Do you miss the analog days of the past? This isn’t just about nostalgia, though. Analog living has value for anyone who craves a simple, slower, more old-fashioned pace of life. Here’s how you can ditch the digital and practice the lost art of an analog lifestyle.
How to Live an Analog Life
Ah…the internet.
There’s so much to say on this topic, and I’ve been thinking of writing this post for a while now. You see, I’ve been a heavy internet user since my college days, and in the last decade+ I’ve experienced many of the benefits and frustrations that internet brings.
As an adult, I’ve never lived without the internet. But the bulk of my childhood was internet free. We used clunky computers to play Carmen Sandiego, practice typing, and make WordArt. Nowadays, using a computer or device is pretty much synonymous to using the internet…and people are connected almost 24/7.
The internet is a noisy and often exhausting place. And not surprisingly, many people are beginning to miss the analog days of the past, when internet usage was just a small sliver of our day–or even week! What do I mean by “analog”? To me, an analog life means embracing physical, tactile, non-digital ways of interacting with the world.
And here’s where I need to make a disclaimer. I’ll keep using the internet–even rely on the internet for some things–because it does fit with my goals for a simple, flourishing life. You’ll hear me talk about using the internet less, but I’m not saying to give it up altogether! (Although I am curious to read this book about how one lady did that for a year.) The internet lets me write my blogs and reach readers. It allows me to shop online from small businesses I can’t physically visit. And of course I use it for entertainment–reading my favourite blogs and watching weekly installments of “my show.”
Disclaimer over, here’s my point: Analog has value. Value that most of us are passing by because we’re just so distracted and entrenched by all the shiny tinsel of the World Wide Web. For those of us who crave a simpler, more old-fashioned life, we have got to learn to unplug and put the internet back in its box. Stamp it with an “occasional use only” label. Start filling our lives with “real world” connections, activities, and solutions.
There’s a growing body of people who are thinking along these lines. People who are embracing a slow approach to life, practicing digital decluttering, and deleting their Facebook accounts. It’s encouraging and eye opening to hear from people like this, who remind us we don’t need to be glued to our phones. We don’t need to have Yelp and Instagram and weather apps on tap.
In fact, it’s better for our well-being if we don’t. This year, I’ve been reading books that have shaped my perspective on this. The Shallows offered insight on how the internet affects us. Reclaiming Conversation reminded me of the social graces that we develop when we communicate without digital filters. Also, it made me think about how much I want to delay smartphones for my kids! Deep Work–my favourite of the three–was a wake-up call to be a better steward of my time.
Using the internet–judiciously–fits with how I want to live my life. But analog living is something I want to cherish, and it pays to reevaluate my digital vs analog practices from time to time.
7 practical, everyday ways to embrace an analog lifestyle
If you feel like you spend too much of your time online, or relying on digital, here’s how you can throwback to old-fashioned, analog practices. (For more in-depth explorations of internet, phone, and social media usage, I encourage you to check out the books I mentioned above!)
1. Read physical books
Over on my literary blog I talked about cutting back on Netflix in favour of reading more books. And for me, this usually means physical books. I think Kindles are good inventions. I’m not snobby about needing to read printed books, but to me, a hold-in-your-hands book always connects me to the content within more deeply. I don’t know exactly why this is. But I love the way books smell, love feeling the mound of pages under my fingers and using that as a guide to how far I’ve read and how far I’ve got left.
Real books are cozier. So my first and favourite way to get back to analog is to get back to reading!
2. Wear a watch
This is something that will affect you multiple times per day. Do you fish out your phone to check the time? If you want to be less attached to your device, be old-fashioned and wear a wristwatch. You won’t be tempted to glance at your phone when you’re at a restaurant, playing with your kids, sitting in church, etc.
Not long ago Eric bought me a vintage 1960s Swiss watch I picked out on Etsy. Apparently most of the ladies’ watches made nowadays are quite large, which isn’t my style. This one is petite and works well for both casual and fancy. It’s a bit of old-fashioned, classy style that I love–I just have to remember to wind it each day!
