the most infamous and recent trend in travel shows. Farrier visits wicked, dangerous places like chemical disaster sites, to museums housing controversial artifacts in his 6-episode season. 

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vV1xaLCONw

 

  • Departures

 

Two best friends from Canada heave their backpacks to venture into the world in their semi vlogging series. It involves road trips to remote places, street food, and discussions on random things.

Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach end up exploring vast areas of the world, looking for unique and thrilling experiences. They show you how fun and low-budget travel can really be. So you can make some impromptu arrangements when you’re out of quarantine. 

Departures seems totally unscripted and improvised showing us the real, raw face of traveling. 

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nq8UYqKwYc

 

  • Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

 

A father and son duo set out to explore places and strengthen their bond. Watching it will bring back memories of traveling with your parents – only with more comedy and mishaps.

British comedian Jack Whitehall takes his senior father, Michael on an adventurous trip across Southeast Asia in the first season. They both learn a thing from each other by taking part in unique experiences. 

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4PihmWMaSI

 

  • Somebody Feed Phil

 

This Netflix original follows Phil Rosenthal, the creator of hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond on his food adventures to Bangkok, Mexico, New Orleans, and more.

He takes viewers on a goodwill tour of culinary exploration with his affectionate and sometimes over-enthusiastic personality. You can virtually travel with Phil and experience authentic cuisines.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv29Sjt7LnA

 

  •  The Kindness Diaries

 

One of the best travel shows there is - The Kindness Diaries

In the Kindness Diaries, former broker Leon Logothetis travels around the world on a vintage motorcycle. It might seem like a weird concept at first. But wait till you hear the twist. For the entirety of his trips, he must rely solely on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and fuel.

The acts of kindness offered by strangers are heartwarming and humbling to watch. Leon doesn’t accept any money on his travels but listens to endless endearing stories the strangers offer him. 

Kindness 2 and 3 followed after the success and popularity of the first season,. 

Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN51oWwwbqg

So who says you gotta travel far to learn and experience things? You can do it right from the comfort of your home, by binging on these amazing travel shows.

—–

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Places to Visit After the Lockdown is over

Celebrate freedom after lockdown at these places

In the lockdown, what else are we doing than hope for a better future? Daydreaming the time when this all will be over and we’ll be free to roam in the places we like.

Here is a list of some beautiful places in Saudi Arabia that we can visit after months of lockdown.

Edge of the world

Ever wondered what the edge of the world would look like? Go see yourself after the lockdown is over. Edge of the world in Riyadh awaits your arrival. 

It’s a natural wall that stands tall outside Riyadh. It’s a geological wonder that attracts many tourists and locals.

The site is famous for off-roading and hiking. When you reach the top of the cliff, you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view of the horizon, hence the name!

From atop you’ll notice desert in the distance, a few farms, and camels moving far below.

It’s recommended to go in an SUV and stay attentive to the potholes and rocks on the way.

Two men standing at the edge of the world.
Two men standing at the edge of the world

Red Sand Dunes

Red Sand Dunes is located 1 hour away from the hustle-bustle of the city. On the outskirts of Riyadh, this beautiful land will give you a chance to breathe in the fresh air that you missed during the lockdown.

The red sand of the desert invites you to enjoy the early summer evenings. You can rent motorbikes and enjoy the desert safari.

The area is hidden by high mountains, which gives it its other name ‘ the Hidden Valley’.

Red sand dunes.
Red Sand Dunes

Heritage Village in Ashikar

If you want to take a look at the cultural and traditional heritage of Saudi Arabia, then Ashikar has a lot to offer.

Ashikar is a historical, cultural village located 200 km northwest of the Saudi capital. The old mud buildings are the biggest attraction for the locals and the tourists. There are restaurants that serve traditional delicious food in a cultural ambiance.

This village is turning into one of the Kingdom’s most treasured architectural gems. It’s becoming popular with tourists and locals alike.

Aerial view of the village
Aerial view of the village

Ad- Diriyah

Diriyah is an ancient city that happens to be the origin of the Saudi royal family. It also served as the capital of the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818.

The ruins of the historic city lay on the outskirts of Riyadh and consist mostly of mud-brick structures that overlook the new city of Turaif. It was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. 

Visit historical Ad- Diriyah to learn about the historical heritage and architecture of the Kingdom.

Mud building in Ad Diriyah
Mud buildings surround Ad Diriyah

Doos karting

Doos Karting is the first indoor karting where drivers share their passion for karting. You deserve his treat of addictive fun after weeks of boredom.

Once the lockdown is over, rush to Doos Karting to make new records!

Cars in doos karting
Cars in doos karting

You can book a time slot of your choice through the Hala Yalla app. 

