Dalal Alsindi talks art therapy

ART TO THE RESCUE

Dalal AlSindi tells Behnaz Sanjana about her experience of being the only Bahraini at the Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2020 and her Art Therapy Centre in Bahrain.

For art therapy experts like Dalal, a person’s doodles and drawings can provide insight about their life’s experiences. “Art therapy is a professional psychotherapy discipline that uses art as an extra mode of communication to access hidden or unconscious thought patterns and emotions,” she says. “It is directed towards individuals who have mental, emotional or developmental difficulties and tackles the difficulties of trauma, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, schizophrenia and other psychological issues.”

Dalal believes that art in itself has healing properties, being a creative language that is understood worldwide. “Personally, art is a way to disconnect from stresses and be in a meditative state while drawing. It helps me understand my own psyche better, widens my imagination and also acts as a healthy way for me to express my emotions, whether negative or positive.” Medical City’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Amazed by the benefits of the practice in terms of enriching and empowering adults and children with emotional and mental needs, she achieved her goal of establishing the Art Therapy Centre in Bahrain in 2013. “The greatest challenge was to prove how effective this modality is, more so because it is a psychotherapy practice and results for any experience need time and patience. But I can confidently say that people’s perception towards mental health, particularly art therapy, has changed over the years,” she says, adding that there is more openness in asking for psychological help, be it through psychiatry, psychotherapy or its creative branches.

So, it was fitting that Bahrain’s pioneer in art therapy was invited to the Global Women’s Forum in Dubai this year. Dalal, along with a UAE-based art therapist, Sara Powell, spoke about its clinical and non-clinical benefits, her experience in the field and the discipline’s use with children and adults suffering mental health issues, trauma and war. “I felt proud and humbled to represent Bahrain at this esteemed forum, as a Bahraini woman who has introduced a fairly new profession to the nation,” says Dalal, who considers it her good fortune and honour to have met and networked with women from around the globe who are experts and pioneers in their fields. “Listening to their inspiring stories, I returned feeling elated with passion and drive.”

Setting new goals, Dalal plans to liaise with the educational and medical sectors to include art therapy for hospital patients, and art therapy groups or individual sessions for students with behavioural or mental difficulties. “My vision is to have a comprehensive centre that includes all kinds of licensed and qualified creative therapists in music, play and drama besides art. Furthermore, there is hope for a creative therapy association to spread awareness and protect patients as well as professionals in the field,” she says.

For those seeking therapy, she adds: “It is of great importance to ask to see proof of the qualifications of your therapist and keep in mind that they would require a minimum of a master’s degree to be qualified in any creative therapy or psychotherapy practice.”

Experimental Eyes Going with Pantone’s colour of the year, makeup gurus are big on blue for the eyes. Not that we’re complaining, it’s a versatile hue that goes with most eye colours, as long as you use the right shade. What was also trending on the catwalks this season was a play of fun pastels for lining the upper lid, and everyone’s applauding the advent of the floating eyeliner. Another way to grab attention is dressing the eyelids with a nude shadow and using a fluorescent pop of colour on the inner corners. Want to make heads turn? Black mascara can take a hiatus while you coat your lashes with pinks, emeralds or lilacs. Slick Skin The matte, powdered look is so last season. So, repeat after us: dewy skin is in. It’s easy to hop onto this beauty bandwagon; ditch the heavy-duty foundation and choose something that may be medium-coverage, yet gives you that angelic glow. The secret is to use a strobing cream after your moisturiser and before your foundation for that ‘litfrom-within’ look. Follow up with just a touch of high-beam highlighter and dewy skin mist for a glam glow that’s not too metallic. Oily-skinned girls can lightly powder the T zone to keep the grease away. Classic Lips Well, in good news, classic is back with a bang. Amongst all that colour blocking and overlining, the timeless red lipstick takes pride of place in 2020’s spring-summer styles. The return of the matte, red lip needs to be complemented with flawless skin (with natural pigmentation like freckles showing through) and bold, bushy eyebrows. This is also a phase that’s turning the spotlight on evergreen products, so go borrow from Mama. Embellish It 2020 is asking us to up the beauty stakes with stickers that glitter. Dot your eyeliner with crystals, or put a tiny star or two just below your outer lower lids. You could also sport the shimmer-encrusted eyebrow look or, for ultimate all-out, get creative with diamonte along the hairline. BEHNAZ SANJANA Like the new year hasn’t been crazy enough, the style pundits dictate beauty trends that swing from the brilliant to the bizarre. Expect the unexpected. TRENDING 2020

