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Our Helping hands in shaping the Society (Year of Zayed)

Writer: Mahaa Amer KhanMahaa Amer Khan

“WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS” (Robert Ingersoll)


I am starting this blog with a question.

Ask yourself What makes you more thankful and giving?

My answer is Volunteering to help the less fortunate.


This topic definitely fits into the Personal Growth category (which is my personal favorite to talk about).

Growing up and studying in the UAE has been an amazing journey. From interacting with people of different cultures to enjoying every festival of various religions in the UAE. This country has really taught us what it is to live in a diverse community. But, one of the aspects of this diverse community has been how giving each citizen has been towards the less fortunate. Not only in the month of Ramadan but, throughout the year.



We all know about the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. A leader who is an inspiration for people like me who grew up in Dubai. 2018 is named the Year of Zayed as this year marks 100 years since the birth of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, who passed away in 2004.


Since the beginning of this year various initiatives were taken by the People of Dubai to spread smiles on the faces of the less fortunate, encourage the youth to help build the society, encourage leadership, empathy, sports activities and much more. Some of the initiatives were The Zayed Happiness Van, The Zayed Sports tournament, Zayed Painting Contest.



Apart from this, charities such as Al Noor, The Red Crescent and Dubai Cares have also been the helping hands in shaping the society. The main reason behind why my friends and I volunteered quite a few times with Al Noor or got chances to visit the special needs children was the reaction of those kids. Nothing has ever made me happier than seeing those kids love you selflessly. Their response towards genuine love and affection is amazing. Seriously!


I personally feel that one gets short of words when you come to explain emotions related to people who probably cant express themselves normally but, are way more special than any other person you meet or come across.


The joy I have felt in spending time with those kids who don’t know me personally but, they value me just for giving them time.



Volunteering or giving back to the society can be done in several ways.

1) Blood Donation www.blooddonors.ae

2) Clothes Donation www.rcuae.ae

3) Give a stray a home www.abudhabianimalshelter.com

4) Give Books www.maraya.ae

5) Give Food/Water www.thesamenessproject.com

6) Give Financial Support

7) Become a part of a society to help towards a specific cause

8) Be a part of the Awareness groups (i.e Breast Cancer, Diabetes groups)

All these could also be done at labor camps or could be sent abroad to other countries where help is required.


How did Volunteering Change me?


Being More Thankful (Gratitude)

I realized that the more I volunteer to put in efforts for others I keep becoming more thankful. The old paradox thinking of receiving something in return of giving something completely changed. I started feeling happier when I would see smiles on other people’s face because of me. This is a very intangible emotion. Which grows you as a person who is positive and selfless. From my personal experience I would suggest each one of you to become a part of any foundation or cause that helps you in experiencing peace.

If you cant be a part of any of this cause then fulfill the basic necessities of people by donating.



Community is Important

I feel that now I really have a purpose other than focusing on my career or family or any other personal goals. By purpose I mean that if you are able to bring even a small positive change in someone’s life then you become a responsible citizen of this society. We need to be taught in schools how important it is to give back to the society you are born in or grew up in.


Develop New Skills

By being able to understand the issues other people go through you really learn to be patient and helpful. I mean just by listening to someone with a disability to make them realize that they are an equally important part of this society. You expand your horizons by meeting new people and learning from each other.


Working Hard doesn’t always mean you make money

I realized that although I don’t get paid for all the efforts I do be it travelling in the metro or volunteering at odd times it makes me sleep peacefully at night. Isn’t it true that all great things take time whether its building relationships, growing up, becoming independent, finding your passion. No shortcuts can be taken whatsoever. Life is much more than just earning money we cant measure everything based on monetary gain.


Peace

“Giving is gaining” I truly believe this. Whenever I felt I didn’t have anything to do be it in my winter breaks of any other time of the year I gave all my time to those who only required genuine care and time. The peace I received in spending time with those who don’t have families like us yet they are still loved by many was amazing. It made me focus less on my less and more on the surroundings (which is very important) and this has been scientifically proven as well the more good you do for someone else the more goodness you receive.


This blog made me shed light on how I grew as an individual and did my bit to help my society. I still have a long way to go by doing more for the less fortunate and I pledge all of you to do the same.


Email me at makwritesblogs@gmail.com Visit My Instagram @ Mahaa Amer Khan


 
 
 

5 Reasons on why having a hobby is essential? (10 ideas to get you on track)

Writer: Mahaa Amer KhanMahaa Amer Khan

This has to be one of the most relate-able and educating topics ever!! (Cause I was one of them who would waste time on mobile and think its “ME TIME”), So that’s how I’d spend it. Instead of wasting time one should spend time in building yourself because “idle hands are a devil’s workshop”

I will be sharing my personal experiences towards how having a hobby has made me a more productive person. My hobbies that make me feel relaxed are reading, cooking, baking and the most recent and interesting one is now Blogging.


In the 21st century we are all busy in the hustle to get from one place to another. Always trying to make the ends meet and always on the go. We hardly get time to do something for ourselves in this rat race. But how do we make time for a hobby that will engage time and effort?


