It’s 9pm, you pick up your phone “just for a minute,” and suddenly it’s midnight and you can’t remember a single thing you saw. Sound familiar? Swapping the scroll for something hands-on is one of the easiest ways to feel more present, and Singapore has plenty of ways to do it. Here are five creative activities to try, all of which you can find on Pastime.

1. Pottery There’s something deeply calming about shaping clay with your hands. Your phone is out of reach (clay-covered fingers make sure of that), and you leave with a handmade mug, bowl or plate. Whether you want to try the wheel or hand-building, a beginner class is a gentle way to start. Book a session on Pastime and take home something you actually made.

2. Painting You don’t need to be “good at art” to enjoy a painting class. Guided sessions walk you through everything step by step, so you can focus on colour, brushstrokes and switching off. It’s a great solo activity or a relaxed evening with friends, and you end up with something to hang on your wall instead of a screen-time report.

3. Perfume Studio Create your own signature scent by blending fragrance notes in a hands-on workshop. It’s part science, part creativity, and a lot of fun to see what combinations you come up with. You leave with a bottle that’s uniquely yours, and it makes a thoughtful gift too. Find perfume-making workshops on Pastime and book a slot that suits your schedule.

4. Tufting Tufting has taken off in Singapore, and it’s easy to see why. You use a tufting gun to punch yarn into fabric, building up a rug, coaster or wall hanging in bold colours and textures. It’s satisfying, a little addictive, and the end result looks far more impressive than you’d expect from a first try.

5. Candle Making Pour, scent and set your own candle in a relaxed workshop. Pick your fragrances, choose your vessel and customise it however you like. It’s a cosy, low-pressure way to spend an evening, and the finished candle is a nice reminder of a night well spent.

Put the Phone Down, Pick Something Up You don’t need a big block of free time or any prior experience. A single evening or weekend afternoon is enough to try something new and come away with something real. Browse creative classes on Pastime, find one that catches your eye, and book your next session. Your screen time (and your mood) will thank you.