Lifestyle

The perfect morning routine from showers to sunshine

The first thing to say about the ideal morning routine is that it probably doesn’t exist. Yes, endless influencers promise that they have tweaked, tested and fine-tuned the process of revving up for the day, but how history’s most productive people actually get things done is so varied that it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions. Beethoven, reportedly, used to count out exactly 60 beans for his morning cup of coffee, while Victor Hugo downed two raw eggs after reading a daily missive from his mistress. Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, wakes at 3am for pre-workout prayer, chasing up his gym time with a few holes of golf and a jolt in the cryo chamber before he even thinks about doing any work.

It is clear, though, that having some sort of routine is key: a set of automatic actions that you do every day, to ease you into your responsibilities with a bit of momentum and a fresh frame of mind. And there is some stuff that seems beneficial enough that everyone should be doing a version of it, even if individual methods differ: one person’s meditative bean arithmetic, after all, is another’s mindfulness. But if you want to finesse your routine, the key is to add one change at a time. “When you focus on a single behaviour,” says the behaviour change specialist Dr Heather McKee, “you build confidence through quick wins, and give your brain the clarity and dopamine hit it needs to automate that action. Once that habit feels natural, you free up mental space to layer in the next change.” But what habits should you be building?

Dogs are the perfect excuse to get a dose of morning light

Get up, get out

First things first: there’s no single best time to get up. If you have the luxury of picking your own window, it’s probably best to start by roughly working out your chronotype, which boils down to if you feel and perform best earlier in the day, you can probably get away with getting up a bit earlier (if you do your best work at night, of course, it would be ideal to sleep in).

Most adults need between seven and nine hours’ sleep to feel fully functional, and you probably have a good idea of where you fall in that range. In an ideal world, you shouldn’t need an alarm to wake up: if that means going to bed at 10 so you’re feeling fresh by 6am, that’s the way forward.

Ellie Hambly, a clinical psychologist specialising in helping families deal with stress, advises getting outside in the morning light. “This is getting harder with daylight hours reducing, but trying to manage your diary around getting some daylight can make a huge difference in your mood.” Morning exposure to natural sunlight plays a key role in keeping our body clock working properly. It suppresses melatonin, boosts serotonin, gets you ready for the day – and seems to help people sleep better at night. If you have a dog or a running habit, great – but it’s even worth poking your head out of the door while you enjoy your morning coffee. “If you can make the time for a short walk without your phone in the morning, the combination of movement and lack of stimulation can help to activate your brain’s default mode network – the set of brain regions engaged in introspection and daydreaming,” says Hambly. “That can help with creative problem-solving and coming up with new ideas. If you don’t have time for a walk, even taking a shower without a podcast can work.”

Getting outside in the morning light can make a huge difference.

Put the kettle on

Recently, it’s become fashionable among self-optimisers to claim that you should wait 60-90 minutes to drink your first coffee to avoid an afternoon crash. This sounds plausible, but a review of studies published in 2024 concluded that there’s no evidence this happens – and caffeine has also been shown to increase exercise performance in a variety of ways, so it’s definitely worth having a coffee if you’re going to work out (giving it 20-30 minutes to let the effects kick in). Otherwise, just do what’s most comfortable for you.

Go with your natural flow.

Should you exercise first thing? If you can face it, yes: at least a bit. The best time of day to hit the gym seems to vary depending on your chronotype, specific goals and preferred workout style: morning exercise, for instance, can help with burning fat, and strength-building sessions are also probably slightly better if your aim is muscle. But it’s possible that you can “retrain” your body to work out more effectively at different times of day by doing it consistently (one study on swimmers found that both chronotype and habitual training time are important). However, morning workouts seem to have a host of benefits all of their own, from reducing body fat to improving sleep.

On a more basic note, it’s also just easier to ensure you get your workouts done if you schedule them first thing, with no chance of a random pub invite or work demand getting in the way. If you can’t face a full-on run or dragging the dumbbells out from under the bed, it helps to have a pre-set, full-body routine that’s simple enough to do in your living room while everyone else dashes around eating toast and doing last-minute homework. The “slow” burpee is a winner here: squat down low, put your hands on the floor (between your feet if you can), then step one foot back at a time until you’re in a plank position. Do a press-up if you’ve got it in you, then reverse the whole process to come back to your feet: a handful of these will hit your arms, legs and core while also helping you stretch out stiff joints. Start with five, and work your way up.

Read a line of poetry, sip your tea, write a quick reflection, or get through a couple of pages of a book

Cold comforts

How cold should your morning shower be? Again, this depends on what you’re going for. There is some evidence that hosing yourself down with frosty water in the morning can offer physiological benefits: cold exposure can trigger the release of endorphins and help your parasympathetic nervous system (the restful one) kick in, so even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment, it’s probably cheering you up. On the flipside, a cold shock is potentially going to jolt you out of any default mode network thinking that’s helping you to solve problems or think creatively. But there’s a best-of-both-worlds approach. “I recommend to my coaching clients that they introduce hot and cold cycling as part of their morning routine for both the physical and mental benefits,” says the wellness expert Tana Hoffman Cook. “For people who are just starting out, even ending your shower with a cold blast can offer health benefits – cold exposure has been linked to increased dopamine levels, making it a powerful addition to anyone’s morning routine when they want to start their day feeling alert, clear-headed and with a mood-boost.”.

