Woman This Month - February 2024

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

February 2024 | Issue 247

SELFCARE Valentine’s Day Beauty Essentials

OPINION Joslin Gracias On Navigating Emotional Turbulence

FASHION Wedding Dress Trends For 2024 with Hazar Haute Couture

INSPIRATIONS Bahraini Artist and Photographer, Enas Sistani

IN HER SHOES Batool Redha

PARENTING Ouiam El Hassani on Allowing Kids To Venture Out By Themselves

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FASHION | trends

ALL EYES ON THE BRIDE Woman This Month explores

the top 5 wedding dress trends for 2024 through HAZAR Haute Couture’s modern collection.

Weddings have long been seen as the ultimate celebration of love. There’s plenty to think of in the lead up to the big day – rings, flowers, catering, the wedding party, the venue and more. However, when all is said and done, all eyes will be on the bride, so the perfect wedding dress is essential.

HAZAR Haute Couture recently unveiled its modern collection with an ode to traditional design and craftsmanship, and it is absolutely dreamy. The HAZAR Haute Couture 2024 collection finds opulence in the movement between modern imagination and HAZAR ‘s artisan craftsmanship. Celebrating glamorous bridal elegance in modern silhouettes, exceptional detailing, and subtle sparkle of crystal dust. From fairy tale ball gowns to simple lines, the variety of styles presents an opportunity for every bride.

In anticipation of the upcoming wedding season, we explore the most beloved wedding dress trends for 2024 with HAZAR Haute Couture.

Bows Bows take on a crucial role in defining the latest wedding dress trends. From petite bows to larger statement accents, the HAZAR Haute Couture collection embodies the romantic beauty of this timeless trend. A bow adds a timeless feminine touch and a festive flourish to any look. Each bow is carefully crafted to complement the gown’s silhouette, symbolising a beautiful union of elegance and charm.

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FASHION | trends

Drop-Waist Silhouettes The drop-waist silhouette emerges as a hallmark of effortless sophistication in HAZAR’s 2024 bridal collection. With its relaxed yet refined appeal, this trend is a modern twist. A drop-waist ensures that brides move with grace and ease throughout their celebration. The dropwaist silhouette illustrates a fusion of modernity, allowing brides to feel comfort and style on their special day.

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FASHION | trends

Unique Veils Veils are paramount in reimagining romance and individuality.

From delicate lace veils to modern interpretations, HAZAR’s collection offers a diverse range to complement and enhance the bridal ensemble. Each veil is thoughtfully designed to add an extra layer of enchantment to the bride’s beautiful story and complete her captivating look.

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FASHION | trends

Floral Appliqués Floral appliques celebrate the captivating beauty of nature and render a unique beauty to the gown. Each gown in this collection showcases intricately designed floral elements, carefully positioned to capture the delicate and breath-taking essence of flowers in bloom.

Structural Shapes Sleek lines and sophisticated structural shapes redefine the landscape of bridal fashion in this collection. Each gown is meticulously crafted to flatter the feminine figure, ensuring the bride’s confidence.

From modern interpretations to classic silhouettes, structural shapes play a key role in exemplifying elegance.

Whichever you choose, we’re positive that your special day will be one to remember. Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Woman This Month.

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SELFCARE | beauty

FILORGA’S EYE - CATCHING RESULTS Aesthetic medicine pioneer, FILORGA, has introduced its latest addition to the iconic TIME-FILLER range — TIME-FILLER EYES 5XP. The cream boasts a potent formula designed to treat the entire eye area and offers a swift response to various signs of aging by plumping undereye wrinkles, relaxing frown lines, smoothing crow’s feet, reducing dark circles, and visibly lifting wrinkles formed by eyelid folds.

This cream contains several powerhouse ingredients which bring you the best of results. This includes Orchid stem cells which enhance the synergy between the skin›s stem cells and fibroblasts, stimulating collagen and elastin production.

This process lifts sagging folds, and firms and smoothens eyelids, breathing new life into the eye area. This fantastic cream targets frown lines by drawing inspiration from botulinum toxin injections with a BOTOX-like tripeptide that relaxes muscles, providing controlled and lasting relaxation without immobilising facial expressions.

