National Unplugging Day first started in 2009 in the United States, when there was little research into the impacts of smartphone and technology on our mental health. Now the day - held on the 3rd of March 2022 - has grown into a larger movement, with world-wide events being held in an effort to help people take stock of their relationship with their tech. The day encourages everyone to take 24 hours away from their various screens, including phones, laptops, tablets and more.
In the decade plus since the first National Unplugging Day, our relationship with technology has shifted even more. The pandemic especially has significantly shifted our relationship with technology, with lockdowns forcing us to take our work-life home, connect with people online rather than face-to-face (Zoom fatigue anyone?), and as a result our screen times have soared.
It's become more important than ever to take time away from our screens and re-connect with ourselves and our loved ones, and here at Obby we've rounded up our top 10 picks of screen-free experiences to help you keep your National Unplugging Day, well, unplugged!
Check out what you can learn on Obby
Our Top 10 London Classes for National Unplugging Day 2022 are:
- Candle Making with Yougi
- Life Drawing with MasterPeace
- Terrarium Masterclass with The Botanical Boys
- Pottery Workshop with The Slightly Curious Studio
- Screen Printing with Helen Rawlinson
- Sushi Making Class with London Cookery School
- Leather Working with YUSSICO
- Design Your Own Silver Ring with The Ringsmiths
- Paint in an Artist's Studio with Georgie Mason
- Modern Calligraphy For Beginners with London Calligraphy
Candle Making with Yougi
Location: Deptford, London | Price: £45pp | Length: 1hr 15min
This class from candle-makers Yougi, led by their founder Emily Lynam, is perfect if you're looking to engage your senses! Emily is a self-confessed candle fanatic, with Yougi being inspired by her trip to India, with an aim of bringing the beauty of fragrance and ritual to every moment at home; perfect if you're looking to unwind and relax away from a screen.
In her workshop you'll learn all the key aspects of candle-making: from creating a natural fragrance, to blending your choice of essential oils with the soy-wax, setting up your wick, and pouring your candle ready to take home. All the materials in Emily's workshop are vegan, cruelty-free, ethically sourced and 100% natural, with everything you need included in the workshop price.
Book Now on ObbyLife Drawing with MasterPeace
Location: Belgravia, London | Price: £28pp | Length: 1hr 30min
If you're looking to incorporate some mindfulness and creativity into your screen-free time, then this coached life drawing from MasterPeace is a great way to combine them. The Belgravia-based studio practice mindfulness, focusing on the power of creativity to help people relax and unwind.
Run by talented artist and instructor Harriet Gillett, she'll introdue you to new techniques and aspects of life drawing. She will also offer a range of dry materials for you to experiment with such as pastels, charcoal, crayons and pencils, so you can make each sketch your own with whatever you choose and refine your personal practice.
Book Now on ObbyTerrarium Masterclass with The Botanical Boys
Location: Kings Cross, London | Price: from £68pp | Length: 2hrs
If you're replace your screen with something more natural, why not spend 2022's National Unplugging Day making a terrarium with the Botanical Boys? In case you don't know what a terrarium is, it's "a miniature environment of living plants that thrive off moisture"; or in other words the perfect low-maintenance mini garden!
In this masterclass, your tutor will teach you the history of terrariums, layering and planting techniques, how to arrange a range of colourful plants and hard landscape materials and objects, watering techniques and how to position your garden at home. You'll also receive an aftercare guide, to make sure your terrarium stays healthy for a long time to come.
Book Now on ObbyPottery Workshop with The Slightly Curious Studio
Location: Alperton, London | Price: from £60pp | Length: 3hrs
Get hands on and prepared to get messy with this relaxed crash course in pottery from the The Slightly Curious Studio! At the end of your 3 hour experience, you'll have learn a variety of hand-building techniques (such as pinching, coiling, and slabbing) along with wheel-throwing skills.
The Slightly Curious Studio encourage everyone to play and experiment as much as they want, and if you have any creations that capture a place in your heart you have the option to glaze them for £5; a tactile reminder of your time in the studio, something that can't be gained from endlessly scrolling on your phone!
Book Now on ObbyScreen Printing with Helen Rawlinson
Location: Stoke Newington, London | Price: from £65pp | Length: 2hrs 30mins
Despite the name, we promise this class involves no phone/laptop/tablet screens! In this class by Helen Rawlinson, you'll learn in a small group how to screen print with paper stencils and ink; pulling ink through an open screen to create your own unique design.