The Guardian

Lifestyle

Should you apply deodorant in the morning or at night?

It’s a hygiene product that most people use every single day without thinking twice about it.

But it turns out you’ve probably been applying your deodorant wrong this entire time.

Experts from the International Hyperhidrosis Society have revealed the best time to apply your antiperspirant.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not first thing in the morning.

Instead, the experts say that antiperspirants are best applied at night, just before you go to bed.

‘For best results, use your antiperspirant in the evening,’ the team advised.

‘Sweat production is at its lowest at night.

‘Evening application gives the active ingredients in antiperspirants time overnight to get into your pores in order to block perspiration when the sun comes up and you really get moving.’

While many of us use the terms interchangeably, deodorants and antiperspirants are actually two separate things.

‘Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores, thereby reducing the amount of perspiration that reaches your skin,’ the International Hyperhidrosis Society explained.

‘Deodorants, on the other hand, can help eliminate odor but not perspiration.

‘They’re usually alcohol-based and turn your skin acidic, making it less attractive to bacteria. Deodorants often also contain perfume fragrances to mask odor.’

Thankfully, most products on sale today are combination antiperspirants and deodorants, which fight both sweat and odour.

Most people apply theirs first thing in the morning, but this can not only make your antiperspirant less effect, but can also ruin your clothes.

‘Apply your antiperspirant at night before bed. It works better when applied at night anyway (see above) and your morning outfit won’t suffer,’ the team explained.

However, the experts say that a thin layer is all you need.

‘Apply only a thin layer of antiperspirant,’ they advised.

‘One swipe up and one swipe down is enough and there won’t be extra to rub off onto your clothes.’

If the amount of sweat you produce is causing you embarassment, thankfully there are several things you can do.

Beyond applying your antiperspirant in the evening, try to trim or groom your underarm hair to allow the product ro reach your skin.

‘Trimming hair also prevents sweat and oil from hanging around and cuts down on the surface areas on which bacteria and sweat can react,’ the International Hyperhidrosis Society explained.

There are also several medical treatments to stop sweating, which your doctor can advise you on.

However, it’s best to try to understand the root cause behind your sweating.

‘Manage your stress and learn how to control it to prevent or limit stress sweating in the first place,’ the experts added.

Daily Mail

Lifestyle

Miss Universe Organization is once again in the global spotlight

Miss Universe Scandal 2025: Co-Owners Face Fraud and Criminal Charges in Separate Cases

The Miss Universe Organization is once again in the global spotlight — but this time, not for its glamorous stage or inspiring contestants. Instead, the world-renowned beauty pageant is facing one of its biggest crises yet, as two Miss Universe co-owners are now facing serious legal charges in separate countries.

These developments have sparked intense media coverage and raised concerns about the future credibility of the Miss Universe brand.

What Happened? A Quick Overview of the Miss Universe Scandal

On November 26, 2025, major international news outlets reported that the co-owners of the Miss Universe Organization were each facing major legal troubles, including fraud allegations and criminal charges linked to organized crime.

This comes at a time when the pageant was already dealing with controversies surrounding the Miss Universe 2025 results — creating a perfect storm of public scrutiny.

1. Thai Co-Owner Faces Arrest Warrant Over Bond Fraud Case

A major development came from Thailand, where a Bangkok criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip, a well-known Thai media personality and former majority owner of Miss Universe.

Why was the warrant issued?

Jakrajutatip is accused of fraud related to the sale of corporate bonds worth approximately $930,000 USD.
An investor claims he was misled about JKN Global Group’s financial strength and repayment ability.
She failed to appear in court for a scheduled hearing, prompting the judge to issue the warrant and set a new date for December 26.

This case has immediately fueled discussions about transparency and mismanagement within the organizations previously under JKN’s control.

2. Separate Case: Another Miss Universe Owner Faces Criminal Charges

In a different legal battle, reports from the U.S. and Mexico indicate that Raúl Rocha Cantú, another partial owner of the Miss Universe Organization, is facing serious charges tied to organized crime, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and illegal fuel smuggling.

Although the charges are unrelated to Miss Universe, the association with a global brand has intensified worldwide attention — especially after the controversies that surrounded the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.

How Will These Cases Affect the Miss Universe Brand?

These simultaneous controversies pose significant risks to one of the world’s most recognizable pageants. Experts believe the impact could be substantial:

🔹 Reputation and Public Trust

The Miss Universe Organization is built on global credibility. Legal scandals involving co-owners can weaken trust among fans, partners, and national directors.

🔹 Sponsorship & Media Deals

Brands may hesitate to commit to sponsorships or broadcasting rights until the legal situation becomes clear.