Visit these places yourself or join a group with travel guides through the Hala Yalla app. Download the app to get exciting discounts and deals on Android or iOS

Restaurants to Dine in once the Lockdown is Over

Top 5 Restaurants that you should try

What are we doing these days other than wishing this pandemic be over?

Sitting in our homes, we are daydreaming about the time when lockdown will be over and we’ll be free to go to places we’ve missed so much! We’ll roam around the streets and eat delicious food in restaurants and cafes.

We’re all craving the best dishes during Ramadan in Saudi Arabia!

Here are some suggestions for the best restaurants in Saudi Arabia that you can rush to eat in once the lockdown is over.

Kaboria Restaurant

Kabroia restaurant.

Located on the King Abdul Aziz Road, Kaboria restaurant serves the best seafood in town. It’s an embodiment of the quality of both food & service so the customers can enjoy the ultimate experience of seafood. 

It has soups, salads, rice dishes, shrimps, and appetizers on its menu. Order what you’ve missed the most during quarantined days!

If you’re craving perfectly cooked fish you need to visit this restaurant as soon as the lockdown is over. So you can enjoy the ultimate experience of seafood dining.

Aromi Restaurant

Enjoy the aromatic food in the Aromi restaurant in Jeddah. 

Experience a contemporary Italian menu with a Roman twist. Watch the sun setting into the Red Sea as you relish your favorite pasta, soup, or risotto.

In the modern elegant decor, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch or dinner in this Italian restaurant.

Off white Lounge

Off white lounge logo

Located on King Abdul Aziz Road, Off White Lounge serves the best Lebanese food in Saudi Arabia. 

From an extensive menu, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Select your taste of spices from substantial, medium to extra hot. 

For serving good quality food in an elegant ambiance with courteous service, the restaurant also won a Certificate of Excellence award 2018- 2019.

Rush to this restaurant to dine in if you want to eat deliciously spicy food.

Al Bustan restaurant

Overlooking the tropical garden, the all-day dining restaurant is located in InterContinental Riyadh.

It offers an extra scrumptious international buffet combined with renowned theme nights. The open kitchen and live cooking station combined with luxurious surroundings, indulge you with the best dining experience. 

Shami Restaurant

Shami restaurant logo

Express your love for Shami food at Shami Restaurant.

Enjoy soups, barbeque, shawarma, sandwiches, rice dishes, and much more from the menu. They also serve dessert, cold & hot drinks, salads, and seafood to treat your tastebuds.

Savor their mouth-watering treats with the unique flavors from the Sham region. You’ll have an experience that will fulfill all your needs for taste and quality after months of lockdown.

You can reserve your table from the Hala Yalla app for any of the above restaurants and many more. Reservations from the app can also provide some deals and discounts, so look out for those.

Download the app now on Android or iOS to enjoy offers

Why is Physical Fitness Important?

How to Keep Physically Fit and Why it’s Important

Physical fitness will never lose its importance. Whether it’s during quarantine or usual days! 

The benefits of physical fitness will always hold significance and relevance. Let’s list the reasons why it’s important to stay fit, especially in these trying times.

Healthy Heart

The active physical body keeps the heart healthy and fit. When we are physically active, the heart is less likely to develop heart diseases.

A healthy heart also ensures fewer chances of strokes, diabetes, and osteoporosis. It also improves blood circulation and maintains blood pressure.

paper heart placed over heartbeat.
Take good care of your heart

Weight Loss

Being physically active also means that we won’t be overweight. Or at least, not as much as those people who never exercise. 

Being overweight causes a lot of problems. From worn joints to heart diseases and all problems in between can be traced back to obesity. Being physically active can overcome all these challenges.

The benefits of physical fitness also include improved quality of life.

weight loss
Obvious weight loss

Mental Health

Certain hormones are released in the body when we are physically active. These hormones provide us with a positive approach to look at things. As a result, it ensures a healthy mind that wouldn’t fall prey to negativity. 

It also kicks away the feeling of anxiety, stress, and feelings of depression. A fit person can also fall asleep faster and peacefully.

animated brain doing weightlifting
Your brain needs that workout too

Boost Energy Levels

Physical activity increases the stamina and energy levels in the body. A physically active person is likely to get a job done more effectively in comparison to a sedentary person.

Physical fitness helps boost confidence and enhances social well being.

silhouette of jumping man
Get moving, get going!

How to Stay Fit?

Since we all acknowledge the importance of staying fit, let’s find out how to stay fit?

  • Exercise

Exercising is the best way to stay fit. It can improve your health and reduce the risk of several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. 

Exercising also reduces the risk of heart attack and maintains cholesterol level, blood pressure. People who are physically active have less chance of developing osteoporosis and make muscles and bones stronger.