With TIME-FILLER EYES 5 XP you’re sure to get eye-catching results that are visible in just seven days.

Available at leading pharmacies and online at basharacare.com and ounass.com.

Your Valentine’s Day

Love starts with oneself before others, and what better way to show yourself some love than with some fantastic beauty products?

Farah Baig shows some love with her top product recommendations this month that will have you looking, feeling and smelling oh so divine!

BLUSH WITH SHEGLAM After taking TikTok by storm, and charming beauty enthusiasts all around the world, SHEGLAM made its debut in the Middle East at the end of 2023. With months having gone by, we’ve had plenty of time to try out its fabulous products and we are in love.

The brand’s best-sellers include the Liquid Family, Complexion Pro Long Lasting Breathable Matte Foundation, Skin-Focus High Coverage Powder Foundation, Dynamatte Boom Long Lasting Matte Lipstick, Pout-Perfect Shine Lip Plumper, and the All-In-One Volume & Length Mascara.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we couldn’t help but get our hands on the Colour Bloom Liquid Blush, which was a result of a collaboration with beauty icon, Noor Star. This iconic blush is available in matte and shimmer

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variations, but chasing the glow we were drawn to the Colour Bloom Liquid Blush Shimmer. You can truly shine brighter than the sun with this shimmering, highly-pigmented, long-wearing liquid blush. You’ll be happy to know that the formula is cruelty-free and that the shimmer blushes are available in four shades: Risky Business, Love Cake, Float On and Devoted (as seen on the model).

The internationally-acclaimed beauty brand has earned a reputation for offering high-quality makeup in a range of luscious shades at an accessible price point. We just can’t wait to get our hands on more!

Available at Lifestyle and online at sheglam.com.

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SELFCARE | beauty

OSERTH’S SOLUTIONS FOR SMOOTH HAIR Clean formulas and sustainable haircare solutions go hand-in-hand with the Swedish-made vegan haircare brand, Oserth.

The brand’s sensational product range is set to redefine your haircare routine as each of its products is formulated with natural, moisturising, nutrient-rich, plantbased ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals including sulphates and parabens.

CHANCE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Soft, delicately perfumed hands are well within reach this Valentine’s Day with Chanel’s CHANCE perfumed hand creams.

This intoxicating limited-edition set includes three hand creams that are delicately infused with the floral notes of three fragrances: CHANCE, CHANCE EAU FRAICHE and CHANCE EAU TENDRE. Cheerful and sparkling CHANCE EAU FRAICHE features amplified zesty citron accents which illuminate its jasmine heart, before an elegant and vibrant woody note settles on the skin.

The jasmine note in CHANCE EAU TENDER nestles gently into a cloud of smooth musk, while a delicately grapefruitquince accord adds tartness.

Finally, CHANCE gives the skin a floral-spicy scent in which notes of pink peppercorn, jasmine and amber patchouli are intertwined.

Inspired by the natural occurring world around us, Oserth offers a diverse range of products featuring shampoos, hair masks, leave-in conditioners, and hair oil to realign ourselves with the world.

You can breathe a sigh of relief as Oserth offers four haircare ranges: Volume, Fortify, Restore and Smooth, to address years of artificial hair damage by realigning, replenishing, and recharging your hair.

This month, we have our eyes on the Smooth collection which is inspired by the hydrating goodness of the Earth.

This collection offers the promise of impeccable softening moisture to combat and relieve dry, brittle, and frizzy hair.

Just sensational!

Available at oserth.com.

This trio elevates the scent trail, all while its fine, lightweight formula melts delicately onto the skin to leave hands moisturised. The travel friendly tubes conveniently fit into any bag for a new way to wear fragrance. Trust us… this set is one that you’ll love!

Available at leading beauty stockists

ELEVATE YOUR SENSES WITH LUSH’S BEST- SELLING PERFUMES Looking for a fine fragrance this Valentine’s Day? Perfumery for the cruelty-free selfcare brand, LUSH, has always been a medium of expression in an artistic and unadulterated manner. Inspired by art, poetry, and culture, LUSH’s fine fragrances are crafted using the best essential oils and absolutes from around the globe.