BEAUTY | tips GYM BAG MUST-HAVES BEHNAZ SANJANA

It’s one feat to be motivated enough to get to the gym, but another to leave it looking like a toned prima donna. Especially important if you’re heading to the office, for coffee with friends or even to the supermarket right after a session of hardcore HIIT. Your athleisurewear, towel, water, favourite playlist and protein shake may have a permanent place in your gym bag, but here are the beauty essentials you need to throw in for that ‘I-came-out-of-thegym-looking-like-this’ effect (wink, wink).

Deodorant Burning calories comes with a hefty side of perspiration, after which people might want to keep arm’s length distance from you. Spare yourself any embarrassment with a good deodorant that won’t block your pores, but masks any odour, keeping you smelling fresh as the day.

Dry Shampoo Speaking of perspiration, it doesn’t spare the scalp, so a bottle of dry shampoo will keep your mane bouncy enough for that post workout selfie.

Hand Sanitiser Zap potential bugs transferred from gym equipment onto your hands. Enough said!

Lip Balm and Moisturiser Air-conditioned environments, typical to the gym, can dry out skin faster than you can say ‘incline bench press’, so slather on a light moisturiser all over for soft, supple skin. Keeping lips cocooned in the goodness of a

chapstick or lip balm helps in easy lipstick application when you step out.

Tinted Base You don’t want the blemishes to rain on the parade of your killer abs and glutes, and who has the patience for foundation, ergo a good BB cream. A tinted moisturiser will also stand you in good stead.

Face Cleanser The 10 or 15 minutes you take to head home for a

quick shower is enough for germs to penetrate your skin and clog pores leading to blackheads and acne, especially if you were already wearing a base during your workout. Washing the gunk off right after your exercise session has huge payoffs.

Hair band Bad hair days are never in one’s control. Here’s where a stretchable cloth headband comes to the rescue. Hide sticky roots under one that doubles up as a scrunchy for a messy ponytail or bun.

Mascara Of course, this one is not essential while you’re busting some exercise moves (unless you want to bat your eyes at that cute instructor), but one coat goes a long way in making you look ‘put together’ for the day or evening ahead.

Rose Water Toner This helps calm all the redness and aggravated blemishes after an hour of sweating it out, besides quenching the face with hydration.

Hand Cream All the pulling, pushing, hanging and lifting can cause unsightly calluses, but not if you pamper your hands with a heavy-duty hand cream afterwards. A pair of workout gloves could also save your palms from pain.

Lip Gloss Because sheer lips only do you good!

GO TROPICAL Last year, Ashley Graham partnered with Revlon to release two lip kits, both of which sold out in just three hours. The duo now introduces the Tropical Vibes Collection, which includes the Tropical Pop Kit and the Tropical Heat Kit. The first includes the Tropical Vibes Post Beach Glow Face & Eye Kit, a face and eye palette with 10 shades, both shimmery and matte textures, all hand-selected by Graham, as well as the Tropical Vibes Lip Highlights in Island Hopping, which is a sheer gloss. The Tropical Heat Kit includes the Tropical Vibes Golden Lava Face & Body Bronzer, a liquid bronzer that gives skin a wet, dewy look. It also includes another Lip Highlights in the shade Gold Rush, a golden lip gloss that will amp up any look.