3. Be social without social media
Go on coffee dates, join a book club, and practice hospitality to nurture your relationships locally. For long-distance friendships, catch up with a phone call and write paper letters, instead of always falling back on Facebook.
4. Play board games
Whether adults or kids, a lot of people’s “play time” is mediated through a screen. So for analog entertainment and play, break out the board games! It’s a great, non-TV way to spend an evening. My 90s childhood was full of Sorry and Clue and Monopoly. I love these classics, but game options have soared–now we love Dominion and Forbidden Island and Codenames.
Related: For a list of our favourite board games, check out this post of unique games for family game night!
5. Use real film
When I was young I remember a dinner guest raving (boasting?) about his digital camera. None of us had seen one before. I was duly impressed, but also wondered how “real” a digital photo could be if you couldn’t hold it in your hands. And I also wondered: if a digital camera lets you take hundreds of pictures…wouldn’t you feel rather compelled to take hundreds of pictures? Sure enough, the man showed us how he had taken about 50 pictures of a raccoon. With that many, he said, he was sure to have gotten some really great shots.
I know, the novelty of digital cameras is gone now, so most of us aren’t taking 50 pictures of raccoons. However, I believe the ease of digital still keeps us overly tethered to our phones. And although it is nice not to store a bajillion print photos, we have suffered a bit of a loss in not flipping through hold-in-your-hands photo albums like we used to. Don’t you think? I miss that, and I want to get more of our pictures printed.
6. Write things down on paper
Admittedly, apps are handy for keeping track of things. But there’s just something about writing things down on paper that I’ll always love! I think my brainstorming is more creative when I put pen to paper page. Try keeping a list journal, and see if you don’t agree.
7. Get information from people and books
Google and Alexa want to know everything, but no matter how refined they become, you’ll always be getting information filtered through an algorithm. Although it takes longer, sometimes it’s more helpful and rewarding if you actually dig for answers in a library book. Or call someone who would know. Also? I think you might remember things better if you have to work for it just a bit more.
Like the other “Lost Arts” I’ve explored in this blog series, embracing analog is a rewarding practice. At the very least, make it a point to cut back on email and social media, remove apps from your phone, and turn off notifications. Then enjoy the peace and quiet.
This post is part of my “lost arts” series, where I pick an old-fashioned habit to discuss and talk about why we should blend it back into our modern-day lives. Here are the other posts in this series (I’ll be adding more in the coming months!):
Recovering the Lost Art of Dressing Up
Recovering the Lost Art of Porch Sitting
Recovering the Lost Art of Cooking from Scratch
Recovering the Lost Art of Take a Bath
Recovering the Lost Art of Old-Fashioned Blogging
Recovering the Lost Art of Solitude
Recovering the Lost Art of Writing Letters
And here’s my post on 5 Old-Fashioned Habits That Are Due for a Comeback
I love this! And I’m happy to note I do most of these. I even busted out my real film camera a while back (but didn’t get as far as finding film to buy!). I spend WAY too much time on the internet (currently have 16 tabs open!) but also love to disconnect. Thanks for writing this and being part of the conversation! Merry Christmas!
Thank you and you’re welcome(: I always have a ton of tabs open, too. One night I actually had multiple dreams going and I was switching between them like I switch between tabs on my laptop. And even in my sleep I was thinking of the dreams in terms of tabs. Yes, really. It was weird…and I apparently am not good at uni-tasking online! I really enjoyed disconnecting a lot this Christmas. (Hence, my late reply to comments here!) Hope you have a lovely year ahead!
Fantastic post! I’ve been in the same state of mind lately…right down to deciding to purposely wearing a wristwatch! I also deleted my Facebook acct early this year (for GOOD this time), and have purposely sought my favorite books locally at thrift stores or the nearest used bookstore just to have the physical copies in my possession- whether to feel them, admire cover art up close, or have my daughter read the same copy should she desire to be an Austen-head like her mother ;P ! It really helps to read that other women (who try to build each other up in our respective roles!) are like-minded and sincere in their relationship with Christ like you! Blessings to you and your family!