Lord of Misrule Perfume

Here are some of the best-selling fragrances that you’re sure to love:

The musky patchouli note opens this unusual cologne, with sweet and creamy vanilla, tempering the herbal aroma and mellowing things down. A final dash of stimulating pepper joins the party to add a little kick and give the proceedings a touch of energy.

Dirty Perfume

Karma Perfume

A fresh fragrance loved by everyone, Dirty is a multi-layered sandalwood, tarragon, and thyme aroma. Sandalwood is the earthy, invigorating note that calms, while lavender adds a floral, woody note to this fragrance. One single spray offers heady notes of thyme, tarragon, oak moss, and sandalwood.

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Karma is a unique signature scent combining intoxicating layers of orange, spices, and patchouli. Embodying a trip to London in the 1960s as clouds of groovy patchouli mingle with uplifting Brazilian orange and Siberian fir needle oils, it’s a lingering perfume for free spirits.

Available at LUSH stores or online at lush.com/mena.

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g n i r i Insp e g n a h C

PEOPLE | interview

Bahraini artist, Enas Sistani, has been curating thought-provoking imagery addressing societal issues and current affairs. She tells Farah Baig about her journey as an artist and the objective leading her conceptual photography.

“

I don’t want to stick to photography in the conventional sense. I don’t want people to look at my photos, think it’s nice and it ends there. No, I want to be able to spread awareness and convey a message; I believe arts can play a significant role in that,” says Enas passionately.

The Bahraini artist’s curated imagery remains etched in one’s mind long after you’ve seen it. Her impassioned approach to conceptual photography has encouraged conversation and action around topics including mental health, genocide, gender roles and disparities, body dysmorphia and women empowerment among others. “I believe arts as a medium can implement change as you can say so much with just one image,” she says.

Despite the fact that Enas’s photographs having resonated with people across the region, and drawn the attention of BBC and CNN, she remains modest and recounts her journey to developing her photography.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED After venturing on a solo trip through Europe in 2016, Enas shared pictures she had taken on the platform X, which was then known as Twitter. “I’m a very visual person, and so I ended up paying attention to little details including the day-to-day lives of people which I captured on my phone,” she explains.

The appreciation and encouragement of viewers led Enas to create the Instagram account @solovagabond where you can now find her art. “I was then encouraged to get a camera, something I was initially very much against, but then I decided to go for it,” she says. “I bought the cheapest camera that I could find. I didn’t know anything about them or how to operate them so I opted for a beginner’s camera and just started clicking,” she adds.

Her initial stint with a beginner’s camera paved the road for a much bigger vision – one with lots of routes for her creativity. “I’ve worked on developing my art through trial and error, and even YouTube videos. It’s been a learning curve, and I still don’t think of myself as a professional,” she says modestly.

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PEOPLE | interview CREATIVE INFLUENCES When asked about her preferred subjects to photograph, Enas explains that her interest in photography began with, and is still, street photography. “Being an artist with many mediums, I sometimes write poetry; street photography reminds me so much of poetry,” she says.

“When you capture one scene, it can tell you a gazillion stories. Everyone is open to interpret it. So, you look at it and maybe it means something to you but it could mean something very different to me. I just find it beautiful,” she explains.

Her interests soon branched out to encompass conceptual photography as she wished to raise awareness and share her

personal experiences too. This served as a great tool for Enas to shed light on topics and encourage spirited reactions.

“I don’t go for a topic blindly but rather research them meticulously so they are well represented. Most of my conceptual projects are based on my own experiences, but then there are others inspired by those of my loved ones or, in some cases, society,” she says.

“The sheer number of responses I receive from people sharing that they have been through the same thing encourages me to explore topics that resonate with people,” she adds.

STANDING WITH PALESTINE The conflict that is currently unfolding in Gaza, Palestine has garnered worldwide attention. Enas, not being one to shy away from current affairs, has been aptly capturing the emotions of supporters attending the peaceful protests in Bahrain.

“Through these peaceful protests you’re able to highlight public opinion and build that pressure so more people become aware of what’s happening. Some people may believe

that there is no point in attending but I see it as a collective effort which has a ripple effect as other countries are now doing the same thing,” she says.

At the time of the interview, Enas recounted that the previous weekend’s protest had been covered by international news channels.

