Any resemblance to reality is purely a coincidence…
Today I feel inspired.
And guess what?
Dubai is the place to feel inspired again.
Why? Because it’s summer, darling.
And if you’ve ever spent a summer in Dubai, you already know:
This is not a season—it’s a mood. A heatwave. A reset.
A surreal state of sweaty silence and self-reflection.
Technically, we call it: hibernation season.
Yep, it’s 50 degrees, your sandals have melted by the lift, and if you’re outside longer than four minutes, you risk spontaneous combustion.
So, there’s only one way forward:
You hibernate.
And I love that.
Because when I moved to Dubai two years ago, someone said to me:
“What Canadians do in winter, we do here in summer.”
And it stuck. It made sense.
Summer is when we go inwards.
It’s when we declutter.
Detox.
Disconnect.
And then—slowly—we rebuild.
So here we are.
Me. You. And Dubai in May, June & July.
Living life at 22°C (indoors, obviously), sipping iced herbal teas, watching the world spin from our AC cocoons.
Let’s call this your hibernation guide for Dubai summer 2025, shall we?
Because over here on CookYourLife, we don’t just survive the heat—we turn it into an art form.
1. Declutter Your Wardrobe
If it doesn’t spark joy, it’s out.
If it’s polyester? Also out.
Let your wardrobe match your energy: light, effortless, and 100% “I’m staying home but I still look good.”
Minimalist is not a trend, darling. It’s a survival tactic.
2. Start That Thing You Keep Postponing
That course. That idea. That creative itch you’ve been ignoring.
Maybe it’s photography (say hello if you need help with your visuals or branding—I’m here for it).
Whatever it is, start it.
Summer is the perfect pressure-free playground.
3. Meditate (Or Just Lie Down and Pretend)
Ten minutes a day. That’s all.
I love the Calm app. Headspace too.
And TBM (To Be Magnetic) if you want something deeper.
But even lying still and staring at the ceiling counts—let your thoughts play without editing them.
4. Learn to Play Chess (Or Just Challenge Your Mind)
Someone sweet entered my life months ago and… let’s just say I’ve been trying to learn chess.
Spoiler alert: I’m awful at it.
But it’s a metaphor, right?
Patience. Listening. Being present.
Also… it’s stressful. But that’s the point. Growth rarely feels chill.
5. Stretch at Home Like Nobody’s Watching
You don’t need a yoga mat, just some good music and a body that wants to move.
Stretch, dance, shake off the stuck bits.
Let the day melt off your skin.
This is movement as medicine.
6. Romanticise Your Future Plans
I’m already dreaming about winter.
Collabs. Travels. Creative projects. Hosting.
Dubai becomes alive again after the heat—so let’s get ready.
Write your dream list.
And if you know places I must visit when I’m back in July, DM me now—I’m making a list.
7. Reset Your Goals (Not Just Your Calendar)
No pressure. Just curiosity.
What do you want more of? Less of?
Let your goals be playful. Honest.
Forget the five-year plan—what’s your next gentle step?
8. Explore Culinary Therapy
I’m talking coconut lattes in Al Quoz, vegan ramen in Business Bay, or the spiciest shakshuka in Satwa.
Dubai’s food scene is popping—even in summer. Especially in summer.
Perfect content for your Instagram (or your food diary if you’re that type).
Nourish slowly.
9. Master the Art of Staying In
Watch that film.
Re-read that book.
Bake banana bread again—no one’s judging.
Light candles at 2PM just because.
Turn your flat into your personal sanctuary.
(And if you’re simply vibing in your house-mouse era—I see you.)
10. Be Quiet With Yourself
The most intimate practice of all.
No phone. No music. No stimulation.
Just five minutes a day of complete silence.
No performance. Just presence.
It’s confronting.
It’s beautiful.
It’s you.
So yes, it’s hot.
Yes, it’s intense.
But maybe, just maybe, this is the summer you finally come home to yourself.
Until July, Dubai.
You weird, beautiful, boiling muse.
That’s my Dubai. My slow Dubai.
With love and the AC on full blast,
Mel x
