Moving to the Emirates? Here’s How I’m Staying Grounded with Wellness Rituals
Relocating to a new country is both exciting and disorienting. After spending 21 years in Los Angeles, I recently made the move to the Emirates to bring Altha’s signature wellness experiences to the Middle East. When I first arrived, I hadn’t yet decided whether to settle in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. While I appreciated Dubai’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial energy, I ultimately felt more aligned with the cultural richness and more relaxed rhythm of Abu Dhabi.
The logistics of settling in have been overwhelming: applying for licenses, setting up a new home, traveling with my dog Zen, navigating cultural differences, and rebuilding community from scratch.
In the midst of this transition, I’ve leaned on the very tools I share with others through Altha — sound healing, breathwork, and therapeutic hypnosis — to stay grounded, centered, and at peace. Today, I’m sharing a few of the simple rituals I’ve used daily to stay balanced while building a new life in the UAE.
6 Powerful tools to remain grounded and calm
Morning Breathwork + Mantra + Abhyanga
My mornings begin with a short breathwork practice to activate my energy and reset my nervous system. Just five minutes of rhythmic breathing, followed by a personal mantra, helps me shift out of overwhelm and into clarity. I like to repeat: *"I am supported. I am calm. I am exactly where I need to be."
I then practice abhyanga, a self-massage using Ayurvedic oils. This ritual nourishes my nervous system, supports circulation, and creates a protective buffer for the day ahead.
Sound Healing + Evening Soak
At the end of the day, I use my crystal alchemy bowls for 15-20 minutes of sound. These sessions allow my body and mind to process the changes I'm experiencing without needing to overthink or overanalyze. The vibrations have a way of releasing emotional tension and rebalancing the nervous system.
Afterwards, I soak in the bathtub with Epsom salts or essential oils. It’s my way of letting go of the day and reconnecting with stillness.
Hypnotic Visualization for Confidence
As a certified hypnotherapist, I use visualization techniques before sleep to calm my subconscious. I visualize myself living in my dream space, with all my furniture finally arrived from Los Angeles and everything feeling settled. I see a beautiful white and gold Altha Dome dedicated to group sound healing sessions, complete with a serene showroom filled with Crystal Tones alchemy bowls. Even five minutes of focused imagery can rewire the mind to see opportunities rather than challenges.
Chanting AUM in Transit
While driving from one building to another, navigating the endless to-do list that comes with relocation, I chant AUM. It brings me back to center, connects me to breath, and transforms a mundane drive into a meditative moment.
Digital Boundaries
Moving also means a million WhatsApp chats, paperwork, and new contacts. I’ve created tech boundaries so that my phone doesn’t control my energy. I turn off notifications in the evening and give myself at least one hour a day without screen time to be fully present with myself and Zen, my dog.
Conclusions
Moving to the UAE has reminded me of how essential it is to create moments of peace within the chaos. If you're also new to the Emirates and looking for ways to stay grounded, I invite you to join me on this journey.
Altha's wellness experiences are coming soon to the region. Until then, you can subscribe to the Altha newsletter for rituals, tips, and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A. Breathwork is a powerful practice that involves conscious control of your breathing patterns. It can help reduce anxiety, regulate your nervous system, and improve mental clarity. Breathwork is especially effective for expats in the UAE looking for ways to stay grounded amid busy city life.
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A. Sound healing uses vibrational frequencies from instruments like crystal alchemy bowls and gongs to promote relaxation, release tension, and rebalance the body. As wellness grows in popularity across the UAE, sound healing is gaining momentum for its ability to support deep mental and emotional well-being.
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A. Altha’s wellness offerings will soon be available in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Private and group sessions will include breathwork, sound healing, and hypnotherapy. Sign up for the Altha newsletter to be the first to know about upcoming sessions near you.
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Absolutely. Both sound healing and hypnotherapy can ease the stress of relocation by helping you process emotions, release overwhelm, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. These practices are especially helpful for expats navigating big life transitions.
