How to Live an Analog Lifestyle (With Expert Tips)

Download Article

Certified life purpose coach Mel Shipman helps you discover tech-free activities to disconnect

Co-authored by Hunter Rising

Last Updated: January 31, 2026 References

Download Article

• Using Analog Media
|
• Disconnecting From Tech
|
• Hobbies
|
• Social Connection
|
• Going Out
|
• Wellness Rituals
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

If you’re starting to feel burnt out by always being online or on your phone, reverting back to an analog lifestyle is the perfect digital detox. Going analog is all about disconnecting from the Internet and reconnecting with the world around you, and we have tons of suggestions for how to do it. Whether you want to switch to physical media, disconnect from your devices, or find a screen-free hobby, we spoke to life coaches, psychologists, and other experts for their recommendations for activities. Once you finish reading, don’t forget to log off and enjoy your time offline!

Best Ways to Start Going Analog

Certified life purpose coach Mel Shipman suggests finding activities that don’t require a phone or computer to fill your time. She says the best ways to stimulate your mind and creativity include:

• Reading books
• Doing a hands-on activity, like painting or woodworking
• Finding a class or group to try out new skills
• Looking for local meetups that interest you
• Cooking or baking from a cookbook

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Switching to Analog Media

Download Article

1. 1
   Read physical books. While it may be tempting to read on a tablet or e-reader, holding a book in your hands and turning the pages can give you a lot more satisfaction. If you have books that have been sitting on the shelf for a while, crack them open and start reading. Otherwise, check out the library or a used book store for something new.

   • Looking for the next great book to read? Use our book recommendation tool to find the perfect story to dive into!

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Mel Shipman is a certified life purpose coach with over seven years of experience in the field.

   Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. She has 12+ years of experience.

   Lauren Urban, LCSW is a licensed psychotherapist based in Brooklyn, New York. She has 16+ years of therapy experience.

   Rachel Clissold is a life coach based in Sydney, Australia. She has over six years of coaching experience.

   Christina Stathopoulos PCC, ACCC is a certified leadership and life coach and founder of Hear Her Roar, a coaching service for women leaders.
2. 2
   Listen to records and CDs. Rather than using streaming services for your music, start investing in vinyl and buying CDs from artists you enjoy. Even though you’ll need a record player or CD player to listen to them, you’ll be a lot more intentional about the music you listen to and play it in better quality.

   • If you really want to go old school, pick up a cassette player to listen to tapes.
   Advertisement
3. 3
   Watch DVDs or Blu-rays. Tired of browsing through streaming apps to find something to watch? Start collecting DVDs or Blu-rays of your favorite films. That way, you have limited options so you spend less time searching and can start watching things right away. You’ll even have access to bonus features that aren’t normally available on streaming services.

   • If you want to go even more vintage, get a VCR so you can watch old VHS tapes.
   • If you don’t have any DVDs or Blu-rays, check your local library to see what they have in their collection.
4. 4
   Use a paper planner or calendar. Rather than adding all your events to your phone’s calendar, write everything down in a physical planner or calendar. That way, you can see everything with a quick glance without looking at a screen.
5. 5
   Make paper to-do lists. Licensed clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael, PhD says, “Keep a notepad around your house and keep a list of all your errands.” As you complete items from your list, cross them out to track your progress.
6. 6
   Print and frame photos. If you don’t want to scroll through your phone looking for photos, print them at home or at a local photo store. Display the pictures in picture frames around your home, or store them in a photo album that you can page through to look back on your memories.

   • Search for fun and funky frames at vintage stores to give your prints even more character.
7. 7
   Send handwritten letters. Rather than sending texts or an email, get some nice stationary and hand-write messages to send through snail mail. Hand-writing letters shows an extra level of care and thoughtfulness, and whoever receives the letter will appreciate the time you spent doing it.
8. 8
   Subscribe to a magazine. Magazines are a great way to explore your interests and read something new every month. Find a magazine that you really enjoy reading, and sign up for a yearly subscription so new issues get delivered right to your home.

   • You can always keep old magazines, pass them on to friends, or use them for crafts such as collages or scrapbooks.
9. 9
   Navigate with a paper map. Rather than relying on your phone’s GPS and navigation, get a road map for the area where you live. Before you leave to go somewhere, check the map to find the best route and interesting stops along the way.
10. 10
    Buy things with cash. Instead of using cards or your phone to pay for items, carry some cash in your wallet wherever you go. Paying with cash can even sometimes save you money by avoiding electronic processing fees and keeping track of how much you’re actually spending.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 6:

Disconnecting from Technology

Download Article

1. 1
   Turn off phone notifications. If you don’t want to get distracted by your phone when it goes off, keep it set on silent or Do Not Disturb mode. Without the ringing or vibration going off, you’re less likely to pick up your phone and start browsing.