“There is a positive outcome to it: it drives conversation around the subject. They’re speaking up,” she says.

Enas has not only been documenting these rallies, but has also delivered an impassioned speech at one of them which garnered a widespread reaction. Through the imagery captured at the peaceful rallies, she hopes to achieve change. “I have Palestinian friends, and when I post these images, it helps me show them that they are not alone. It helps us show that we are connected and that we feel for them,” she says firmly.

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Enas’s series on mental health drew wide-spread recognition starting with a feature from BBC that went viral. The powerful imagery on mental health featuring props, and quotes written on her face, were an impassioned depiction of her own triste with mental health.

“With the mental health series especially, when I created these images, a lot of people approached me saying that they have been going through the same thing and feel like they can’t talk to anyone about it. Some of them felt like I was representing them which they appreciated,” she says.

Some of Enas’s followers have shared that they sought therapy after coming across the series – a reaction that Enas finds greatly rewarding. “It’s just being able to see that change first hand that’s great. I would love to keep doing that forever,” she says.

“It makes me happy that people can relate to my photography.

There is always that bridge where it connects me to them. And it’s interesting to see where they are and how they feel and what they’re going through when seeing my photos,” she adds.

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THE NEXT STEP IN the foreseeable future, Enas hopes to highlight more topics from a conceptual photography concept, but also hopes to delve into art installations. “With arts in Bahrain, I believe we could use more sponsorship. I have a list of ideas for installations but everything would have to be out of pocket so they are on hold,” she says.

“I’m very much interested in like combining arts with sort of like social aspect of it like civic engagement. Maybe it’s going to be like sort of like a bridge between the two of my passions, which is helping people while creating art.”

To view Enas’s powerful photographs, follow @solovagabond on Instagram.

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LIFESTYLE| travel

Paris, France If you are a couple that is looking for a classic romantic getaway, the first city that comes to mind is Paris, France. The City of Lights needs no introduction. Stroll hand-in-hand along the Seine, whisper sweet nothings beneath the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights, and share a decadent picnic in Tuileries Gardens. For an artistic flair, visit the Louvre or Picasso Museum, followed by a cosy bistro dinner with your loved one.

Lis oinvtehe Air

8 Romantic Getaways for a Valentine’s Day to Remember

As Valentine’s Day approaches, hearts begin to flutter and spirits soar with the promise of love and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned couple seeking rejuvenation or newfound partners searching for that perfect spark, escaping to a romantic destination can be the ultimate way to celebrate your bond. But with so many alluring options, choosing the ideal getaway can become a delightful conundrum.

Fear not, lovebirds! This guide presents a curated selection of romantic destinations, sure to ignite your passion and create memories that will outlast a box of chocolates.

Italy Glide through Venice, Italy’s canals in a gondola, serenaded by gondoliers. Share special moments under the Bridge of Sighs, a timeless symbol of love. Explore St. Mark’s Square, a vibrant piazza teeming with artists and musicians. Savor cicchetti (Italian tapas) and sip Aperol Spritzes in bustling Bacari and let’s not forget that Italian cuisine is a must try. Take a trip to Rome and visit the Colosseum an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built.

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Macchu Picchu, Peru Peru is a place definitely to be on your bucket list. Hike the ancient Inca trail to the majestic Machu Picchu, hand-in-hand, conquering your way to breathtaking cloud-forest views and the awe-inspiring ruins of a lost civilisation. Share a romantic moment at sunrise, as the mist unveils the hidden city, bathed in golden light.

Celebrate your summit with a traditional Pachamanca feast, cooked underground with hot stones.

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Bali, Indonesia

Australia

Looking to get lost in the rich cultures of the Sunda Islands. Immerse yourselves in Bali’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes while enjoying some of the many activities you can partake in on the island. Trek through verdant rice fields, climb the slopes of Mount Batur for a mesmerising sunrise over volcanic Lake Batur, and explore ancient temples adorned with intricate carvings. Share a candlelit dinner on the beach, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of crashing waves. Relax with a rejuvenating couples’ spa treatment, using Bali’s famous natural ingredients.

When we think of nature and wildlife, there is one place that springs to mind – Australia.