FOR THE PRINCESS IN YOU Colourpop has launched the Mulan collection in collaboration with Disney. The collection features makeup from Colourpop and two skin-care products from Fourth Ray Beauty (Colourpop's sister brand). The Mulan Palette is warm-toned, featuring a mix of 15 matte, metallic and foiled shadows; made for a princess. The Honor To Us All Lux Lip Trio, Colourpop's first-ever, includes a bold red liquid lipstick, a gold gloss, and a lipstick. Matchmaker (a pale nude) and Good Luck Charm (a soft terracotta shade with gold shimmer) are pressed powder blushes that are great for adding a soft flush to your cheeks. Fourth Ray’s Beauty Face Milk and Lip Mask Bundle comprises Jasmine Tea Face Milk and the Gold Lip Mask.

STEPPING UP The L’Oreal group, which owns brands including La Roche-Posay and Garnier, announced a Europe-wide programme in late March to do its bit in the Coronavirus pandemic. The cosmetic conglomerate is using its factories to produce hand sanitiser and hydroalcoholic gel, distributing it to French and European authorities. LaRoche Posay is supplying free hand sanitiser to its partnering French pharmacies, hospitals and care homes. Garnier is supplying several million units of free hand sanitiser to its European food distribution stakeholders. L’Oreal will be donating almost USD1.1 million to its partner non-profit organisations, which are helping the most vulnerable during the pandemic.

BACK TO THE ‘90s Salt-N-Pepa fans were recently on an all-time high when the female rap group jammed with Milani to present the limited edition Collector's Bundle featuring four items in a 100-per-cent recycled paper custom box set. The Shoop Lip Kit is a lipstick and lip liner in a deep, rich nude tone, while Push It is a lip kit which is a nod to a bold red lip. The collection also has two eyeshadow and highlighter palettes; Hot, Kool and Vicious, and Very Necessary.

MUSICAL EYES Ahead of the new movie, Trolls World Tour, releasing in April, the PÜR X TROLLS WORLD TOUR: Classical Palette is all glitter and happiness. This neutral, travel-sized, pressed pigments palette comes with an array of expressive colours with high pigment payoff designed with the classical Trolls tribe in mind. The six unique shades work together in harmony for award-worthy makeup and stay true to Ü looks that deserve to be on top of the classical charts. Also in the collaboration’s collection are the Charts Face Trio that brings natural shine to your face, and the Lip Gloss Kit creates plump, sparkling lips.

EXERCISE LIKE THOR In light of the global situation, actor Chris Hemsworth has announced on Instagram he is offering a free trial of his fitness app to new users. He said: “I think now more than ever, is when we need to focus on what I believe to be the three key pillars to living healthier and happier – movement, nutrition and mental fitness. Centr (his fitness website) was founded to make health and happiness

accessible to all, and I hope that this will make that access even easier during the current global health crisis.” In recent weeks thousands of Centr members aound the world have shared how the programme has brought them positivity and support during these difficult times. Check out centr.com. thenewdaily.com.au

SANITISE RIGHT It is recommended to rub on hand sanitisers with at least 60-per-cent alcohol when you aren’t able to wash your hands in times of Covid19. But some hand sanitisers rely on benzalkonium chloride instead of alcohol as the active ingredient. Such nonalcohol antiseptic products may not work as well for many types of germs, or may merely reduce the growth of germs rather than killing them. They may be better than nothing, experts say. But people are buying them without knowing the difference. The recommendation for hand sanitisers is based on the fact that an appropriate percentage of alcohol kills all of the coronaviruses we know about. www.propublica.com