   • If you’re worried about missing important notifications, then allow notifications from specific contacts or apps.
2. 2
   Limit your social media use. Licensed psychotherapist Lauren Urban, LCSW says, “Pay attention to when and why you engage with social media” to see if you’re mindlessly scrolling. She recommends removing the social apps from your devices so it’s easier to come up with a replacement activity to fill your time.

   • Urban also recommends telling your loved ones that you’re taking a break from social media and asking them to reach out in different ways, such as over the phone.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Katie Stolp

   Master Certified Coach

   Katie Stolp is a Master Certified Coach and the founder of Think Power, based in Austin, Texas. With over 5 years of coaching experience, Katie has helped hundreds of women around the world let go of self-defeating thoughts, own their power, and break through to authentic confidence in their careers and lives. Through speaking functions, online courses, one-on-one and group coaching, Katie’s approach combines a supportive yet direct coaching style and emphasizes research and science-based techniques. Her previous professional experience includes being an Austin CBS affiliate news anchor, corporate leader, and trainer. Katie is certified through The Life Coach School and trained with Erickson Coaching International. She has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

   

   Katie Stolp
   Master Certified Coach

   Let the feeling pass when you have the urge to scroll social media. When you feel the urge, sit with the feeling without responding to it. Even though it may feel uncomfortable at first, it’ll start to feel easier as you unlearn the habit.
3. 3
   Unsubscribe from streaming platforms. If you want to fully go analog, cancel any streaming services you have, like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and Amazon Prime. Even though you’ll lose a large library of media, you’ll be more intentional about what you watch or listen to and you’ll save money in the process!
4. 4
   Enjoy your morning without distractions. When you wake up, try to avoid going right for your phone. As you get ready and go through your morning routine, certified life coach Rachel Clissold recommends setting your intention for the day for what you want to achieve and what experiences you want to open yourself up to.

   • Life coach Sandra Possing recommends finding something small you enjoy and adding it to your morning routine, such as reading while sipping your coffee.
5. 5
   Designate a spot for using your computer. Using a laptop in different areas of your home makes it hard to feel like you’re fully disconnected. Instead, assign a specific place, such as a desk or kitchen table, as the only place where you can go online and anywhere else is off-limits.
6. 6
   Spend an hour a day tech-free. You don’t have to completely disconnect, but try to make windows throughout your day where you aren’t looking at your phone or a screen. Teen life coach Desiree Panlilio suggests starting with a 30-minute timer and keeping your phone in a different room so you can have uninterrupted time to read, draw, or do another activity. After a few days when it starts to feel easier, increase the time to 45 minutes or an hour.
7. 7
   Carry a small notebook. Rather than opening the Notes app on your phone, bring a little notepad and pen with you wherever you go. Dr. Carmichael says, “list your curiosities and places you want to check out online.” Then, when you have time at home, check out or look up all the things you wrote down.
8. 8
   Start a screen-free bedtime routine. Sleep specialist Sari Eitches, MBE, MD notes, “Night time might be a good time to actually take a break from the phone.” She recommends putting it into night mode so you don’t get notifications and even charging it in a different room so you’re not tempted to use it while you’re in bed.

   • Board-certified ophthalmologist Kerry Assil, MD agrees: “shutting off screens a couple of hours before bedtime” will help make it easier for you to fall asleep and feel more rested in the morning.
9. 9
   Stop checking emails on the weekend. Certified leadership and life coach Christina Stathopoulos PCC, ACCC says, “walk away from your email” as soon as you can, especially if it’s for work. Allow the messages in your inbox to go unread for the weekend so have time to focus on the activities that feel enjoyable and meaningful for you.
10. 10
    Use an actual alarm clock. Rather than using the alarm feature on your phone, place a traditional alarm clock on your bedside table. This helps limit your screen time before bed and rely less on your phone.
11. 11
    Wear a watch that just tells time. While smartwatches have made it convenient to stay connected, they are still tied to your phone and can interrupt your day with notifications. Instead, look for a wristwatch that doesn’t have any features besides telling time.

    • Using a wristwatch also lets you check the time at a glance rather than turning on your phone screen.
12. 12
    Switch to a dumbphone. A “dumbphone” only has basic features like calling or texting so you’re less distracted by other apps. If you really want to commit to an analog lifestyle, consider downgrading your device so you’re less likely to spend time looking at a screen.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 6:

Analog Hobbies

Download Article

1. 1
   Play a board game. Rather than sitting at a computer or in front of a TV to play a video game, whip out a classic board game to try out with friends. There’s a wide variety of games that are perfect for any group, and they’re great for getting everyone involved and focused with what’s happening on the table.

