6 small changes I’m making for a more analog home
Playing my favourite song, cooking a new recipe, jotting down a quick thought – I don’t even know when all these things started meaning reaching for a phone. Yet somehow, nearly every activity at home requires now requires being online at some point.
Ironically, I keep wondering how come my screen time is sky-high. And where that constant sense of low-level anxiety in the back of my mind is coming from.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the moment I reduce the presence of digital devices in my home, I start actually being more present and connected to my day-to-day life (shocker, I know).
So wherever possible, I’m now making small, intentional changes to create a more analog home. Here are six simple switches that have helped me reduce screen time and reconnect with offline habits:
1. CDs and radio instead of streaming music
Don’t get me wrong: I love Spotify just as much as the next gal. But having an infinite library of music in my pocket at all times is equally fantastic and overwhelming.
Instead, I’ve started playing the radio and rediscovering my old CD collection. Am I tempted to get a fancy record player? Absolutely! But you really don’t need to spend much money to enjoy music offline. Dig out your old kitchen radio or CD collection, or browse flea markets for hidden gems.
Listening this way feels more intentional and I finally enjoy full albums again instead of algorithm-based playlists.
2. Magazines instead of scrolling for light entertainment
My absolute prime time for doomscrolling is right after work, when my brain feels completely fried. All I want is easy entertainment without too much effort, so picking up a book is not really an option.
For those moments I keep magazines and coffee table books around the living room. They give me the same light stimulation as scrolling, but in a calmer, more mindful way. Plus, they look pretty on my coffee table.
3. Cookbooks instead of recipe apps
Rather than propping up my phone while cooking, I’ve started using cook books again. You can also print online recipes or even start handwriting your favourites.
One of my favorite analog habits is discovering new cookbooks at the local library and making photocopies of interesting recipes. It’s low budget and keeps my kitchen scree-free.
4. Pen and paper instead of the Notes app
I’ve always loved stationery, but somehow I fell into the habit of jotting quick thoughts in my Notes app – never to be remembered again.
Now, I keep notepads and sticky notes around the house. This way, I also actually remember my thoughts because I physically come across the notepad again.
5. Sudoku instead of content consumption
Sudoku and crossword puzzles have become one of my favorite ways to fill idle moments. While commuting, eating dinner or starting the day slowly, they keep me entertained and force my mind to slow down. Once again, no need to spend money: There’s lots of free options online that you can just print out.
6. Keeping my phone in a drawer instead of my pocket
Whenever I’m at home, I try to keep my phone in a drawer – out of sight truly is out of mind. This small boundary has made me realize how often I used to reach for my phone without thinking. Making it less accessible helps me feel less “always on” and more present in my own space.
So much of our life is digital and in my opinion, that’s not inherently a bad thing. But intentionally creating small offline moments helps me slow down, reduce digital overwhelm, and reconnect with the simple rhythms of being at home.