Well, you will get your answer if you take baby steps towards investing your time into a hobby that grooms you, releases stress and makes you more productive.

Lets talk about how having a hobby helps you value your time which you dedicate to yourself.



My quick 5 reasons to why having a Hobby is essential


Stress Relief

This has worked quite well for me. The constant stress that surrounds us whether that is due to work, education or any other kind of stress, Hobbies work as a stress buster. Reading was never my thing but since the time I have started reading books about personal growth and facing hurdles in life especially regarding how to deal with financial stress not only has it helped me detach myself from the stressful environment and takes me into a peace world where I can unwind. Which has also taught me how to deal with stress on daily basis.


Personal Growth

Blogging as a new hobby along with baking, cooking and reading helps me be able to research, study and experiment more. I can explore more possibilities and understand what I am best at. I have been able to discover most of my talents only after I have been faithful to one or more than one hobby of mine. It definitely made me believe and trust myself more as now I know what I am good at though it’s a never-ending journey of self-discovery and self-appreciation.


Confidence

I am all for this! Like seriously the more time I spend doing what I love (Baking especially) the more confidence I have been able to build. I even started a small business where I would bake cakes and sell them from home. The level of confidence and assurity baking gave me has been immense. Discovering yourself and been able to master your hobby is such a blessing. I mean imagine, you becoming successful at what you love to do (isn’t it a dream come true).


Also, it becomes easier to interact with people. You are pretty comfortable and clearly more confident when a fellow colleague or any other person talk about something related to your hobbies. I can talk about baking or blogging for hours and that also with passion. It leaves a good impression on the other person and makes you look like a more creative and productive person. I mean you don’t stay faithful to your hobbies because of people but, it makes you a more “people person”


Productivity

Each and everyday you learn something new, having a hobby is a cherry on the top. I am never bored as I plan on making use of every second learning something related to what I love to do as a hobby. I have spent hours in Borders (has to be the coziest bookshop ever) I would just sit there along with my family for hours and we would all read books of the genres we liked. It has made me value my time and one of the major reasons that has brought me towards blog writing.

Reading has made it easier for me to write down all that I want to express!


Ease to Deal with Challenges

Sometimes developing a hobby can be challenging. Initially when I started reading books or blogging there were hurdles that would distract me but, the happiness and passion I had towards them made me come back and engage more in writing and baking. One weird aspect is that somehow my hobbies have made me withstand challenges with more will power than before.


10 ideas that are my personal favorite to get you on track

  1. Photography

  2. Knitting and Embroidery

  3. Cooking and Baking

  4. Crafts

  5. Gardening

  6. Playing Sports

  7. Puzzle Solving

  8. Calligraphy

  9. Learning a skill Online (Graphic designing etc)

  10. Volunteering (one of my most favorite ones) I would probably write a blog on this soon as to how important is it to give back to the society especially knowing that it is the year of Zayed.

I have experienced doing most of them and they are all great for personal growth, confidence building and rewarding (in terms of mental peace).I could add a few more like Investing time in playing board games with family or friends or Travelling around the world if you have time. Every person has their own way of spending their free time but, in my suggestion, time is the most precious element in our lives which we are running out of so why not spend each second learning something for the best.


Keep supporting and showing love on my blogs (It really keeps me going)


Email me @ makwritesblogs@gmail.com your suggestions

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To comment on my blogs please read my blogs @ http://makwritesblogs.blogspot.com/2018/10/5-reasonson-why-having-hobby-is.html



And also leave a comment down below to share which is your favorite hobby.


 
 
 

7 Tips on how to Combat Depression!

Writer: Mahaa Amer KhanMahaa Amer Khan

Something we have all been through or are going through isn’t it? This invisible weight that others probably can’t see but, you go through it every day or have been through it at some point in life.

Something we can all relate to TOTALLY!


Then why is it that people still don’t get that Depression exists and its okay to talk about it. It’s not a disease it’s a devious disorder. This is devious because it stops you from doing what it takes to recover, it makes you less productive, makes you lose your self esteem and definitely you feel less energetic.


It has a negative energy that absorbs all of your positive energy and takes away the best out of you. You stop being yourself you only think about the worst that could happen, how you will always be depressed and never be able to pursue your dreams.



Isn’t this too obvious that something so harmful and ruinous needs to be permanently eradicated from our lives?


Now comes the part where we question ourselves and say If only it was that easy why would I have let myself get tortured for so long? What if nothing ever works for me and I eventually become a depressed and lonely person forever? How do I tell people when they ask I don’t know how to explain it? These are some of the very basic questions we ask ourselves or think about but can’t deal with in reality so “its better that I stay this way and let it be”.


So personally speaking how and why did I come out of a number of depressions I had be (Yes, it can be multiple) Post graduation depression, losing a close one to cancer, not finding a job, not matching up to the standards of the society and much more. My issues could be much smaller to another person going through something more serious but, they are still going to be injurious to me. My battle remains hard until I really wish to win it.


This sounds a little dramatic but, it’s true. The answer to every setback you have is YOU. Forget about others who don’t get you and your depression. You don’t need anybody’s sympathy, you really DON’T!