   • Need a game recommendation or want to suggest one of your favorites? Check out our "What are the best board games of all time?" forum discussion.
2. 2
   Draw or doodle. You don’t have to be a professional artist to draw! Just take out a sketchbook or a blank piece of paper, and let your imagination run wild. Artist Swetha Shenoy recommends doodling things that you see in real life for inspiration, like coffee cups, leaves, fabrics, books, or repeating patterns.

   • If you’re still looking for inspiration, check out our list of ideas for things to doodle.
3. 3
   Listen to the radio. Rather than finding the perfect album or playlist, turn on the radio and find a station playing music that you like. They may play old favorites, or you may discover some new tunes you’ve never heard before!
4. 4
   Go for a hike. If you want to get outside and get a good workout in, search for local trails in your area where you can go hiking. Surrounding yourself with nature is the perfect detox from your phone screen or computer, and you’ll feel so refreshed when you’re finished.
5. 5
   Make recipes from a cookbook. Even though it may be convenient to find recipes online, a cookbook has a lot of new things for you to cook. Shipman also adds that cooking is a great way to stimulate your mind and develop new skills that doesn’t require your phone.

   • Ask your parents and relatives if they have any recipes they want to share, and write them on cards to store in a recipe box.
6. 6
   Take pictures on film. A film camera creates a unique look when you snap a picture that a digital camera or phone can’t easily replicate. Film cameras also take a limited number of photos before you have to develop them, so you’re a lot more intentional with choosing your subjects and setting up your shots.

   • Instant cameras print photos as soon as you snap a pic, so they’re great if you want to see your photos right away.
7. 7
   Take care of houseplants. If you want to introduce more greenery into your home, caring for plants is a great way to decorate your space. Go to a local plant nursery and choose a few small plants that catch your eye, and make sure you provide it with enough water and sunlight so it continues to grow.

   • According to plant specialist Chai Saechao, some of the best plants for beginners are snake plants and ZZ plants because they’re durable and adaptable to any kind of condition.
8. 8
   Spend your night stargazing. If you want a relaxing way to end your night, find a dark spot outside to lie down and stare up at the sky. Take some time to learn the constellations so you spot them, and keep your eyes out for shooting stars.
9. 9
   Save physical mementos. Make it a point to save small items from places you go, such as movie tickets, receipts, trinkets, and keepsakes you get while traveling. Keep your collection in a box to look through when you want to reminisce on old memories, or use the items to make a scrapbook.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 6:

Staying Connected with Friends

Download Article

1. 1
   Call people on the phone. Reading texts can make you feel a little disconnected from the actual person you’re talking to, so why not pick up the phone and give them a call? Hearing each other’s voices makes it a lot easier to hold a natural conversation and avoids confusion if someone misreads your tone.

   • Even if they can’t answer the phone when you call them, leave a voicemail so they can hear your voice and give you a call back.
2. 2
   Invite friends on errands. If you need to go shopping or make a few stops around town, see if anyone wants to tag along and keep you company. Even if you don’t have any solid plans, having someone there to chat with makes the time go faster and helps build your connection.
3. 3
   Have a picnic in the park. If you want to spend time outdoors and have a cute meal with friends, invite them out to a picnic. You could provide small snacks or outdoor games, or ask people to all bring their own food to split and share with each other.
4. 4
   Host a night with friends. When you want to spend quality time together, call your friends and ask them to hang out at your place. You could have a dinner party, game night, gab session, or anything else that keeps you engaged or connected without a screen.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Katie Stolp

   Master Certified Coach

   Katie Stolp is a Master Certified Coach and the founder of Think Power, based in Austin, Texas. With over 5 years of coaching experience, Katie has helped hundreds of women around the world let go of self-defeating thoughts, own their power, and break through to authentic confidence in their careers and lives. Through speaking functions, online courses, one-on-one and group coaching, Katie’s approach combines a supportive yet direct coaching style and emphasizes research and science-based techniques. Her previous professional experience includes being an Austin CBS affiliate news anchor, corporate leader, and trainer. Katie is certified through The Life Coach School and trained with Erickson Coaching International. She has a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

   

   Katie Stolp
   Master Certified Coach

   Put your phone down when you’re with your friends. Make sure you’re actually spending quality time with other people instead of looking at a screen. Stay engaged in the conversation and give the people in your life your full attention.
5. 5
   Ask questions instead of looking them up. If you’re confused or just have a weird question you need answered, reach out to your friends rather than searching it on Google. Give your friends a call or write down the question on a piece of paper so you remember to ask the next time you hang out.
6. 6
   Join a local club. Shipman says, “Identify something you’ve always wanted to try” and “look for local activities or group meetups to get involved.” That way, you can try things out to see if you like them and you can socialize with other people who have similar interests.
Advertisement

Section 5 of 6:

Analog Activities to Get Out of the House

Download Article

1. 1
   Look for local events on community bulletin boards. Rather than searching for events to go to online, visit a local cafe and see if they have fliers for things happening in the community. Take note of any events that sound interesting, and make it a point to attend one of them.