Exercising

  • Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is a mental, physical and spiritual exercise. Meditation maintains a balance among these three.

The ultimate goal of yoga is self-enlightenment, but it also helps in regulating blood flow and maintaining equilibrium and harmony. In addition to that, yoga also reduces stress and tension in the body by activating the nervous system and respiratory system.

woman doing yoga
how good is your balance?
  • Jogging

More than walking, less than running, jogging is the perfect way to stay fit.

Jogging offers many health benefits including:

  • help to build strong bones
  • strengthen muscles
  • improve cardiovascular fitness
  • burn plenty of kilojoules
  • help maintain a healthy weight.
men jogging
How long can you jog for?
  • Swimming

Swimming is a great workout because you need to move your whole body against the resistance of the water.

It’s a good all-round activity because it

  • keeps your heart rate up 
  • builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness
  • helps maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs
  • tones muscles and builds strength
  • provides an all-over body workout, as nearly all of your muscles are used during swimming
Swimming
How deep can you go

Adopt a healthy lifestyle to stay fit. 

Stay connected with us to find out more about sports & health.

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How to Sleep Peacefully during stressful times

You know what’s the number ONE problem youngsters complain about these days?

No, it’s not about too many new shows on Netflix or losing an AirPod (though that’ll come in second).

It’s SLEEP.

Not getting enough sleep. Not able to fall asleep. Not able to wake up fresh, and so on.

Some people follow a strict bedtime routine which works wonders, but some really struggle with falling asleep quickly and staying asleep for the most part of the night.

Each routine works differently for everyone, but forming one and sticking to it is crucial.

Read on to find out how you can get a peaceful night’s sleep in these chaotic times…

 

  • Stick to a Schedule

 

Stick tight to your schedule

We can’t emphasize it enough. Sleeping and waking at a dedicated time regulates your body’s clock. Your body has its own regulatory system called the circadian rhythm. This internal clock cues your body to feel alert during the day but sleepy at night.

Once your body adjusts to this routine, it’s easier to fall asleep and wake up at the same time each day. So try to finish all your tasks before a dedicated time and set a daily alarm to wake up at the same time.

Lastly, give yourself 30 minutes to an hour to wind down in the evening before getting in bed. This allows your body and mind to relax and prepare for sleep

  • Don’t Look at the Clock
Turn around, don’t look at it!

It’s normal to wake up in the middle of the night. However, the inability to fall back asleep can ruin your night. 

People who do wake up in the night, tend to watch the clock and obsess over their sleeplessness. This behavior causes major anxiety that could eventually lead to insomnia.

If possible, it’s best to remove the clock from your room. If you need an alarm in the room, you can turn your clock and avoid watching it when you wake up in the middle of the night. This includes keeping your phone far away from your bed!

  • Make your bedroom sleep-friendly
Make it cozy!

Many people believe that the bedroom environment and its setup are key factors in getting a good night’s sleep.

These factors include temperature, noise, external lights, furniture arrangement, and even your mattress plays a crucial role here. 

Avoid prolonged exposure to bright light, noise or electronic gadgets right before you go to bed. A well-ventilated room can also do wonders for your sleep, so if you’re not too cold/hot, prop that window open. 

  • Clear Your Mind
Free your head, not literally

A bedtime routine, whether it’s a warm bath, chamomile tea, skincare or meditation,  helps clear your mind of all the worries you’ve accumulated during the day.

While yoga encourages the practice of breathing patterns and body movements, meditation can enhance melatonin levels and assist the brain in achieving a specific state where sleep is easily achieved.

You can try either of those or merely perform some deep breathing exercises right before your head hits the pillow. Light music and sleep-inducing apps like Calm and Pzizz have also proven helpful in clearing the mind. 

Let us know if any of these tips work out for you!

 

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5 Tips to Nourish Your Mental Health

Do you ever stop to think how and what does your mind absorb throughout the day? From news, books, social media, music, even people around you. So many things influence your mind daily, so many things need to be filtered!

Your mind is where everything begins. And everything you do is defined by how healthy things are up there. 

A healthy brain is just as important as a healthy body. But it’s often neglected and considered secondary.

Without further delay, let’s focus on the following tips to nourish your mental health.

  • Connect with like-minded people
Build strong connections

Find people that share the same hobbies, interests, and passions as you. Support and encouragement go a long way in boosting your mental health. 

Not to forget, it helps build a sense of belonging and self-worth. You could try a lot of things to develop stronger and closure relationships with people. 

How about switching off your gadgets and playing that long-forgotten game of monopoly or puzzle with your siblings/friends? Or learn from live-streamed classes? Hala Yalla will help you with that! 

