Words by Vaneezeh Hassan – Founder of V Pilates
Every year, as summer arrives in Dubai, it feels like life slows down just a little. We spend more time indoors, plans become centred around air-conditioned spaces, and suddenly the idea of going for an evening walk feels a lot less appealing.
It can be tempting to press pause on your wellness routine until the weather cools down. But I’ve come to realise that wellness isn’t about maintaining the same habits all year round, it’s about adapting them to the season you’re in.
Keep moving, even if it looks different
The heat can be incredibly draining, and it’s perfectly normal to feel less motivated. That doesn’t mean movement has to disappear altogether.
The goal isn’t to complete the hardest workout or spend hours exercising. It’s simply to make movement part of your day.
That could mean heading to the gym before work, meeting friends for a group fitness class, or rolling out a mat at home for a quick workout when it’s simply too hot to venture outside. Even twenty or thirty minutes of intentional movement can improve your energy, support your mobility, and leave you feeling better than when you started. Consistency will always matter more than intensity.
Find creative ways to get your steps in
One of my favourite habits during the summer is something surprisingly simple.
Whenever I have work that doesn’t require me to sit at my desk, answering emails, copywriting, planning content, or editing videos, I put on my headphones, head to the nearest mall, and walk while I work.
It’s an easy way to get my steps in without battling the heat, and it makes tasks that might otherwise feel repetitive much more enjoyable.
If leaving the office or home isn’t realistic, consider investing in a walking pad or a standing desk. Small changes like these can make a significant difference over time. You don’t always need to carve out an extra hour for movement; sometimes it’s about weaving it naturally into your day.
Hydration is more than drinking water
Hydration becomes even more important during Dubai’s summer months.
Keeping a water bottle close by is a great start, but don’t forget to replenish your electrolytes too, especially if you’re exercising or spending time outdoors. Staying properly hydrated supports everything from your energy levels to your recovery and concentration.
Often, when we feel tired, we’re simply dehydrated without even realising it.
Don’t forget your skin and hair
The heat doesn’t just affect how we feel, it affects our skin and hair too. The intense sun, dry indoor air conditioning, and constant shifts between the two can leave both feeling dehydrated.
Summer is the perfect time to simplify and strengthen your routine. Prioritise products that focus on hydration, wear SPF every day, and if you’re styling your hair with heat, don’t skip a good heat protectant. These small additions can make a noticeable difference by the end of the season.
Wellness is about working with the season, not against it
I’ve learned that staying well isn’t about sticking rigidly to a routine. It’s about listening to your body and adjusting as life changes.
Dubai’s weather asks us to slow down in some ways, but it doesn’t have to stop us from taking care of ourselves. Sometimes wellness looks like a Pilates class. Sometimes it’s a walk around the mall while replying to emails. Sometimes it’s simply drinking another glass of water before reaching for another coffee. Small, intentional choices have a way of adding up.
