Attend some free yoga classes, try meditation and even chant your way to mindfulness…

Yoga has been around for centuries (originating from India thousands of years ago) and is attributed to connecting the mind and soul. In the fast-paced world that we live in these days, more and more people are turning to yoga and meditation to clear the mind – plus it’s a brilliant workout too.

While ‘International Yoga Day’ is officially on Friday June 21, there are loads of things on this week to mark the occasion.

Catch a free yoga class at Cove Beach

Friday June 21 marks the longest day of the year, so what better way to salute the sunset than with a free yoga session looking out across the blue waters and Dubai skyline? Fitness First are offering just that at the beautiful beach club Cove Beach. Just take your yoga mat, water bottle and towel. Don’t forget to register to attend.

Cove Beach, Caesar’s Palace, Bluewaters Island, Dubai, Friday June 21, 5.30pm to 7pm, free, registration required. Tel:(050) 454 6920. covebeach.com

Go to a mental health awareness event

Mental health is certainly a much discussed topic in 2019. To raise even more awareness, NRG Fitness are hosting a free event on Saturday June 22 about the importance of taking care of your mental health, in which guests can take part in a number of sessions with talks from mental health advocates and a meditation session. There’ll also be complimentary healthy snacks and smoothies.

NRG Fitness, Marina Walk, Emaar Retail, Dubai Marina, Saturday June 22, 10.30am to 1pm, free. Tel: (04) 431 8517. nrgfitness.me

Join a free community Vinyasa Flow class

There’s a new teacher at Voyoga, who will be getting to know the community by putting on a free vinyasa flow class on Friday June 21 from 12.30pm. Meet other like-minded people as you learn all of the core techniques.

Voyoga, i-Rise Tower, 31 st Executive Floor, Hessa St, Dubai, Friday June 21, from 12.30pm. Tel: (04) 553 8630. facebook.com/VoyogaUAE

Enjoy a free yoga session at the Shangri-La Hotel

Learn about and experience Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra with a free session on Friday June 21. The 90 minute class will run from 5.30pm and all you need to bring is yourself and a yoga mat. Book by hitting the ‘going’ button on Facebook, share on your page and tag a friend or two.

Lifestyle Yoga, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Friday June 21, 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Tel: (04) 343 8888. facebook.com/lifestyleyoga

Set a record by doing yoga with your family

If you’re looking for something fun and active to do with the little ones this weekend, then why not head to this special family yoga event on Friday June 21 (the brainchild of Charm Yoga Dubai and Kidzapp) and help to try to break a world record for the largest parent and child yoga gathering ever in the UAE? Taking place at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, over 500 people are expected to attend, and you can join them by registering your attendance through the Kidzapp mobile app or on their website.

Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Al Jaddaf, Dubai, 9.30am to midday, Friday June 21, free. kidzapp.com

Attend a yoga and well-being retreat for free

In this half-day session hosted by Covering Concepts design studio in Dubai Design District, you’ll get five sessions from some international yoga and well-being experts. They will teach you techniques to de-stress, cope with anxiety, celebrate life and create a positive workplace culture. 

Covering Concept Studio #107, Building 5, Dubai Design District, Thursday June 20, 9am to 2pm, free. facebook.com/coveringconceptsglobal

Chant away any negative energy

Bhajan is a type of devotional singing that originated in India around 500 years ago, and there is a free class on every month at Nilaya House. The idea is that by open singing, other distracting sounds will be overcome and you’ll then be able to achieve concentration. It’s run by Bhajan experts Sree and Sarita at yoga studio, Nilaya House.

Nilaya House, Warehouse 4 9 B St, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Thursday 20 June, 8pm to 9pm, free to attend. Tel: (050) 230 1363. nilayahouse.com

See a special demonstration to attain physical and mental well being

JSS International School are inviting you to participate in their International Yoga Day celebration on Thursday June 20 from 7pm to 8pm, which will include an artistic performance and special demonstration from their yoga team. You’ll need to register for your tickets.

JSS International School, Jumeirah Village South, Dubai, Thursday June 20, 7pm to 8pm. facebook.com

Balance your chakras at Anantara Abu Dhabi

Feel completely relaxed at this 90-minute session held at the idyllic Anantara resort in Abu Dhabi. It’ll take place on Sunday 23 June, and you’ll experience a chakra balancing Vinyasa yoga flow session that focuses on breathing exercises and meditation to find a state of calm. After, enjoy a nutrient-packed smoothie.

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, Anantara Resorts & Spa’s, Abu Dhabi, Sunday June 23, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 652 1000. anantara.com

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Images: Supplied / Facebook