   • Check telephone and utility poles as well to see if there are any event fliers stapled to them.
2. 2
   Visit your local library. Libraries are a great place to hang out, study, and learn about new things. While you can always check out books with your library card, many branches also offer movies, video games, and magazines. They also host local clubs and classes you can attend for free to spend time with others in your community.
3. 3
   Go to a concert. Live music has a completely different energy than listening at home, so go see your favorite singers and bands when they stop nearby. Even if you don’t know the artist who’s playing, take a chance on them to expose yourself to new music and people.

   • Many cafes and smaller venues offer free concerts so you can enjoy live music without spending money.
4. 4
   Volunteer in your community. According to experienced volunteer Archana Ramamoorthy, MS, volunteering can help you learn teamwork, leadership skills, and patience all while giving back to your local community. She recommends searching for organizations that you resonate with and have opportunities to help out when you have the best availability.
5. 5
   Explore the museums in your area. Museums are great places to learn about history and niche topics, so see if there are any in your area that you haven’t been to. Take time to read all the plaques and info about the exhibits so you can expand your mind and view of the world.
6. 6
   Take an art class. If you feel the creative spark and want to make something with your hands, check local studios and art stores to see what’s offered in your area. Whether you want to draw, paint, make pottery, or do any other activity, there’s bound to be something you can try out.
7. 7
   Shop at thrift stores. Rather than shopping for new clothes or ordering online, you can find some fun antique items at thrift and vintage stores. On top of your big-name thrift stores like Goodwill, thrifting and sustainable style creator Siena Filippi recommends checking out thrift stores that aren’t big chains and yard sales for even more luck finding items you want.
8. 8
   Strike up conversations with strangers. If you’re around a group of people you don’t know, don’t be afraid to open up and chat with them. Licensed psychologist Sarah Schewitz, PsyD recommends, “Just say hi” and ask how they’re doing to start the convo. Licensed clinical psychologist Donna Novak, PsyD adds: “Come up with a plan of what you’re going to say” to help feel more comfortable opening up.
Advertisement

Section 6 of 6:

Analog Wellness Rituals

Download Article

1. 1
   Go for a walk without headphones. Board-certified brain health physician Michael Lewis, MD, MPH recommends “going outside for a walk [to] get some fresh air and sunshine while you’re exercising.” Leave your headphones at home so you can reconnect with the world around you.

   • Dr. Lewis also suggests going for a walk with a friend or family member to add a little social interaction while you’re staying active.
2. 2
   Exercise without tracking it. While you may be tempted to track how long you work out and how many calories you’ve burned, just focus on your technique and how your body feels while you exercise. If you really want to track your progress and your workouts, certified personal trainer Julian Arana, NCSF-CPT recommends using a notebook to write down the weight and repetitions.
3. 3
   Start a stretching routine. Stretching every day can help you improve your flexibility, balance, and range of motion, so it’s a good habit to get into. ACE certified personal trainer Monica Morris notes that your stretches should cover all the areas of your body from your neck and shoulders all the way down to your ankles. She recommends holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds to help release tension in your body.
4. 4
   Practice meditation. Meditation and yoga coach Rebekka Mars says that meditating can help you become less reactive to stressors in your life and more connected with yourself. Sitting and meditating even for just 1 minute every day can pull you out of negative spirals and make you more aware of the world around you.
5. 5
   Journal every day. Wellness coach Nicolette Tura, MA recommends journaling because it helps you put your thoughts and stream of consciousness onto paper. She mentions that keeping a journal also is a way to “get more space in your mind and then get more zen.”

   • If you’re stuck and don’t know what to write about, check out our list of journal prompts for some inspiration.
6. 6
   Bond with your pets. If you have a furry friend at home, give them attention every day. Take some time to play with them, take them on walks, give them treats, or cuddle up close to show how much you love them.
7. 7
   Do nothing. Stathopoulos says, “I am a fan of turning everything off and lying in bed or on the floor to turn my brain off.” She notes that people are often overstimulated, and even little 10-minute breaks where you aren’t doing anything can help you relax.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!