Thank you! I love hearing from like-minded readers like you. I, too, have been enjoying more and more books over the last few years! If you’re not following it already, you might enjoy my literary blog over here: https://teaandinksociety.com/blog/
And good on you for deleting Facebook! That is a big step, and one I’ve definitely considered myself. I am using it for certain blog-related things, but I still may delete it eventually. It’s always interesting to hear about others doing so.
I am glad you are not writing suggested gift posts – I don’t even bother to read those sorts of posts on blogs I follow. That is not why I read blogs.
There were no home computers when I was growing up. My husband bought our first home computer when my youngest daughter was a baby, and that was 24 years ago, so I have many memories of life before computers.
I too like reading physical books, though at times read digital copies of books on my iPad if I am not sure I want to spend the money to buy the actual books. I write notes and shopping lists and to-do lists on scrap paper. I like writing. It is faster and more convenient for me to pull a small sheet of paper with a written list on it out of my pocket than it is to pull out a bulky phone or other device and then find what I am looking for on it and then make sure I press the correct buttons.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for your encouragement! I’m really excited about the blogging year ahead, even if the posts I have planned aren’t always seasonal or “trending”(: And I’m so glad to hear there are other women like me who appreciate the analog things of life.
Hi Elsie,
I just have to say I have so been enjoying this series! I rarely reads blogs and have never before been a blog follower. I actually get excited when I see a new post from you and look forward to sneaking in tea time -slash- maybe the kids will play and not jump on me time – to read your works. Thanks!! -Nicole
Thank you for saying that, Nicole! What you describe is exactly what I want for my blog to be for people! Something to look forward to and enjoy with tea(: Thank you for reading!
Many of these I do on a regular basis . I go to the library, use a pen to make lists, write letters on paper and talk to people on the phone. My two year granddaughter goes to the library with me and brings home books. She asks “what you need” and writes the grocery list. I wear a watch because it’s quicker than searching for the phone on the purse. Great thoughts on the the lost arts of life.
Oftentimes in this digitally-focused, latest-gadget world, it can feel like I’m really going against the flow if I go the “old-fashioned” route. It’s heartening to hear that there’s others like you where “old-fashioned” is perfectly normal!
I love this series! And yes I would love to read a post about your favorite board games. I love board and card games and am always looking for new suggestions.
Ok, great! I will work on a post like that, then! We have built up a nice little game library since getting married, and I would love to share our favourites!
Good post and great ideas! I love the internet but I do spend a lot of time online. I also grew up in the 90s and didn’t use computers much till I was in my early teens at secondary (high) school. I love reading physical books, Kindle is handy and I enjoy reading blog posts, but books are my favourite. I like the smell of books, lol. I usually wear a watch but the battery recently stopped, so I need to get a new one. I miss wearing one and find myself going to look at my wrist! Love to write in notebooks too.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! 🙂
Zania
Thank you, and happy New Year to you as well! I love how books smell, too. I’ve even found that certain publishing houses carry their own scent. Like my Oxford World Classics. They’re very distinct, and I love getting a whiff when I leaf through them(:
You already know how much I love this! Thank you for sharing a link to my Facebook post. It’s now been nine (?) months and I honestly don’t miss it. I thought I would use my husband’s account to check on a couple of health-related groups and such, but I don’t.
We’re the last generation (Gen X) that will have grown up with an analog childhood. While I appreciate much about the internet, I’m so glad it (and social media) wasn’t around while I was growing up and in college. We had so much more freedom without it.
Sallie
That’s very interesting to hear you haven’t even needed to access FB. At this point I think I could live without it for sure, but I have some good things going with a Facebook group for my other blog, plus a couple good blogging groups. We shall see. I may still delete down the road…keeping that possibility in mind.
I’m glad for my internet-lite childhood, too. I want to keep it in mind as I raise my boys, and not just go with the flow of massive amounts of screen time. Just because everyone else *seems* to be fully integrated into digital everything, doesn’t mean we need to be! (And it doesn’t mean that everyone is. I often hear from people who are pushing back and seeing the need to set boundaries). Thanks for reading!
