A Better Day: Meditation Classes, Virtual bingo, and virtual cooking classes

Each weekday, our editors are sharing their quick tips, workouts, recipes and observations to help us make the most of our time at home. We hope it makes your day a little bit brighter. #stayhome

Let’s start with some good news…

The UAE is taking a big step forward in the treatment and prevention of the spread of coronavirus by rolling out a therapy that has been scientifically proven to help speed recovery. The Dubai Health Authority is set to begin using blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat critical cases. The UAE-approved treatment, called convalescent plasma therapy, harnesses the power of plasma rich in antibodies able to fight off the virus. The treatment will be implemented during the course of this week.

Do this for a healthy body

Drop it like it’s hot with this 30-minute hip-hop workout by Mike Peele for Popsugar Fitness, which suits all skill levels.

Do this for a healthy mind

Ease stress, sharpen your focus and show yourself some kindness by taking part in Fitness First’s new online meditation classes. The 15- to 30-minute sessions are uploaded at 9pm (GST) every Tuesday on the Fitness First Middle East YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages. Simply sit back and become immersed in the calming narration as you focus on your breathing techniques.

Delicious deliveries to your door

Boost your immunity with a Wild & The Moon delivery from ChatFood. Wild Tacos and a Coffee Chaga Shake? Being healthy has never tasted so good.

What to watch

Tiger King, the isolation hit on Netflix, is the bizarre tale of murder, mayhem and mystery as feuding big cat sanctuaries claw away at each other. The FBI is forced to intervene after the park’s eccentric owner, Joe Exotic, puts a hit on his rival Carole Baskin.

What to listen to

Why do baby teeth fall out? Are llamas ticklish? If your children asking more questions than usual at the moment, the But Why podcast for curious kids has all the answers you need. You can even email in questions from your little chatterboxes.

Home help

Itching to give your home a clean sweep? Helpling’s team of service providers is licensed to operate during Dubai’s disinfection drive. They’ll use non-toxic hospital-grade disinfectant to deep clean your abode. From Dhs199. Call 800 989 or book online.

Isolators we love

If Matthew McConaughey hosting virtual bingo for a care home doesn’t warm your heart today, we’re not sure what will. Self-isolating senior citizens were delighted when the celeb took the time to become a bingo caller for the afternoon.

Join the party

Put budding chefs to good use in the kitchen thanks to the virtual cooking classes by Wagamama taking place every Wednesday from 3-4pm (kids) and 6-7pm (adults) throughout April. Not only will this keep the kids entertained, but you’ll be able to put your feet up while they cook you a late lunch!

Cook like a pro

This vitamin- and mineral-packed (but above all, tasty) ginger sea bass comes courtesy of executive chef Idin Asmitha, of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel. “The ingredients have been handpicked for their superfood qualities,” says Asmitha. “Friendly on the taste buds and easy on the calories, this is a surefire winner on all accounts.” Indeed.

Ingredients

• 110g sea bass
• 30g fresh ginger
• 10g green chilli
• 10g garlic
• 5g lime leaves
• 5g Coriander
• 10g lemongrass
• 10ml lime juice
• 20ml fish sauce
• 20ml oyster sauce
• 10g brown sugar
• 500ml water

Method

• Marinate the fish with salt and pepper.
• Place the ginger slices and lime leaves in a bowl. Add chopped garlic, chopped green chilli, oyster sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, chopped lemongrass, and water. Mix well.
• Pour the mixture onto the marinated fish. Use a sauté pan to cook, cover and steam the fish for 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
• Plate the fish topped with the sauce and garnish with finely chopped coriander and lemongrass.

And lastly…things we’d never thought we’d miss #1