There’s a lot that you can do when visiting Australia starting with a visit to the Australia Zoo, a renowned zoo which was built by the Australian icon, Steve Irwin, aka “The Crocodile Hunter.” Embark on a snorkelling or scuba diving adventure in the vibrant coral kingdom of the Great Barrier Reef. Swim alongside colourful fish, marvel at majestic turtles, and share magical underwater encounters. Sail through the Whitsunday Islands, exploring secluded beaches and hidden coves for a truly intimate experience. With several fantastic options for hotel stays you can probably find a fantastic cabin with a deck so you may stargaze after dark.

Santorini, Greece Bathed in Aegean sunshine, Santorini, Greece’s whitewashed houses cling to volcanic cliffs, overlooking shimmering turquoise waters.

Indulge in breathtaking caldera views, private infinity pools, and candlelit dinners with fresh seafood and Santorini’s famous Vinsanto dessert grape. Hike to Oia’s charming village for sunset, a spectacle that will paint the sky in hues of romance.

Maldives

Kerala, India

There’s no place quite like the Maldives for a romantic getaway. This Valentine’s Day, escape to your own private island paradise. Luxuriate in overwater bungalows with turquoise views, snorkel in coral reefs teeming with marine life, and bask on pristine white sand beaches. Enjoy private candlelit dinners on the beach, with personalised menus catered just for you. You can also sail away on a traditional Dhoni boat, watching dolphins frolic in the sunset.

There’s plenty to explore in the beautiful country that is India, but this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got our eye on the south and, more specifically, Kerala. While this state is recognised around the world for its phenomenal spices and street food, don’t sleep on the views the country has to offer alongside calm beaches and subtle weather. It is in the lush paradise of Kerala, that you can enjoy a cruise on traditional houseboats through tranquil backwaters, surrounded by palm trees and emerald rice fields. The state provides you and your loved one with the perfect backdrop for a memorable vacation with activities that include exploring spice plantations, learning about Ayurveda’s ancient healing practices, and rejuvenating with couples’ massages. You can also hike through Munnar’s rolling hills, carpeted with vibrant tea plantations, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.

No matter where your Valentine’s Day adventure takes you, remember that the true magic lies in the moments you share. Focus on creating connections, be present with each other, and celebrate the joy of your love. Ultimately, the most romantic gesture is your undivided attention and the effort you put into making this Valentine’s Day truly special.

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LIFESTYLE | parenting

“Stay Safe!”

Sending your child out by themselves can be a scary time for parents. Woman This Month’s Parenting Columnist, Ouiam El Hassani, shares her thoughts on when it is ideal to allow kids to go out by themselves.

We love our kids and just want them to be safe. So, naturally, it can be difficult to decide what age is appropriate for our kids to be allowed to go out by themselves.

It’s important for us to understand that allowing our children go out alone can help prepare them for adulthood. Someday our kids will turn 18 and will head to college or look for a job all too soon. So, the best way to ensure they’re prepared and confident to step out into the world is to allow them to be somewhat independent as teens.

There are a couple of very important questions you need to ask yourself, as you prepare them to go out on their own: this process slowly and ensuring that your child is ready before fully What should you consider before allowing them to go out committing. Let this be a time that they prove to you they can handle the on their own?

First, you should consider the maturity level of your child. You know how far along they are in overall maturity and whether this is something they can handle. If not, it may be something you need to introduce later on.

However, if you think your child might be ready to take this step, then move forward with setting rules.

Another important factor to consider before allowing your child to go out alone is the overall safety of where they’ll be going. Make sure you know who they’ll be spending time with, including friends and parents.

But sometimes, that isn’t enough to consider.

added responsibility of going out alone while maintaining contact and respecting curfew.

What rules should I set for my child?

The best way to ensure your child’s safety and your own peace of mind is to set some firm rules for them. Doing this can ensure that they’re safe, where they’re supposed to be, and, most importantly, come home at the end of the day.

If you’re unsure how your child will handle this new independence, it may be best to ease them into it. There’s nothing wrong with doing

Here’s what you need to consider:

Phone

Now is a great time to consider getting your child a phone of their own if they don’t already have one. They can use it only when they’re out of the house alone to keep in touch with you.

