Some ideas on analog living

In this previous blog post, I emphasized the importance of looking beyond merely quitting social media. Our natural inclination for sharing and engaging with the lives of others persists even after reducing our reliance on social media. Whether we choose to limit or completely quit social media, the draw remains potent, it is important to confront the vacuum it leaves behind so that we aren’t easily drawn back into the swirl. The question then arises: How can one effectively limit social media usage and address the void it may create?

Start by defining clear intentions for your usage and setting specific limits. Whether it's reducing your time on social media apps or deleting them altogether, make choices aligned with your goals. Personally, I've found it beneficial to entirely delete Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. Instagram is my only current demon, and I have restrictions in place for it.

Secondly, explore the analog alternatives that can help satisfy our inherent need for connection with ourselves and others.

Integrating these analog practices into our daily lives isn't a magic solution. The allure of social media may still persist, and the occasional "FOMO" feeling might linger. Having experimented with these practices over my three-year journey of adjusting my social media usage, I've discovered that engaging in analog activities acts as a sort of gatekeeper. When I find myself scrolling, a longing for my analog life emerges—a deliberate signal from my brain that my social media usage has reached a saturation point, prompting me to step back into the tangible world around me.

By setting the practices below in motion, they become inherently more rewarding, captivating your attention more than the digital realm. The aim isn't perfection but rather allowing your mind and body to experience an alternative to the "phone world" and, in turn, fostering a genuine desire for the richness of the "real world." By embracing the tactile and the genuine, we will get closer to fulfilling our profound desire for connection.

 A few analog ideas:

Ideas for connecting with ourselves:

Keep a Daily Journal and/or Commonplace Journal - cultivate self-reflection; capture your thoughts and experiences or create a commonplace journal to collect meaningful quotes or insights that resonate with you. If you feel compelled (like I do) to share your reflections with others, consider starting a blog or a Substack that allows you to share without getting caught up in the scroll or instant dm’s and likes.

Work with Your Hands - Create Something - consider a creative outlet such as painting, where you can express yourself through art. I am currently taking a painting class that has been tremendously fulfilling for me.

Read Physical Books - revel in the act of reading. I wrote about it here. Read books from previous eras. I find the prose and perspectives from bygone eras often offer a different rhythm and sense of grounding.

Craft in Public Instead of on Your Phone - take your creative pursuits into public spaces. Whether sketching, writing, or engaging in another craft, doing so in public connects you with your surroundings and creates an inner experience that is missing when you are on your phone.  

Ideas for connecting with Others:

Host Sunday Dinners or Gatherings - organize casual gatherings with friends or neighbors. 

Attend Local Events or Workshops - explore your community by attending local events, workshops, or classes.

Join a Book Club or Discussion Group - consider joining a book club or discussion group where you can engage in conversations and exchange ideas with others. I’ve joined several book clubs over the years. I am currently a member of two book clubs.

Volunteer for a Cause - volunteer for a cause you're passionate about. I’ve been volunteering at my local unhoused shelter. It’s a powerful way to connect with others.

Say Hello and Chat with People Around You - embrace the opportunity for spontaneous conversations. Greet and engage with people around you, whether in a grocery line or while waiting at a doctor's office. It's okay to be the weirdo who speaks to strangers and looks at them in the eye, lol.

Ideas for reducing reliance on tech:

Use a Film Camera - reconnect to the charm of analog photography by using a film camera to capture moments. The process of developing film also add to the nostalgia. I am very interested in exploring this.

Send Letters/Postcards to Family and Friends - revive the art of written communication by sending letters or postcards to family and friends. Share news, thoughts, and greetings to help counter the innate desire to share ourselves on our little IG boxes.

Create Physical Albums by Printing Pictures - build a tangible collection of memories by printing pictures and creating physical photo albums.

Wear a Regular Watch - I got tired of looking at my heart rate, steps taken, activity level on my Apple Watch. It’s been so calming wearing an old school watch. I no longer track my workouts, I just workout and let the universe track my progress :)

Use Paper Maps - rediscover the charm of navigating with paper maps instead of relying solely on GPS. It encourages a more mindful exploration of your surroundings.

Play Vinyl Records, CDs, Watch Old DVDs - experience music and movies in their physical formats by playing vinyl records, CDs, and watching old DVDs. This not only brings a nostalgic element but also allows for a more immersive and intentional entertainment experience.

Write Your Grocery List on Paper Instead of Phone - opt for a handwritten grocery list on paper rather than using your phone.

Use Cookbooks Instead of Online Recipes - use those cookbooks you bought rather than relying solely on online recipes. Write notes in your cookbook - when you made it, who shared the meal with you; your thoughts on the recipe.

Keeping up with news, fashion, innovation:

Subscribe to a Print Subscription to Newspaper/Magazine - engage with news, fashion, and innovation through a print subscription to a newspaper or magazine. Albeit you might not hear about the trends as fast but slow, long form news is soothing for the mind. The tangible experience of flipping through pages can also offer a immersive reading experience. (For instance, I've been enjoying the print edition of Architectural Digest.)

Visit Art Exhibits Often and Regularly - stay abreast of art trends and cultural developments by frequenting art exhibits.

Look Up the Schedule for Book Authors Coming to Your Local Library - expand your literary knowledge by checking the schedule for book authors visiting your local library. Attend their talks, even if you're not familiar with them. This experience is similar to a podcast episode but much more immersive and you can participate in the Q and A!

Attend Free Local Talks and Meetups Like Creative Mornings - foster a sense of community and stay informed by participating in free local talks and meetups. Events like Creative Mornings, held in various cities, offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and gain insights into creativity and innovation.

Which practice (s) resonates with you?