2026 is the Return to Analog
It seems everyone is exhausted by digital. All the dings, pings, and mindless chatter wreak havoc on the nervous system and our attention spans.
Because Tik Tok is my drug of choice, I discovered the idea of an Analog Bag from Siece Campbell. Now Hobby Bags/Analog Bags/House Purses are becoming popular in my corner of the Internet, and I am locked in!
Whatever you call it, having a place to store and carry your analog hobbies makes it more likely you’ll reach for them.
Here are some of the ways the people of the Internet are putting down their phones and reaching for something tangible, tactile, and calming.
Community
Experts say modern society is sorely missing the sacred third-place. Not work or home, but a place of community where you belong.
Let’s create our third place in 2026.
In-person gatherings with like-minded community such a book clubs, game nights, or casual dinner parties
Pictures from a regular digital camera or Polaroid (My teen and her friends have discovered digital camera, and it’s such a novelty for them.)
Real letters and stationery; thank you notes
A restaurant or coffee shop where you’re known as a regular. (I want mine to be a yoga studio).
In-person classes whether it’s auditing a community college course (in Dallas County, it’s free for residents), joining a one-time workshop, or a limited series of classes.
Entertainment
Remember the 90s, I lived for magazines and never failed to entertain myself with stacks and stacks of them.
Library books and the luxury of browsing the shelves.
Well-worn used books where you can note, highlight, and turn down corners with abandon.
Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word-search books.
Print magazines and newspapers (I am currently loving my print subscriptions to Vogue and Vanity Fair.)
Jigsaw puzzles (I especially enjoy seasonal puzzles for anyone to contribute at any time.)
A “Curriculum,” this is where you go down a rabbit hole researching, exploring, and learning about something that has sparked your curiosity. Might I recommend The Artist’s Way?
Crafty and Creative
Spending less time consuming and more time creating is a priority for me in 2026. That’s why I started this Substack.
A stash of your favorite pens or a new-found appreciation for fountain pens. Thrift stores always have pencil cases to keep your tools organized (like my silver one pictured)
A fresh set of markers or colored pencils.
Coloring books.
Pictures from a digital camera or Poloroid.
Post-it notes (I love plain white and kraft paper.)
Stickers–just for the fun of it.
Knitting, crochet (I don’t actually know the difference), or hand embroidery.
Scrapbooking (what to do with all those Poloroids or photo prints).
Start gardening or become a plant parent. (I grew exactly two peppers and a bunch of basil last summer and couldn’t be more proud.)
Junk journaling with scraps from daily life, receipts, interesting paper, stickers, etc.
A Common Place Book, a notebook where you jot down things that catch your attention or are worth remembering later.
Play dress up. Putting outfits together has become creative expression for me.
Writing! Hey, look, I’m doing it!
Looking for other ways to enjoy your time offline? Check out these Substack posts I found inspiring:
You Need a Hobby, Mama - The Rosell Edit, Christina Rosell
30 Ways to End Your Night without Your Phone - From Me to You, Nancy Yin
What’s your favorite off-line activity? Will you be trying to spend less time online in 2026?