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In today’s fast-paced world, where our lives revolve around screens for both work and socialising, intentionally setting aside offline time is essential for true self-care.
Replying to a few WhatsApps, checking Instagram Stories and a little scrolling on Ounass and before you know it, an hour has disappeared with nothing to show for it.
The answer? Take a little time out to put your phone down. Not in a dramatic: “I am on a digital detox and deleting all my apps” kind of way, but in a carving out intentional screen-free time to reset, recharge and clear your mind.
Here is GRAZIA’s edit of the art of being offline.
Wander Through A Gallery
A calming way to take a slower pace is to soak in some art at a gallery. Instead of swiping from image to image as we do on social media, you can spend an afternoon moving quietly, focusing on pieces that catch your eye.
Start with destinations like Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue or Jameel Arts Centre. In Abu Dhabi, try The Louvre or Artbooth Gallery UAE.
Book a fragrance experience
Putting on our perfume is a daily ritual and expanding on it with a sensory experience is a good way to put the phone down for an hour or so. At Dubai’s Oo La Lab, you can book private workshops where you will learn about how fragrances are made and make your own bespoke eau de parfum guided by a fragrance mixologist. The result is a custom scent bottled and labelled just for you.
Book here.
Browse an independent book shop
Reading has become romanticised in a time when attention seems to last only seconds as we watch TikTok after TikTok, and if you want an unhurried afternoon, a trip to an independent bookshop will have you reconnecting with an analogue life.
Visit Book Hero in Oasis Mall, Dubai, Kinokuniya in Downtown Dubai, House of Prose in Times Square Centre.
Take a coffee making class
Upgrade your morning ritual by learning to make the perfect cup of coffee instead of ordering one to your door. At Al Quoz’s RAW Coffee Company roastery, you can take part in a guided cupping session. During the 2-hour workshop, you will learn all about flavour notes, aromas and origins.
Book here.
Cook a meal from scratch
Tonight, instead of ordering from Deliveroo, why not take time to nourish yourself? Reach for that recipe book that’s been collecting dust, or even ask your mum to send you a how-to so that you can try and recreate a home comfort meal from your childhood. From picking up the groceries to cooking and eating, this is a way to really reset and disconnect from your feed.
Learn calligraphy
Booking a calligraphy lesson is a way to disconnect from your thoughts and focus on something new. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts Arabic calligraphy classes every Saturday, where you’ll be introduced to the art form and leave with a keepsake of your name written in elegant Arabic script.
Book here.
Style a shelf
Short on time but want to do something for you between Zoom calls and work emails? The easiest way is to tidy up that shelf you look at every day. Take your time to flip through books and magazines as you thoughtfully place them alongside candles and frame pictures that put a smile on your face. Or, layout your perfume and beauty picks in your bathroom in a way that brings you joy. A small task that will clear your mind without having to leave the house.