SAFE RECEIVING Whether it’s food delivery or something ordered from Amazon, your delivery packages were put together at some other location and passed through many hands before arriving at your doorstep. Although the risk of transmission through food is very low, epidemiologist Stephen Morse says: “Cooked foods are unlikely to be a concern unless they get contaminated after cooking.” But as the infamous virus can live on plastic and cardboard for long hours, once you’ve taken your items out of the box or bag they were delivered in, get rid of the packaging — that’s what was out in the world the longest. After that, sanitise any of the surfaces in your home that the packaging touched, and of course, wash your hands www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

DON’T FORGET YOUR PHONE Coronavirus can survive on surfaces for two or three days, including on your phone, which we take everywhere and constantly touch. Apple advises to use a 70-per-cent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox disinfecting wipes. The alcohol quickly evaporates from the surface of your phone and kills all the microbes. Any other type needs to be left on the surface for a certain period in order to work, because this will interfere with the phone’s functioning. If wipes are scarce, moisten a cloth or a paper towel with washing-up liquid or hand soap – something that foams, with a detergent in it. Wipe it over the phone, then wipe that off with a cloth or paper towel moistened with water. You might have to do that a couple of times to get rid of the soapy bits. Then let dry. www.theguardian.com

WHY THE DISTANCE? The USA’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes social distancing the need of the hour, and here’s why. When someone coughs or sneezes, small drops of liquid spray from their nose or mouth. If you're standing too close, you can breathe in the droplets, which may contain the coronavirus if the person coughing is infected, according to the World Health Organisation. Says Dr William Schaffner, infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University: “Without a cough or a sneeze, if we exhale, the distance of 1-2 metres from each other is called the breathing zone. So, if you're standing within my breathing zone, you may well inhale some of what I exhale. And, of course, if I have the virus, what I'm exhaling microscopically contains the virus." www.edition.cnn.com

A food and wellness writer, fish lover and pescatarian recipe developer, Razan Al Arabi is certified in cuisine techniques by Le Cordon Bleu (London) and in nutrition for everyday living by London’s College of Naturopathic Medicine. Her passions, alongside health, well-being and teaching yoga, include indulgence in super-nutritious healthy food. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into her kitchen, you’ll experience a real treat both for the taste buds and the senses. If not, check out her monthly recipes to produce flavourful combinations at home.

ORANGE, GARLIC AND HONEY FISH

MUSHROOM SHAWARMA

Ingredients:

250g shiitake mushrooms

Juice of two lemons

1tbsp fajita spice

3 garlic cloves, minced

1tbsp tahini

1 tbsp garlic mayonnaise

2 pieces of small Lebanese bread (white, or wholegrain)

1tsp sea salt

Method: Chop the mushrooms into small pieces, place in an oven dish with olive oil, garlic, fajita spice, sea salt and lemon juice. Cook at 180˚ Celsius for 20-30 minutes. Layer half of the tahini and garlic mayonnaise on each piece of small Lebanese bread. Then layer the cooked mushrooms, finish with a tablespoon of chopped white cabbage on. Enjoy my vegetarian take on chicken shawarma!

Ingredients:

250g white fish (cod)

Juice of one orange

1tbsp honey

3 garlic cloves, minced

1tsp onion powder

1tsp sea salt

Method: Replacing the traditional lemon with fish is spring/ summer’s latest food trend; orange with seafood! Similar to Mandarin orange chicken, but made with fish! Season the fish with sea salt and onion powder. Then place in an oven dish with sesame oil, garlic, orange juice and honey. Cook at 200˚ Celsius for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy with rice and crunchy vegetables or a large green salad.

TIME FOR THE REAL DEAL

Home improvement with new eye-catching, statement products is one way to brighten your spaces with beauty and colour. But there are phases in the year that call for an overhaul of your existing belongings, sans spending any dinars on new things. Ditch the thought of a new futon, console or yet another floral tablecloth to lift your home’s spirit. It’s the time to look inwards – rather than outside – to create a serene environment at home.

