As one of the busiest commercial hubs in the world, there is no denying the fact that Dubai has a hectic, fast-paced lifestyle. This is something you can personally observe and experience when you work or run a business here.
With a busy, fast-paced way of living, you need to make it a weekly habit to take some time to rest and unwind. Doing so can help you re-energise, become better prepared, and become more focused on your work and other activities for the following week.
Best Ways to De-Stress and Relax in Dubai
If you are looking for the best activities in Dubai that allow you to unwind and de-stress, pick one or two from the list below:
1. Go on a dhow ride.
A relaxing boat ride offers plenty of health benefits, particularly mental wellness. These include giving your brain some much-needed rest and relaxation which, in turn, can boost your focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
A relaxing boat ride can also help you practise meditative thinking and introspection, which will also do wonders for your mental health.
Going on a dhow ride is one of the most popular forms of recreation and entertainment in Dubai. With the calm, clear waters of the Dubai Creek and the slow rocking sensation you will feel aboard the vessel, you won’t have any difficulties relaxing and forgetting about your worries.
When you book a sunset cruise, the stunning sunset views won’t fail to ease your stress and anxieties as well. Also, you will enjoy a delicious meal aboard the dhow.
2. Pamper yourself with spa treatments.
Visiting your favourite spa or trying out a new one is a great way to reward yourself after a particularly exhausting week.
Fortunately, there are many spas in Dubai offering various treatments that you can indulge in during the weekend or whenever you feel like getting them.
Getting a massage will help you de-stress and calm your mind. It can also relieve any pain you may be feeling from all the work and activities you have been doing.
Getting other spa treatments, such as facials, body wraps and polishes, and nail treatments also allows you to relax during the procedure and feel and look better afterwards.
You can get these regular treatments in Dubai. If you’re looking for something unique and luxurious, consider getting a diamond- or mineral gold-infused facial or salt crystal detox body wrap, which you can also find here.
3. Join yoga classes.
Various studies show that yoga is one of the best activities for easing stress and promoting relaxation. It does so by lowering your body’s secretion of cortisol, the main stress hormone.
Also, yoga can give you relief from anxiety and depression through the combination of exercise, meditation, and relaxation.
Doing yoga regularly can also help improve your mood. It does so by boosting your body’s production of GABA, neurotransmitters in your brain responsible for the way you feel.
Additionally, yoga boosts your confidence and mood since you can release your negative emotions and replace them with positive ones.
Lastly, since you have to focus throughout the activity to do all the positions, you can also enhance your concentration and memory whenever you practice yoga.
Dubai has several yoga studios, which means you can find one that you can easily go to and a schedule that you can work with.
4. Relax at the beach.
The crystal-clear waters and soft powdery sands amidst the sparkling desert of Dubai are excellent places for you to rest and unwind.
The repetitive sound of slow crashing waves on the shore can help you relax and soothe your worries away.
Additionally, the colour of the sea is calming to the eyes, which will also soothe your mind. Hues of blue bring to mind feelings of serenity, producing relaxing responses in the brain.
The best beaches in Dubai to unwind are 4×4 Beach, Cove Beach, and Madinat Jumeirah.
5. Watch IMAGINE.
Watching a multisensory laser, light, and water show, which is also the biggest water screen projection in the world, can delight your senses and allow you to forget your worries.
IMAGINE is a dancing fountain show retelling different moving stories, including traditional Arabic tales, with the use of state-of-the-art light and sound effects and pyrotechnics.
The surround-sound system, 30 dancing water fountains, coloured lights, laser display, and pyrotechnics combine to give you an immersive experience that will delight all the senses.
You can watch IMAGINE at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall’s dining and outdoor entertainment area. While immersing yourself in the magnificent spectacle, you can indulge in amazing eats and beverages, allowing you to feel happier.
6. See a movie.
Watching a movie allows you to escape reality, thereby helping you unwind, de-stress, and forget your worries.
The comfy seat, cool temperature, and delicious movie snacks and beverages won’t fail to uplift your mood as well.
Watching the latest Hollywood or Bollywood films at one of Dubai’s movie theatres will allow you to experience all these.
However, if you want a luxurious movie-watching experience, head to one of Dubai’s high-end theatres: Novo Cinemas.
Novo Cinemas has 18 different theatres, including the emirate’s only IMAX screen and MX4D theatre.
If you are looking for an ultra-deluxe experience, watch a film from a private VIP lounge. These rooms feature plush reclining leather seats, pillows, and a gourmet dining menu, which a waitstaff will serve you.
Booking a spot at the private VIP lounge allows you to enjoy an opulent and relaxing film viewing experience.
7. Indulge in great eats.
Rewarding yourself with your favourite comfort food and beverages and trying out new cuisines and dining experiences are also great ways to unwind and de-stress.
With Dubai’s diverse food scene, you will have plenty of opportunities and options as you eat your way around the city to alleviate your worries.
If you are craving comfort food, you won’t be disappointed by the variety of American restaurants in the city offering cheeseburgers, fried chicken, barbecue, and pizza.
You also won’t have any difficulties finding great restaurants serving Arabic, Italian, French, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and other cuisines if you want to try something new and expand your palates.
If you are serious about improving your mental health, focus on giving yourself a break and de-stress and unwind every week. You can achieve this goal by doing the activities on this list.
