As the clock strikes midnight and the year 2026 rolls around, people around the world have made a resolution to spend less time on their phones and more time cultivating offline connections, from joining a new club to taking up a hobby. This means less screen time and more face time.
The idea of ”going analog” and intentionally reducing dependence on digital devices forces people to slow down, learn new fields, acquire new skills, and rediscover their creativity.
Lifestyle changes started trending online in the new year, with TikTok users detailing some of the ways they plan to “go analog”, such as @notshaughnessy, who got a landline and stopped streaming.
Another user, @siececampbell, recommended tracking your screen time and creating an “analogue bag” with things you can grab instead of your phone, like magazines, sketchbooks, and journals. #analog on TikTok currently has over 245,000 posts.
Read this article to learn about the different habits and hobbies people pick up to “go analog.”
“Junk Journaling” or Scrapbooking
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One of the best ways to go offline is to literally go back to basics. This is where “junk journaling” and scrapbooking come into play.
Savvy crafters and scrapbookers use everyday items that would normally end up in the trash, such as receipts, fabric scraps, and packaging materials, to create junk journals.
One of the key themes of “going analog” is finding ways to use your hands instead of constantly reaching for your phone. A great way to do this is to sift through materials such as magazines and paper, cut and paste them, and write down your thoughts for the day.
Junk journaling is an easy and creative way to document and store memories and moments in a physical book while staying offline.
learn new crafts
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Taking up fiber art, like crocheting, needle knitting, knitting, or sewing, is also a great way to keep yourself busy.
Creators are turning to hashtags like #WIPWensdays to share their work in progress and find inspiration from other people’s projects.
In addition to fiber arts (mainly works made from natural or synthetic fibers such as threads, threads, and fabrics), painting, drawing, and pottery can also stimulate creativity and help you invest your time and effort. This is the perfect outlet when trying to cut down on screen time.
Find different ways to communicate
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Locking up your cell phone can be difficult when it has become our primary source of communication, from phone calls to text messages to social media.
If your goal is to spend less time on your phone while staying connected, it’s great to rethink what that looks like.
Rather than posting your vacation on social media or texting your loved ones while you’re traveling, sending a letter or postcard is a meaningful way to let people know you’re thinking of them while you’re traveling.
Some people also install landlines instead of relying on mobile phones. This is a way to ensure you can stay in touch without having to keep your phone within reach when you’re at home.
Set usage time limits
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If you want to limit your screen time, a good place to start is by setting parameters on your social media apps to limit unnecessary scrolling.
Some devices can help with this. Brick is a tool that locks access to certain apps (like social media, games, and other distractions) until you physically return to the brick and “unbrick” it.
Most phones now also have settings to limit scrolling, allowing users to decide exactly how much time they’re willing to spend moving from app to app.
Focus on physical media
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The definition of “analogization” differs from person to person. For some, it’s a complete retreat from digital media and electronics, and for others, it’s rethinking the way they consume media.
Instead of reaching for their phones for music streaming services, people are listening to records and CDs, and they feel like they need to be more intentional.
People are choosing to pop in a physical DVD rather than scrolling through Netflix or one of the many movie streaming platforms. Regardless of the format, however, it’s important to avoid “second screening,” or scrolling on a secondary device while watching primary content, such as a TV show or movie.
Instead of purchasing physical media, you can also rent DVDs and vinyl from your local library. This allows people to be more conscious about usage and only bring out what they want to use.
While you’re at the library, it doesn’t hurt to read some physical books. Instead of endless scrolling for an hour every night, try reading for an hour or even just 10 pages.
learn to cook
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There’s no better way to make analog work happen than by getting your hands on it.
It’s the perfect time to pull out your recipe books and make something from scratch, whether it’s sourdough bread, fresh butter, or just a nice home-cooked dinner. Once you’re done cooking, try eating in a screen-free environment, or even better, next to your loved one.
Cooking and baking are relaxing ways to unwind, try something new, and reap the sweet and savory benefits that come with the digital world.