Safe to say you’d be basking in positiveness if you find the right people!

  • Be physically active
Live an active lifestyle

There are many reasons why physical exercises are a crucial part of basic mental hygiene.

They, 

  1. Help you follow a regimen 
  2. Build a sense of achievement
  3. Connect you to people
  4. Help you sleep better
  5. And you stay fit!

While keeping that social distance, check out the various fitness classes we’ve got live-streamed for you at Hala Yalla!

 

  • Learn something new

 

Fill your mind with knowledge!

We know it’s important to quiet your mind, but it’s also important to challenge yourself and learn something new. Make time to continue your personal growth in areas you often forget to explore.

Learn a new language, practice a new sport, start a passion project, possibilities are endless. Even if it’s something related to work, new challenges prove quite beneficial. 

Don’t feel left out if you’re short on time. It’s best to find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your daily life

 

  • Decluttering

 

Get rid of it all!

 

Regular decluttering is good for the mind and soul. Release the things that no longer need to take up space in your life. Having clutter around you can increase your stress level and make you less productive.

It doesn’t have to be stressful if you make a habit to eliminate something little every week. Ask yourself the following questions and it might be easier to decide:

Does it make my life simpler or more pleasant? Do I have more than one? Is it easily replaceable and/or can I borrow it?

If it’s not making your life better in some way, it’s gotta go.

  • Give yourself permission to RELAX
Take a deep breath

 

It’s hard, right? But it’s important to value your downtime and take advantage of it when you can. Make sure you’re maintaining a good balance between productivity and rest.

That deadline is not going anywhere, don’t burn out yourself for it. Create new work and life boundaries, they go a long way.

Most of all, learn to breathe and take things slowly. You got this!

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How to Stay Productive in Lock Down?

Top 6 Tips to Stay Productive in Lock Down

In the lockdown situation, we’re all quarantined in our homes. At this time, even the workdays don’t seem productive.

Since we’re busy finding joy in procrastination, we’ve lost our focus on our work and other good things.

It’s getting hard to stay productive in lockdown. The lethargic routine has also sucked all our positivity. But the good thing is, there is a strong connection between the two. Staying productive can also help us find our lost positivity.

This time has provided us with the opportunity to learn new things and find a hobby. Here are some tips to stay productive at home.

Learn to play musical instruments

If you believe in the magical power of music, learn to play musical instruments. It will:

  1. Relieve your stress
  2. Boost your confidence
  3. Enhance your social skills
  4. Foster creativity
  5. Teach patience

Above all these benefits, learning instruments is fun!

musical instruments.

Play ESports and win

Egames is all we can play in lockdown!

Play your favorite E Games and participate in the E-tournaments that are happening to keep you busy in quarantine. 

Compete in the Corporate Tournament. Top players of FIFA 20 in a company will get a chance to compete with other companies’ top players in KSA’s 1st National FIFA 20 Corporate Championships.

Don’t miss your chance to hold up the title of 1st National FIFA 20 Corporate Champion.

Other than FIFA 20, Kafu Games also hosts Fortnite, Call of Duty, PUBG & other tournaments. Play and earn while staying home and doing what you love.

Stay updated to join the E-tournaments happening around you through Kafu Games.

https://kafugames.com/en/

Improve your Quran recitation

This time has given us the opportunity to strengthen our spiritual connection. 

This is the best time to improve your Quran recitation. Invest your energy and time to read and learn with Tajweed and Tafseer. 

Holy Quran

Learn to paint

We’ve all heard about the connection between art and creativity, but this is not the only benefit of arts.

Painting unleashes the storm of imagination and also has therapeutic benefits. Painting is incredibly relaxing and can help reduce your stress levels. It also helps to regain focus.

The most interesting fact about painting is that it has a similar effect on the body as meditation, which leaves a positive mindset and a different outlook on the world.

Woman painting on canvas.

Learn to dance

In the global pandemic, we’re asked to do the easiest job – to stay home. Stay at home and dance your worries away. 

Dance is a form of self-expression. It’s the sign language that communicates with the universe. It teaches the values and skills of creativity, problem-solving, risk-taking, making judgments in the absence of rules, and higher-order thinking skills.

Play your favorite song and learn to sway your feet with the music.

girl dancing.

Cook

Live your quarantined life with delicious food and dessert. Learn to make different types of pasta and dessert in private one on one session with Blend Culinary.

Man standing in kitchen.

Pick any productive activity for yourself. The experience will provide one on one live private sessions with the instructor. For the best streaming experience, kindly ensure that your internet connection has a bandwidth of 3.2 Mbps.

Download Hala Yalla, the ultimate social community app to find the best sports, entertainment, fitness, food, and more activities, online and offline in Saudi Arabia.

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