I have a library! I use my internet mostly as an encyclopedia for information. Facebook I check once a week to keep track of family in other states n countries. I have a garden journal (sprial), a weather journal and a prayer journal. I write lists on cute paper with the month at the top. If the internet died I’ll be fine but miss the 5 blogs I read.
That’s a good way to put it…yes, I’d miss a couple things, but ultimately I’d be fine and move on. And probably mail out a print version of my blog, since I love writing!
Hi Elsie,
Your post SO SO SO resonated with me!! I’m in a much older age group than you but I did embrace the new computer age back in 1998 when I was introduced to the Internet etc.
Sadly, I believe it is having a detrimental effect on a lot of people, especially children with irresponsible parents who are themselves addicted to anything digital. I use public transport and I sometimes feel like crying when I watch the mother with her nose in her phone, and not talking at all to the young one she has her. Disgraceful. What is more important than interacting with your child?? When I had my children with me back in the day it was non-stop interaction from the time we left home until we returned!!
Like you I love to read actual books (the library is my second home), and I definitely wear a watch even though I have a mobile phone, I love paper. My daughters tell me I should buy an iPad or something but I won’t be doing that. I keep a Diary and I love choosing a new one every year, and I keep them. Years of diaries take up space, but hold a wealth of memories etc.
Love your blog.
I really love hearing how a desire for analog living crosses generations. I think these “old-fashioned” ways of life are even more needed if so many different age groups of people resonate with them.
As a young mom, I do get tired of nonstop interaction with my children sometimes…that’s when I pull out my book and hand them theirs! But I do try to be intentional with these everyday moments with them. I feel like having my phone out all the time would not be a good example.
Just reading this makes me feel more at peace. I agree that the internet has it’s advantages but I’m pressing more towards real connections in my life. I have two kids and I have implemented no tablets/cell phones. They watch TV but I’m also limiting that as well & restructuring our life to connect more as a family because I didn’t have it growing up and I believe communication is the only way to build real SOLID relationships.
Sorry for the long comment 🙁
Oh, I never mind long comments! What a good foundation you are laying for your children! I don’t think we’re going to let our kids have smartphones for a very long, long time. More and more people are clamoring for “dumb phone” options again, so I think those will be available when we need them. Right now, our boys don’t play on parents’ phones or computers, but they do get to watch Netflix. (And thank goodness there are no commercials there!) I think every year we’ll need to reevaluate our technology use and make sure it’s in line with our family’s goals and values.
Hi, elsie just signed up recently! I love your blog 🙂 it’s like a breath of fresh air amidst all the busy fake internet pollutants. It’s so nice to find a blog that feels so real and welcoming. Not fake and ‘trendy.’ Just real unique authentic thoughtprovoking posts. Like this one! I have already been thinking of cutting back on the digital stuff and seeking the real authentic moments of life. Life is so fleeting. Shouldn’t we soak up everything it has to offer while we can? Maybe this post will give me the courage to go all out and delete my facebook account once in for all Haha your blog will definitely make the cut though! I find it inspiring. We should find time for that which inspires! Well.. that will be the excuse I use anyway Haha 🙂 Happy new year!
Thank you so very much for your kind words! I absolutely love hearing from people like you that we’re thinking along the same lines! I will always try to keep this space lovely and welcoming for people who want an alternative to the busy buzz of much of the online world. Have a wonderful and life-giving year!
Thank you so much for this article. I am by no means a ‘technophobe’. I have had a smart phone for 7 years, we have flat screen tvs in the house, and a couple of computers, a Kindle, Kindle fire, etc. However, I got to the point where I laid out all of our portable devices on a counter, and thought “This is ridiculous”. It was a visual assault. Also, I realized I didn’t like what the constantly digitally connected life was doing to my brain. So, I found a used flip phone at a thrift store that was compatible with my service, and have ditched my smart phone. I also plan on finding an inexpensive 35mm film camera online, and when it is time to replace my car, I hope to be able to find an older used car with as little ‘tech’ as possible. I am embracing analog where possible, and I feel great. Of course, I still must use the internet when necessary, but when I just use it on a computer, it seems to be kept in its place better. Unfortunately, I work in field service, so I have a work smart phone, and use the internet extensively for work. I can’t help that. However, outside of that, and in my hotel, I can keep it to a minimum, and when I’m home, I can spend real time with real people. I apologize for the length of my comment, but this is becoming more and more important for me. I was born in 1974, and I think there is a lot to be said for the pre-smartphone/streaming world. It all just seems so invasive and overwhelming now. Thanks for indulging me in this long comment. Thanks.