What you have them do with it at other times is up to you.

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Curfew

Another good rule to set is to plan for a curfew. You should set a time that makes sense for your child and their schedule. Curfews don’t have to be concrete times that your child must be home. Feel free to give them a window of time to show up before you start getting worried.

You can also consider setting a time to leave rather than a time to be home. Then, wherever your child is, they won’t feel the need to rush home. They just need to be on their way by a certain time.

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LIFESTYLE | parenting

Contact

Who They See

One important rule that you should put in place is who your child should see when they start going out alone, just in case you can’t reach them. Something as simple as their phone dying can cause a lot of unneeded stress.

Next, you’ll want to clarify how often you expect to hear from your child when they’re out by themselves. This is a rule that shouldn’t be left with any questions because it’s important that you hear from them regularly to ensure they’re safe.

Keep Your Word

This goes for both you and your child. Once you start allowing them to go out by themselves, you both need to be held accountable for keeping your word. Yes, your child needs to be honest with you about whatever they’re doing to be safe, but it’s also important for you to be honest about your expectations of them.

Transportation Options

You should set clear boundaries with your child about how they can get to places. Be sure to let them know what methods of transportation are off-limits. For example, be clear on whether or not public transportation or riding in cars with older friends is allowed. Or you can ask your child to inform you before they get in the car with someone then again once they’re safely at their destination.

Overall, your child should be allowed to go out alone at around 13 years old or so — as per the experts. Keep in mind this isn’t going to work for every child. So, you may need to adjust the age based on your child’s maturity

Happy parenting!

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SELFCARE | mental health

Understanding Heartbreak Dealing with heartbreak, of any kind, can be one of the most challenging things a person goes through. Recognising the significance of acknowledging and managing these emotions, Joslin Gracias, a CDA-licensed psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, shares her strategies for navigating emotional turbulence.

H

eartbreak, an inevitable facet of the human experience, often leaves individuals grappling with intense emotions and uncertainty. Heartbreak, whether stemming from the dissolution of a romantic relationship, the loss of a loved one, or other impactful life events, can trigger a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, anger and confusion. Effective coping strategies to navigate the turbulent waters of heartbreak are necessary.

We all have dealt with heartbreak in relationships and friendships and know the grimness of the pain it brings. It’s a mixed bag of emotions we have no choice but to deal with. While we have different ways that we each like to handle and deal with breakups, I like to think of the five stages of grief when dealing with heartbreaks.

Stage 1: Denial

Not wanting to deal with difficult emotions that encompass heartbreak is denial, and being aware of this can help us understand our process better instead of pressuring ourselves to get over it.

Stage 2: Anger

It is expected that we start to resent our expartners or friends for being a cause of the emotional upheaval and pain. We must allow

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ourselves to acknowledge the anger that we are feeling and find healthy outlets like journaling, self-talk and expressing it to a nonjudgmental friend.

Stage 4: Depression

Stage 3: Bargaining

Stage 5: Acceptance

This looks like trying to see if there is still hope or finding a middle ground to deal with the pain caused. Wanting to get rid of the pain becomes the primary goal.

It’s normal to feel sad when going through heartbreak. Also, the reality that nothing can change the situation causes depressed feelings.

It takes time, but when you reach this stage, you will gather all the broken pieces and be able to face reality. This part cannot be rushed or demanded; it’s a process.

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SELFCARE | mental health

Allowing oneself to move through all the stages of grief, and being aware that these stages aren’t always linear and that you can keep jumping between these stages, can help us process and heal from heartbreak. Different coping strategies to deal with heartbreak whilst being aware of the grieving process can be helpful, while behavioural goals can help deal with the emotional turmoil of breakups.

Navigating heartbreak requires a delicate balance of self-care and seeking support. Practising selfcompassion is crucial—being kind to oneself amid adversity helps manage heartbreak’s emotional toll. Finding a ‘window of tolerance’ through mindfulness, yoga, hobbies, and relaxation aids in maintaining stability.

Additionally, leaning on a supportive network of friends and family creates a safe space to share feelings and seek solace. Embracing temporary distractions offers relief from overwhelming pain without ignoring the healing process. Setting boundaries, both with the source of heartbreak and others, allows for personal healing at one’s pace.