🔹 Licensing and Franchise Rights

Countries hosting national pageants under the Miss Universe umbrella may demand more transparency and oversight.

🔹 Potential Ownership Restructuring

If the controversies continue, the organization may consider restructuring ownership to protect its long-term reputation.

Why This Scandal Matters

Miss Universe isn’t just a beauty competition — it is a cultural event that reaches millions of viewers worldwide. When key figures behind the organization face legal challenges, the ripple effect can influence:

global pageant culture
international media partnerships
participating countries and national franchises
fans’ perception of fairness and integrity

The current situation marks a critical turning point for Miss Universe as it tries to maintain its legacy amid growing controversy.

What Happens Next?

As the cases continue to unfold in Thailand, Mexico, and the U.S., the Miss Universe Organization has yet to release a full statement addressing both situations.

Industry insiders predict that the coming months will determine whether the brand can recover, rebuild trust, and move forward — or whether deeper structural changes will be required.

One thing is certain:
Miss Universe 2025 will be remembered not only for its winners, but for one of the biggest scandals in the pageant’s history.

Lifestyle

Saudi Arabia Lifestyle Trends 2025: What You Need to Know About Fitness, Wellness, Healthy Eating & Self-Care Growth

Saudi Arabia is experiencing one of its biggest lifestyle shifts in decades. As the Kingdom rapidly transforms under Vision 2030, residents across Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and beyond are embracing healthier living, fitness culture, clean eating, and self-care practices at record levels. The year 2025 marks a turning point where wellness becomes a mainstream priority—not just a trend.

From booming gym memberships to plant-based dining, mental health awareness, and wellness-focused travel, here’s what you need to know about the lifestyle trends shaping Saudi Arabia this year.

1. The Fitness Boom: Gyms and Group Workouts Surge in Popularity

The fitness sector in Saudi Arabia continues to expand rapidly in 2025. Gyms, boutique fitness studios, and outdoor activity parks are reporting their highest membership growth ever.

Popular fitness trends include:

Strength training and bodybuilding
CrossFit, HIIT, and functional training
Yoga, Pilates, and mobility classes
Women-only fitness centers
Outdoor running and cycling clubs

Wearable fitness devices, step counters, and health-tracking apps are now widely used, helping residents maintain consistent health habits and measurable goals.

2. Healthy Eating Becomes a Lifestyle, Not a Diet

Saudi Arabia is seeing a major rise in clean eating and nutrition-focused habits. Supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants are expanding their healthy offerings to meet demand.

Key trends dominating 2025:

Organic fruits and vegetables
High-protein and low-sugar meals
Plant-based and vegan options
Gluten-free and dairy-free menus
Hydration and electrolyte-focused beverages

Residents are prioritizing nutrient-dense foods over fast food, and meal-prep services are becoming popular among busy professionals and families.

3. Mental Wellness and Self-Care Move to the Center Stage

Mental health is gaining unprecedented attention in Saudi Arabia. In 2025, self-care routines are becoming part of everyday life for people of all ages.

New trends include:

Meditation and mindfulness programs
Spa and wellness retreats
Digital therapy and telehealth consultations
Stress-management workshops
Journaling, gratitude exercises, and breathwork

Workplaces also play a role, offering wellness days, counseling support, and corporate fitness programs to enhance employee well-being.

4. Women Leading the Wellness Movement

Saudi women are at the forefront of the Kingdom’s lifestyle transformation. Female-led fitness communities, wellness influencers, and nutrition coaches are inspiring millions through social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

Popular women’s trends include:

Women-only gyms and boutique fitness studios
Prenatal yoga and postpartum fitness programs
Women’s mental-health support groups
Healthy cooking and nutrition pages

Their influence is accelerating national awareness of holistic well-being.

5. Wellness Tourism and Outdoor Lifestyle Growth

Saudi Arabia’s natural beauty is now part of its wellness identity. In 2025, more residents and tourists are turning to wellness-focused travel, including:

Desert yoga retreats
Hiking and mountain trekking in Taif, AlUla, and Abha
Eco-friendly resorts
Outdoor meditation camps
Healthy culinary travel experiences

Thanks to expanded flights and tourism infrastructure, the Kingdom is positioning itself as one of the Middle East’s top wellness destinations.

6. Tech-Driven Wellness: Apps and Digital Health on the Rise

Digital health solutions are reshaping lifestyle habits. Popular tools in 2025 include:

Calorie and nutrition apps
Step trackers and sleep monitors
AI-powered fitness coaching
Telemedicine for mental and physical health
Smart home wellness devices

Saudi residents are using technology to stay consistent, monitor progress, and maintain accountability.

A Healthier, Stronger, and More Balanced Kingdom

The lifestyle transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is more than a trend—it’s a nationwide shift toward long-term health, wellness, and balanced living. With growing access to fitness centers, healthier dining options, mental health support, and wellness-focused travel, the Kingdom is quickly becoming one of the healthiest and most active societies in the region.

As Vision 2030 continues to reshape the country, the future of wellness in Saudi Arabia looks brighter than ever.