No apology necessary for a long comment; I welcome them! I think all this constant connection is so new that we don’t fully realise what its effects are/will be quite yet. It’s smart to be intentional about our digital lives. Anecdotally, so many people feel better right away when they start cutting back on digital clutter, so it is clearly something we’ve become too enmeshed in to begin with.
Hi Elsie. I randomly found this blog post of yours while trying to seek out how to live a simplier, unplugged life in our digital world (at midnight, no less). As I started to read your writing, I found myself saying “yes!” at every sentence. “Yes that’s exactly what I say!” I honestly couldn’t believe how much your post resonated with my own inner thoughts.
I was born in 1984. I too am an INFJ. And now, as a mama of a 17 month old, I find myself wishing almost every day that I could live my life out in the 1990s, before the internet took over our lives. I miss analog living, so to find someone else who feels that way too is like finding a kindred spirit! (Are you an Anne of Green Gables fan by chance?)
Don’t get me wrong — I also value and appreciate the internet too — it’s what my career is built on. But I constantly feel like I’m trying to forge my way upstream, against the rapids of our digital lives. I am so glad to have found your blog, and I look forward to reading more from you.
Well, that’s my favourite way to discover new blogs, too, so I’m glad that’s how you found mine! (Random discovery, then digging in and reading deep(:
We were certainly born into a unique slot in history, weren’t we? I’m glad I had the experience of a 90s, internet-free childhood, because those memories inform how I want my own children’s experience to be. The internet isn’t going to go away, but because we know what it was like “before” and after, we can hopefully work towards a good balance for our own kids! On this subject, a post you might enjoy is this one by my friend Jessica: http://smarttereachday.com/its-official-the-iphone-has-ruined-summer/. Scroll her homepage, too–she has some other good posts in that vein of a “low-tech” childhood, as well as two excellent books!
And yes, I am very much an Anne fan! I have a few posts on my literary blog about Anne and L. M. Montgomery! (Here’s that blog, if you want to visit(:
Wow…interesting and agreeable narrative.
Just like anyone else, I found this presentation predicated on a simple query search.
It is interesting timing as well, considering I recently purchases one of those record players (cheap…but temporary) online and purchases 4 LP’s. I’m old enough to remember LP’s at their Zenith, followed by the rise of the Compact Disc….then, MP3 style.
The concept of actually owning your music, having a physical connection to it it, has put a smile on my face. I am quite tired of the alternative. Though, it has its place, no doubt.
It’s takes discipline to take a moment of pause and take a step back, from the once-were-tools in our lives, to now being somewhat mandatory. It also takes discipline to take care of the music you actually own…cleaning, tender touch, etc. And, I do find a difference in sound, with vinyl. There are certain sounds/echos or projections that I don’t hear on digital music.
However…going all out and only using VHS for movies is not my cup of tea.
I appreciate the ease of streaming services, but I actually miss VHS tapes for the rewinding capabilities! When you try to back up on Netflix or what not it’s hard to hit the right spot! My grandparents and parents had record players that I listened to growing up, and even as a child I unconsciously noticed the difference in sound quality. When I got older and started listening to music on the radio or my iPod I always thought it didn’t have quite the same texture and layers that the records did.
Just discovered your blog, and I’m loving it so far! I know this post is old so you probably already have, but have you checked out Digital Minimalism (by the same author as Deep Work)? SO worth your time if you haven’t!
Off to go check out more post in this series 🙂
Yes, I have read that! I thought it was excellent! I like to check Cal Newport’s blog every now and then, as I always find something good to read. Enjoy the Lost Arts series!