Helen will walk you through the process from start to finish, from creating your own paper stencil, to printing onto either a tea-towel or tote bag - your choice! There will also be plenty of time to experiment in the class, with different coloured water-based inks - so you can tap into your creativity fully and walk away happy with your final piece.
Book Now on ObbySushi Making Class with London Cookery School
Location: Islington, London | Price: from £65pp | Length: 3hrs
Replace scrolling with rolling on National Unplugging Day with this Sushi Making Class from London Cookery School! With this class, you will learn from chef Will how to make a selection of different types of sushi roll, including Nigiri, the basic Hosomaki, the cone shaped Temaki, a variety of Ura-Makis, and even Temari Sushi (colourful ball shaped sushi canapes originating from Kyoto!).
With glowing reviews, this class has proved popular with lots of Obby students, as you cover all the hand and rolling techniques that are used in the advanced fancy sushi you see in restaurants. And the best part? You'll get to leave with a yummy platter of sushi to enjoy!
Book Now on ObbyLeather Working with YUSSICO
Location: Deptford, London | Price: £89pp | Length: 3hrs
Step into a peaceful studio and learn one of the oldest crafts known to mankind with this leather-making workshop from YUSSICO! Once a lawyer, Yusuf Osman decided on a change of pace and left his high-paced job to pursue his dream of becoming a professional craftsman; making this class perfect if you're looking for a creative escape from the stresses of modern life on National Unplugging Day.
In the workshop, you'll craft your own professionally finished leather goods using premium leather, tools and techniques. You will leave with leather goods made by you and personalised with your initials or a message, you can choose from a range of items to make including a leather purse or cardholder, a leather valet tray, a leather bracelet or cuff, a leather lanyard or keychain, or a leather keyholder.
Book Now on ObbyDesign Your Own Silver Ring with The Ringsmiths
Location: London Bridge, London | Price: £85pp | Length: 2hrs
There's a good chance if you're a serial scroller, you've seen this class all over Tiktok and Instagram! The Ringsmiths, made up of best friends and jewellers Ros Millar and Milena Kovanovic, have gone viral several times on social media with their ring-making workshops; where you can create your own unique wax carving design in their beautiful London Bridge spaces.
Despite being all over your feeds, if you're looking to switch off whilst you create then this hands-on class is perfect. The Ringsmiths team will teach you all the basic tips and tricks on how to design a comfortable ring, and you'll get stuck in designing your ring and carving out your wax. Once you’re happy with your finished carving, Ros and Milena will show you how to complete the ring and prepare it for casting; with your ring ready for collection or to be posted out to you within 3 weeks!
Book Now on ObbyPaint in an Artist's Studio with Georgie Mason
Location: Stepney Farm, London | Price: from £59pp | Length: 2hrs
With a focus on mindfulness and re-connecting with your creativity (which has been proven to decrease anxiety and boost mood), artist Georgie Mason's painting class is a great activity to do if you're looking to step away from your phone on National Unplugging Day. This class is open to anyone 16+, with individuals, couples, friends, family, all invited along regardless of experience.
After a quick introduction and tour of the farm to get you feeling inspired, Georgie will walk you through the process of building texture, colour mixing, mark-making and learning how to construct a good composition. She will guide you through the process of creating your personal artwork, with teaching tips and tricks along the way.
Book Now on ObbyModern Calligraphy For Beginners with London Calligraphy
Location: Various Places in London | Price: £75pp | Length: 2hrs
This calligraphy class from Katie, founder of London Calligraphy (who have worked with some of the worlds most exclusive brands including Chanel, Royal Ascot, Vogue and Buckingham Palace), is perfect if you're looking for a way to disconnect from your modern tech and get back to a tactile skill: writing.
In this class, you'll have 2 hours of calligraphy instruction where you'll learn essential techniques needed to get stuck in - such as how to use a dip pen and ink - before practicing the basic strokes and the alphabet, then moving onto developing your own style. Along with this tutoring, you'll also receive your own personalised modern calligraphy kit to take home, including a penholder and nib, ink, paper and other stationery treats! Allowing you to continue your screen-free activity at home.
Book Now on ObbyNeed more advice?
Hopefully, these ideas on how to find a new screen-free hobby for National Day of Unplugging (and beyond!) have helped. If you're still looking for something to do that's tech-free, be sure to take a read of some of our other amazing guides and best round-ups below. We're sure you'll find something useful, oh - and don't forget to share the love.