Moreover, focusing on introspection and personal growth aids in finding meaning amid the emotional turmoil, fostering resilience beyond the immediate pain, and facilitating a healthier emotional state post-grieving stages.

After a breakup, being open and vulnerable again takes time and depends on whether you have processed your emotions and healed. Take your time to process your feelings.

Learning to regulate your emotions is a skill that you master over time that helps you be more resilient; having said that, being resilient does not mean the heartbreak journey gets easier. It only means you will make healthier healing choices.

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Joslin Gracias is a CDA-licensed psychologist who holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and supports individuals and couples with their therapeutic goals.

Thrive Wellbeing Centre was founded in 2018 by Dr Sarah Rasmi. The centre now has a team of 20 specialised psychiatrists and psychologists who know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that social relationships are the key to our well-being. In April 2021, Thrive Wellbeing launched Thrive in 5, an online, accessible and affordable platform for mental health and personal development for individuals and corporates alike. For more information, visit thrive.ae.

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bystander

Meet and Greet Al Hawaj announced the arrival of the latest Moncler perfume collection exclusively at Niche Garden, Seef Mall.

F1 Grand Prix Launch

BIC hosted the launch of the 2024 Grand Prix at the Avenues Bahrain announcing its landmark twentieth anniversary race.

Sustainability Forum

American Chamber of Commerce of Bahrain, CFA Society Bahrain and Bahrain India Society in partnership with the Sustainability Forum Middle East hosted a talk on ‘Sustainable Real Estate and Infrastructure Development’ at Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

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Bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

last word

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

Camping or glamping?

Glamping!

Short-term: Prioritise my fitness more.

Long-term goals: Own my own farm or stable and travel the world

Are you adventurous when it comes to food?

Who do you consider to be your role model?

I’d like to say I’m a foodie, I’m open to trying new cuisines but I think I’ve tried majority of the classic faves. I don’t have a favourite food, but anything flavoursome!

In Her Shoes

I’ve never had one until now; Chantel Moore, our General Manager at Conrad Bahrain Financial Harbour isn’t just a leader, she’s a beacon of dedication and empathy. Her passion for her work and genuine care for people light the way for me. I see her commitment and it fuels my own ambition to exceed expectations and forge meaningful connections.

Batool Redha is the Marketing Manager at the latest addition to the Kingdom’s hospitality scene, Conrad Bahrain. She describes herself as someone who is “attentive, strong-minded, dedicated and ambitious”.

Let’s take a walk in her shoes!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m a horse rider

Quiet night in or fun night out?

Your biggest tip for self-love is to:

Prioritise your mental health, well-being, and passions − make them everyday habits, not just occasional rewards.

A quiet night in.

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

‘’You have a purpose, therefore be patient, as everything happens for a reason. What is meant for you will come to you with ease’’.

What are some of your new year resolutions?

Skip the resolutions, embrace the evolution. Every day is a blank canvas for you to paint a happier, more fulfilling version of yourself. Choose brushstrokes that spark your joy, not societal expectations.

Scan to watch the video February 2024

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advertisers bystander index Financial Services Batelco Financial Services Company (BEYON)

IBC

Educational Institutions The British School of Bahrain

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Hotels & Serviced Residences

Al Haddad Motors (Mercedes)

21

Al Haddad Vehicle Rental & Leasing S.P.C (Bestune)

23

Behbehani Brothers Co.(Porsche)

7

Mohd Jalal & Sons (Suzuki)

61

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Ramee Grand

27

Bahrain International Circuit

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43

Big Brain Concept W.L.L

19,45

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The K Hotel

55

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Cucina Italian

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Maki

53

The Lanterns Restaurant & Lounge

51

Jewellery & Watches Bahrain Jewellery Centre (Roberto Coin)

BC

Medical & Dental Services Al Hilal Hospital Company

27

Motoring A.A. Bin Hindi (KIA Motors)

9

A.A. Bin Hindi (Sixt Rent A Car)

15

3

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Rotary Media Talk The Rotary Club of Salmaniya hosted a Media Talk forum at Golden Tulip Bahrain.

Maki’s NYE Party 90 February 2024

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