Before you go all Marie Kondo on your house, reflect on how your home makes you feel. Does it need a serious dose of decluttering (err, hello stacks of magazines and paper-work from 2015), or some serious heavy-lifting to raise its spirit? With the idea that your interiors reflect your life, go forth and make your private sanctuary one that you will love spending more time in.

An Effective Deep Clean

Clean the Cleaners Remove dust bunnies from the broom and disinfect it by soaking in antiseptic solution at least once a month. Giving the mop and the toilet brush a wash after daily use is the best way to ensure they are free of bacteria and that mouldy stench they can sometimes develop. Empty the vacuum cleaner's dirt bag regularly. Run the washer and dryer on a cleaning cycle and sanitise or discard well-used sponges and brushes.

Wipe Down Going over door knobs, handles, chairs, tables and taps regularly with a disinfectant-soaked microfibre cloth or wipe is effective in evacuating the bug colonies from them. Don’t forget the walls, windows and bathroom tiles for your big deep clean.

Upholstery and Mattresses Invisible dust mites love your mattress and sofa as much as you do. To stop sharing your comfort with them, vacuum the mattress top and sides, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda all over the top and let it sit for a good few minutes before going over it with suction again. To lift mattress stains, spray with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda and a few drops of dish washing liquid. Blot with a clean towel and let it air-dry thoroughly.

One Area at a Time Trying to deep clean the whole house at one go may require time and immense stamina. Not to mention patience and emotional endurance. Don’t buckle under being overwhelmed by a single, mammoth task. Tackling individual rooms, or specific areas in large rooms, is the secret to successful (and effective) spring cleaning.

April 2020 72 Doing the Purge Rummage through kitchen and bathroom cabinets, wardrobes, shoe racks, book shelves, filing cabinets, makeup kits and storage cupboards to identify anything that is either at the end of its life (the comfiest scruffy tee-shirt that is tearing at the seams) , or you know you will likely never need again (here’s looking at you, green leprechaun hat) and say goodbye.

Open Up Firstly, open up doors and windows regularly to let in fresh air and keep the home atmosphere light and airy. Give your curtains and rugs a good shake to give any dust and ‘trapped vibes’ a heave-ho.

REMOVING NEGATIVE ENERGY FROM YOUR HOME Your inner emotions affect your personal environments too. So, if you feel your home has been hanging onto unpleasant vibes thanks to its residents, there are practical ways to uplift its energy, without being too mumbo-jumbo about it.

House Plants A little greenery is all it takes to brighten up dull corners, no wall-to-wall forest required. Plants like Snake Plant (aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue), Ficus, Peace Lily, Bamboo and Aloe Vera will remove household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene as well as any glumness hanging around the place.

Salt it Up Considered a cleansing and protective agent, salt can ‘absorb’ negativity (read home pollutants and toxins). While a Himalayan salt lamp could look fancy in your drawing room, small bowls filled with salt placed strategically in corners can have the same effect. Choose raw, unrefined varieties like rock or black salt, and add some lemon, lavender or tea tree essential oil. Replace every few days.

Fit In Feng Shui Feng Shui is the ancient system of ensuring cohesive energy flow through spaces by specifically arranging or placing household items. Try your hand at optmising well-being and your home environment by following some do-able Feng Shui pointers.

Fill up With Fragrance Using an oil burner or diffuser is a smarter way to infuse your surroundings with a refreshing fragrance instead of using synthetic room fresheners. A cheap but safe (especially for homes with kids and pets) DIY alternative is filling a spray bottle with water mixed with a few drops of essential oil. Spray around with abandon. Enjoy the effects that the scent of lemongrass oil has.

Burn Some Incense Fragrances like rose, lavender, frankincense and patchouli are said to be cleansing, but you could choose a scent that calms your senses. Whether you light up some incense sticks, locally available bakhoor or bayleaves, channel your inner good witch and let the smoke swirl all over your home and its periphery. Lighting up some sage is said to be a native American way of removing ‘bad’ energy.