Love this. GenX’er here who took Keyboarding in high school while just a few geeks were learning programming. Fast forward 30 years and I’m on a sabbatical from a 20 year recruiting career where half of that has been in tech…and made the decision to end that chapter of my life and pursue a more analog life. After working from home for 9 years – ironically the last three on a 5 acre small farm – I realized I was getting jealous of my husband who is a butcher at our local co-op. Why? Because he got to live what we’d now refer to as analog – talking to people, cutting up the good meat they’d be eating that night and interacting with the farmers. So while I’ve been fortunate enough to make a living while living on a farm where we’ve raised ducks, meat chickens, bees and more, it’s ironically been incredibly lonely because the majority of my human connection has been from afar.
Ironically, when the pandemic hit we refused to ‘Zoom’, etc., as we found it wildly uncomfortable and actually emphasized the distance, not to mention seemed really inauthentic (there are some good articles about this) …and took up more phone calls. I remember the phone call when we won the election and my girlfriend and I cried with joy, and I remember how talking to my therapist over the phone allowed for much more of an intimate conversation than staring at a 2D screen. We let families who lived in town come out to our property to get some much-needed space (but ironically, our town became so overrun with city-fleeing tourists that we were never able to enjoy the outdoors beyond our own property because of the literal hordes of people on the beaches and trails, ugh).
But the every day still was about digital living. Mind you, we don’t do Facebook (left that 10 years ago) or Twitter as we have abhorred the way those companies operate for years (being in tech the horror stories about sexism and racism were well known, well before the misinformation tsunami amplified the hate even more that those companies profit from), but as a recruiter I was on LinkedIn nearly every work day for the past 14 years since I’d joined. This past weekend I made the decision to close my account with LinkedIn, who has also become a bastion of misinformation, and am in that “coming out of the haze” mode of redirecting my thoughts in new ways. It’s actually helped me refocus on my writing (I’ve been blogging for 12 years…AND journaling in a spiral notebook).
I’d also thought about selling my 35mm camera when I started selling a bunch of now-vintage items of mine on Etsy (hey if someone wants to pay $100 from my scuffed Docs from ’93 they can!), and the most amazing thing happened – it still had film in it from years ago, and needed to be finished up before I could sell it. So I found myself taking photos around the garden, and sent the film in for developing and, well, remembered why I’ve had my trusty Pentax for 25 years…and decided to keep her 🙂 The photos were extraordinary in a way that my phone obviously could never replicate…because you have to slow down, to manually focus, and to make conscious decisions.
We have a record player (can never get rid of that!) and a collection of albums since we were young (it also includes 78’s that belonged to my grandparents and 45’s I ‘borrowed’ years ago from their old jukebox before they passed – you can’t digitize those memories), and I keep a 5-section spiral notebook for my obsessive list making. Yeah I also have an app on my phone but it’s not the same 🙂
Next stop is the wristwatch…
It is great to read about your article which I really can rely on and identify myself.
I already start to think at 16-17 that for example this scrolling-habit is so irrational, (I am not 24, so that was around 2014, in the middle of the digitalisation) and tlme wasting, it took me some months to loose this habit, it would take me more yeara to finally delete my Facebook account and I also started changing my phone to a smaller one I even used for several months a Nokia 6370 from 2005. The more I live in the real world and distance myself from the digital one the more authentic I am and feel and or healthier. There are of course benefits of a smartphone but at the very end I think the good sides are bigger then the bad sides of living less-digital.
Yes! I think as a culture we’re going to see more and more the pitfalls of being uber-digital and plugged in. For one thing, more scientific journals are coming out about the negative effects. And I think those of us that remember pre-smartphone days can see how things have changed. As we grow up and watch our kids grow up digitally, those changes will be even more apparent!
Very nice post. Growing up in the 90s seemed so long ago now. But then life seemed simpler. Loved #4 regarding using film. I have been using film for some time now and it is much more rewarding than using digital. I think the digital world has made our lives complex and higher in anxiety. Wish we could go back to simpler times. Great post!
Thank you! I agree, the 90s were simpler and I was unwittingly growing up in a very good time! Of course everyone says the decade of their childhood was simpler, but smartphones changed the fabric of our days SO MUCH and pushed us into that digital world. It was a much bigger technology leap than getting a microwave or an email address!