16 Habits for an Analog Life
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Learn to Log Off and Start to Really Live
In today’s world of constant notifications, endless scrolling, and digital hysteria, many of us are craving something slower, quieter, more meaningful and well, something real. That’s where the idea of living an analog life comes in.
What Does Analog Really Mean?
Analog is kind of a tricky word to define, but a simple definition and the way that I’m referring to it here is, the use of a non-internet dependent technology such as a radio or DVD player or in a lot of cases, no modern tech at all, like writing a letter or playing the piano. This may not be the traditional definition, but like language does, a shift is happening to expand it’s definition to better suit the term to our modern lives.
Living analog is about stepping away from the fast-paced, screen-filled modern world and reconnecting with the tangible joys of real life—like writing by hand, cooking from scratch, and spending time outdoors. It’s about doing more with your own two hands and with real people instead of constantly scrolling or consuming online media.
Do I Have to Give up My Phone?
Living an analog life doesn’t mean you have to toss your phone in the trash or move off-grid. It’s simply about being more intentional with how you spend your time and attention. By choosing slower, more hands-on activities, you give yourself space to breathe, think, and create.
You begin to notice the beauty in small moments again—like the sound of pages turning in a book, the rhythm of kneading bread, or the satisfaction of finishing a project with your own two hands.
Many of us grew up in an age before screens took over everything, and there’s something comforting about returning to that way of living. When we choose to live at a slower pace and do more with our own two hands, we rediscover the value of patience, presence, and real-world connection.
It helps us to feel grounded and more content with what we already have, instead of always chasing the next thing online with it’s endless scrolling capabilities.
Are You Ready to Dive into Analog Living?
If you’re ready to slow down, simplify, and live more intentionally, there are plenty of ways to start bringing analog habits back into your daily routine. From journaling and gardening to unplugged evenings and handmade crafting, these small habit changes can help you find more peace and purpose in your everyday life, something that us moderns desperately need.
So, if you’re looking for practical habits to live a more hands-on, screen-free life, then enjoy the list that I’ve put together below. Just read through it and pick a few that you want to start implementing into your life. You don’t have to do them all and you don’t have to give up on screens, just try to strike a balance between real tangible habits and digital ones.
16 Habits for an Analog Life:
Write Paper Lists
There’s something deeply satisfying about writing a list by hand. Whether it’s your daily to-do list, a grocery plan, or simple goals for the week, putting pen to paper helps you slow down and think clearly. Unlike a phone app, a handwritten list keeps you focused without digital distractions—and crossing off completed tasks feels genuinely rewarding.
Pen a Letter to a Friend
Sending a handwritten letter is a beautiful act of thoughtfulness in our fast-paced world. It takes time, care, and intention—something that can’t be replicated by a quick text or email. Writing a letter connects you to others in a meaningful way and reminds both writer and reader of the joy found in simple human connection.
Journal Your Thoughts
Journaling offers a quiet space to reflect, dream, and process your day. It’s a grounding practice that encourages gratitude and mindfulness while helping you step away from the constant noise of the digital world. Over time, it becomes a written record of your growth, memories, and moments of clarity.
Bonus Tip: Walking has the same effect, so if you don’t feel like writing, but need to process, go for a stroll instead.
Read Paper Books
Nothing compares to the feel of a real book in your hands—the weight, the scent of paper, and the sound of pages turning. Reading a physical book allows you to slow down and escape into a story without the distractions of notifications or screens. It’s a simple pleasure that feeds the mind and calms the spirit.
Read Real Magazines
Sitting down with a favorite magazine invites you to savor inspiration in a relaxed, unhurried way. Whether you’re flipping through recipes, home ideas, or stories of simple living, printed pages allow you to be fully present and enjoy the experience without the pull of endless scrolling.
Watch DVDs
Watching a DVD brings a touch of nostalgia and intention back to family movie night. Instead of browsing aimlessly through streaming options, you choose what you want to watch, press play, and enjoy the moment. It turns watching a movie into an experience—something shared and appreciated, not just background noise, plus no streaming fees.
Draw or Paint
Picking up a pencil, brush, or paint set lets you tap into your creativity without worrying about perfection. Creating something with your own two hands is relaxing, freeing, and deeply fulfilling. It’s a wonderful way to unwind, reduce stress, and express yourself in a tangible, screen-free way.
Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch connects you to your food and the people you share it with. It encourages mindfulness, creativity, and resourcefulness while filling your home with warmth and comforting aromas. From kneading bread to simmering soup, every step reminds you of the joy of nourishing both body and soul.
Additional Resources:
Play a Board Game
Gathering around a table for a board game is a timeless way to laugh, connect, and make memories. It brings people together for genuine interaction—no screens, no scrolling, just good old-fashioned fun. These moments remind us that the best entertainment often comes from simple things shared with loved ones.
Favorite Family Board Games:
Do a Puzzle
Puzzles are a wonderful blend of challenge and calm. They encourage patience, focus, and problem-solving while giving your mind a peaceful, creative workout. Working piece by piece until the picture comes together is both satisfying and soothing—a gentle reminder that slow progress leads to beautiful results. It also satisfies that creative itch that can’t be squelched by scrolling.
Knit, Crochet or Embroider
Handcrafting with yarn or thread invites you to slow down and create something beautiful and lasting. Whether you’re knitting a cozy scarf or stitching a piece of embroidery, these traditional crafts offer a sense of calm and accomplishment. They connect us to generations before who found joy in making things by hand.
Grow a Garden
Gardening is one of the most rewarding analog activities there is. It teaches patience, care, and the rhythm of the seasons. From planting seeds to harvesting your own food or flowers, the process grounds you in nature and fills your life with purpose, beauty, and fresh air.
Additional Resources:
Use an Alarm Clock
Swapping your phone for a simple alarm clock helps you start your day with intention. You can wake up gently without being pulled into messages and notifications first thing in the morning. It’s a small change that sets a peaceful tone for the rest of your day.
Play Records or CDs
Listening to physical music—whether it’s a record spinning on a turntable or a favorite CD—adds richness to the experience. You slow down to select what you want to hear and truly listen, rather than skipping endlessly through songs. It brings back the joy of savoring music as an art form.
Print Your Photos
In the digital age, it’s easy to snap pictures and forget about them. Printing your photos turns memories into something you can hold, frame, and treasure. Whether displayed on your walls or tucked into albums, printed photos help you pause and appreciate the moments that matter most.
Use Cash
Paying with cash makes spending more mindful. It’s a simple way to stay connected to your budget and truly feel the value of what you’re buying. Using real money helps you slow down, think twice before you purchase, and appreciate the satisfaction of living within your means.
Bringing it All Together with Intention
Living an analog life isn’t about rejecting technology altogether—it’s about finding balance and rediscovering the joy of doing things with our own two hands. When we choose slower, more intentional habits, we make space for creativity, connection, and contentment to grow.
You don’t have to change everything overnight—just start with one or two simple swaps that speak to you. Maybe it’s journaling before bed, writing a letter to a friend, or cooking a meal from scratch. Over time, these small, mindful moments add up, helping you create a life that feels richer, calmer, and more in tune with what really matters.
Note from the writer:
You might find it a little funny that I used modern technology to help write this piece about living an analog life. But to me, that’s the beauty of balance. I believe it’s not about rejecting every modern tool—it’s about using them with purpose. If technology can help me share ideas that encourage others to slow down, create with their hands, and live more intentionally, then I think that’s a good use of it. The goal isn’t perfection, but balance and mindfulness. Even in a digital world, we can still choose to live simply, thoughtfully, and with heart.