We are all vulnerable to depression due to one reason or another. We are all in different phases of life where new challenges and obstacles are thrown at us regularly and then Depression becomes the major obstacle as it takes up all the energy we have.


I needed to put this into words as I have been through similar stuff to most of you out there. How have I come out of the immense depression I went into that also led to me getting regular Migraine attacks (Which have reduced, without any medication/surgeries).


I am not a psychologist I am just here to share how I have come out of depression stronger and more focused and want to help others to be able to do so although we are have different personalities and point of views towards life but, I believe if your words and actions can help even one person you are doing the right thing.



First and foremost convince yourself that this is taking up too much of my energy hence, I need to admit it and come out of it. Admitting it is the most important part of walking towards the cure as people give a number of excuses like it’s not depression it’s just that I am an introvert. This just pushes them deeper into it and makes it worse over a short period of time. Following this, understand that you would need to bring about small changes regularly to your routine. If not regularly then weekly.


Start your day with Praying/Meditation

(That serves the purpose of making you relaxed and feel at peace) it could only be for 20 minutes. At first it will be hard to stay focused and feel at peace but, you will get there eventually. You can listen to some meditation tips on YouTube some of them have amazingly soothing voices. I personally didn’t need anyone else to help me focus. This exercise helped me get my focus and concentration back.


Your meals are Essentials

Don’t skip meals especially breakfast. What you eat is what you are. So if you think that skipping meals doesn’t make a difference then let me tell you it makes a lot of difference on how your brain and emotions work. Eat what makes you happy. Eating what you like makes a lot of difference to your mood. If you think you don’t feel hungry probably get a deficiency test done. One of the more common deficiencies in this generation are magnesium and calcium.


On a lighter Note, Have a cookie!


Find time for yourself to EXERCISE

As Elle Woods says, Exercise gives you Endorphins, which makes you happy. I am a person who never liked to exercise but, since the time I have started taking out time to exercise I feel my brain is much more relaxed after I exercise 30 minutes minimum everyday than it is otherwise. Exercise overall helps the muscles to relax which keeps your brain at peace. With that Deep Breathing also helps a lot. It increases the amount of oxygen your brain gets. Breath in for 4 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds and release it for 8 seconds. This has made it easier for me to sleep better at night as losing sleep is one of the most common problems attached with depression.


Find your Person

If you think it is necessary find “your person”, by that I mean someone who you can talk to about how you are going through a phase of depression that is harmful for you. This also helped me in a way; I felt more at peace with a couple of close friends and family. And unexpectedly discussing this made me realize it was not only me who was stuck with depression but, a lot of my close ones were also going through the same. We all had different causes of depression but, talking about it really helped us.


Get Organized and Pre-plan

Here I am not just being specific to depression but, generally as well being an organized person makes it a lot easier to carry out your daily chores than otherwise, where you are struggling to make the ends meet. This could be a vast activity by that I mean write down what are your goals for the upcoming week and while having a conversation make sure you say what you have in your mind that makes you straightforward, confident and assertive in turn this increases your self confidence. The aim of this exercise enables you to be ready to face any challenges you could face.


Reward Yourself

This is probably one of the most productive ways of appreciating yourself. You really need to, keep telling yourself how your will power has brought you out of depression stronger and focused. Along with this reward yourself with spending on an experience probably getting into a course, go do some fun activity alone or with friends (i.e. go enjoy at a indoor trampoline park, go paintball or visit some amusement park) I can easily name many more fun activities you can be a part of in Dubai but, I guess you get the idea. If you are more of a person who is into visiting the mall then get yourself something that makes you happy probably clothes, shoes or anything you prefer.


Be comfortable in what you wear

Since all of these points mentioned above are solely based on my personal experiences let me tell you this one helps me every day. When I dress up well (doesn’t matter where I am going) when I feel I am comfortable and happy in what I am wearing my day starts well. I feel more confident and enthralled. Along with that wear comfortable shoes and don’t carry heavy bags or purses with you.



I can go on and on and on about how a lot of other small changes to my mindset and routine have made me a happier person like trusting GOD and thanking him every day for all the blessings I have. Spending time with them and doing something for the less fortunate ones, greeting everyone nicely, sleeping in the right posture, reading books and blogs of impactful writers and capturing memories and looking back at them only to be thankful for the past, present and for the future to come.


Appreciate yourself at each step you take towards betterment and contentment. The main drawbacks of depression are that it makes you lose focus and consumes all your positive energy and makes you a negative, irritable and a lonely person. So don’t give in, think of it as an opportunity to more forward and then never look back.


You can consult with any psychologist if you think you have a specific kind of depression which can be dealt with medication as depression has a number of different types.


This was a serious topic that a few of my growing number of followers had talked to me about so I thought why not write about it to be able to help others and get your response through emails and through my Instagram page about how have you fought depression?


A small note of thank you to everyone who have sent me words of appreciation on my first blog. Keep them coming in it truly makes my day and helps me write the next blog with more passion and dedication.


Follow my Instagram page @MAHAAAMERKHAN


 
 
 

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