living a more analog life
On the heels of my post yesterday about The Offline Club’s upcoming digital detox challenge this weekend, as well as my earlier post before the holidays about curating your own analog basket, I wanted to share some changes I’ve made to thoughtfully and intentionally detach from my tech tools and live a more analog life.
1.) Create more than you consume. This could be interpreted in a multitude of ways, but for me it is twofold: We are living in a time where we are witnesses to an unprecedented number of other people’s lives online on a daily basis, while being passive actors in our own. Instead of watching others, let us create a life we want, instead of being an audience member to a stranger’s. I promise you, you will never look back on your life and say, “I wish I scrolled more.” Secondly, passive scrolling is inhibiting our ability to work on our own creativity muscle. The next time we feel inclined to pick up our phone to scroll, be in out of boredom, habit, or escapism, perhaps we might think of ways we could use that time to be creative or more tactile offline. This might look like crafting with our kids, painting, journalling, creating a scrapbook, swapping texting for writing a letter, using a paper calendar instead of on online one, using an analog camera instead of the one on your phone, curating a photo album for your coffee table, or choosing a board game over a phone game. Couple the latter with some snacks and a few good friends and you’re also building community while staying social.
2.) Embrace boredom, silence, and stillness. We are used to constant stimulation which is rewiring our brain to identify offline tasks as ‘boring’. Instead, reframe these tasks as invitations to slow down, become more mindful, and unlearn the need for instant gratification. This will also help you avoid second screen time (watching a movie while also on your phone - this is still a bad habit of mine, but one I am consciously learning to unlearn!) and rewire your brain to focus on one activity at a time.
3.) Create community that is offline. While technology can certainly help connect us with others, it is of utmost importance that we have face-to-face human interaction to maintain social connection and combat the loneliness epidemic we are seeing on a global scale. This could be meeting a friend for a coffee, going for walk with colleagues during your lunch hour, hosting a dinner party at home, or taking a class and meeting new people.
4.) Collect and consume more physical media, such as books (a library card is free and their collections are endless), magazines, newspapers, vinyl records, cassettes/cds, DVDS/VHS tapes…and the quality of the music on a vinyl record is unmatched, imo!
5.) Keep certain spaces in your home phone-free. For example, your bedroom should be a haven; a retreat and a relaxing space to rest, so invest in an analog clock and leave your phone downstairs. This will prevent any nighttime scrolling before bed (the bluelight emitted from your phone will impact your production of melatonin) and any possibility of digital distractions first thing in the morning which can sidetrack your morning routine.
6.) Find activities that create cognitive engagement and stimulation, such as puzzles, brain games (sudoku), or workbooks. These tactile materials will help protect your cognitive health.
What choices are you making to build a more analog life?
~Kate
The information provided by Rooted in Wellness Canada is solely for educational and informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are struggling, you are advised to consult with your physician or other medical professionals.
