2026 was declared by many lifestyle influencers as the “year of analog hobbies.” Exhausted by the content that seems to bombard my feed, I was fed videos about the analog trend, in which creators encourage us to return to screenless hobbies and entertainment. Ironic, isn’t it? Even those who create online content for a living also seem to be fatigued by the never-ending stream of digital media.
As the world becomes increasingly online, it seems like a large portion of Gen Z has become more fed up — or bored — by the internet. It’s not surprising that the ever-present and readily available stream of new content has finally begun to exhaust us or tank our mental state. The instant gratification and dopamine hit of scrolling becomes redundant and ineffective as we keep opening the apps day after day, hour after hour. If you’re sick of scrolling and ready to restore your natural dopamine levels, here’s my guide for starting your very own analog bag.
- Switch to paper
-
There’s something about reading on paper that can’t be replicated by a screen. Choose a book, magazine, or print newspaper to carry with you. Although reading online is convenient and accessible, it often comes with built-in distractions, from ads and social notifications to endless pop-ups. Paper eliminates the internet noise and is gentler on your eyes. If tackling a novel seems like too tall a task, pick up a magazine or set up your own subscription.
And a bonus: when you’re finished reading, those glossy magazine spreads and colorful ads are perfect for junk journaling, collaging, or building your next vision board!
- Get a paper planner and/or journal
-
There’s also something about physically writing out the multitude of thoughts that bounce around my head that seems more effective (and satisfying) than typing them out. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone Notes app as much as the next girl, but nothing beats the satisfaction and retention of writing something down by hand.
I use both Google Calendar and a paper planner, and they are systems that haven’t failed me yet. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute, customizable planner? If you’re still on the hunt for a planner or journal, check out Papier, Erin Condren, and Moleskine.
- Busy hands, clear mind
-
Sometimes reading can feel like too much brainpower, and that’s where portable hobbies come in. A friend of mine introduced me to needlepoint: an easy-to-learn stitching craft that packs flat and is easy to carry along. Friendship bracelets are another classic. You can tie the work-in-progress to your water bottle and work on it whenever you have a free moment. They also make thoughtful, handmade gifts.
If you’re a more advanced crafter, crochet and knitting are also options to consider. No matter what it is, there’s something deeply gratifying about creating with your own two hands.
- Play a game
-
The New York Times games are undeniably fun and definitely better for the brain than a TikTok spiral. However, the whole point of the analog bag is to unplug completely. Grab a word search, crossword, or Sudoku book at CVS, or go on a mini scavenger hunt for a newspaper and flip straight to the games section. Don’t forget a pencil!
- Sit in silence and soak up the world
-
A lot of the doomscrolling we do starts with boredom. There’s nothing else to do on the T, the bus to class, or at work, so we reach for our phones and scroll through socials. It becomes a habit, and this boredom-busting becomes part of our daily lives. The more you avoid something, the harder it becomes to be comfortable with it again. As technology became portable, boredom and silence became optional. Digital distraction is a reflex for many of us — a trained response to quiet moments — to the point that many of us have evolved to become uncomfortable in silence and boredom.
The scarcity of silence makes it scary. Our world has only become louder with more media platforms, more news, more content, and more to consume. Silence is easier to avoid now than it’s ever been before, but that doesn’t mean our world should constantly be loud. The buzz and constant refresh of our feeds can keep us completely distracted from what’s happening both internally and externally. Distraction is sometimes necessary, but it can become far too easy to fall into this habit of constant consumption, leaving little time to look inward or absorb the world around you.
Tessa Pesicka / Her Campus
My final suggestion is to abandon any distraction or hobby, and see how it feels to just be. I’ve found that observing the world around me is fascinating, and that people watching is one of my new favorite pastimes. With a busy world around us and a whole other one in our phones, it’s easy to get lost in the rush and forget how to slow down.
Sometimes it’s about learning to just exist.
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!