Slow down: 13 small changes to start living an analog life

Slow living comes with a cost. Be radical anyway.

Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash

The term “analog life” is a modern, rebellious phenomenon, reminiscent of the unhurried, steady tick of a wall clock. It’s a lifestyle that gives the middle finger to a 24/7 hustle culture, emphasizing slower, simpler, and unplugged living.

And yes, it’s radical.

An analog life is a very rooted one, but it’s difficult to live in a digital world where the cardinal virtues are convenience, efficiency, productivity, and consumerism.

In truth, an analog life is more tiring, more inconvenient, and less efficient. It’s a sin against modern culture. And yet, a lot of us still crave a strange rebellion…a less efficient and less convenient lifestyle. Maybe trading in a little convenience could produce something more peaceful, more fulfilling, and even more joyful.

How extreme is necessary?

Don’t run to cancel your wifi and move off-grid yet (or do, then write me a handwritten letter about it). There are a lot of simple and creative ways to start living a more unplugged, less distracted, analog life.

Here are 13 ideas you can implement quickly, in no order whatsoever. Pick one or two and see what a little change can do.

1. Buy an analog watch

A watch is the most classic example of “analog” vs. “digital.” There are probably several digital clocks in your home, but not many analog ones.

Find a cute, old-fashioned analog watch (maybe with Roman numerals, clock hands, and a comforting “tick” when you hold it up to your ear). Now, instead of checking your phone when you want to know the time, check the cute fashion accessory on your wrist.

2. Replace your phone with an alarm clock

Buy an actual alarm clock to sit on the table next to your bed. This could allow you to leave your phone in another room at night, and the bright screen won’t beg to be the last thing you look at before bed or the first thing you check in the morning.

3. Purchase a stationary kit

I love text messaging, and it won’t be going away anytime soon. But the joy of getting physical, handwritten letters in the mail is going away. That being said, there’s nothing more motivating to sit and write a thoughtful letter than purchasing beautiful stationary. Especially (swoon) if it comes with wax seals for your envelope.

Try to purchase from a small business if you can, like this beautiful stationary set from a local Colorado artist (not an affiliate link).

4. Google your nearest thrift stores and antique marketplaces

Make a list. You don’t have to check out each one yet, but knowing specific locations next time you want to shop furniture, decor, or cute clothes will save you the excuse of just running to a big box store again.

You can also ask friends for recommendations on good thrift and antique stores near you. Not all of them are created equal!

Here are just a few of my favorite treasures I’ve found over the years:

Ordinary Home: Antique treasures that bring charm to my 1970s home

5. Carry a journal with you everywhere

There are many different kinds of journaling. Keep a prayer journal. A garden journal. A bullet journal. A poem journal. A reading journal. A “random thoughts” journal. A journal of cute things your kid said. If a journal sounds too formal, just get a notebook.

The benefits of handwriting are significant when it comes to learning and memory retention. Find a beautiful journal or notebook and carry it with you everywhere (Inconvenient? Yes.). Next time you have a thought or idea you don’t want to forget, write it in your journal instead of the notes app on your phone.

6. Use a handwritten daily planner

The benefits of handwriting, like improved recall and memory, come in very handy when you need to remember appointment times, coffee dates, and shopping lists.

If you’re not into the dated, yearly planner, consider getting a weekly or monthly white board you can update at any time (and without wasting paper). Or try an undated planner, or weekly planning tear-away sheets.

7. Write a thank you card

I often revert to a thank you text, especially when I’m afraid I’ll forget to thank the generous person who sent me a gift. And yet, there is something timeless and special about getting a thank you card in the mail.

If you’re worried about forgetting to write someone a thank you card instead of a text, keep a visible list of “thank yous to write” where you’ll see it everyday. Preferably with the cards, envelopes, pen, and stamps right next to it (another reason to keep stationary on hand!).

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

8. Invite a friend over for coffee

It’s okay to use a phone for this one. In fact, it’s wonderful to use technology in a way that fosters deeper in-person relationships. But when your friend arrives, put your phones away.

9. Carry a book with you everywhere

I repeatedly get comments when I’m in a waiting room (without my kids) and break out a book instead of my phone. Sometimes it’s fun to have a discussion about what I’m reading with a stranger.

If you’re carrying a book or journal on you, an unexpected delay in the office or car becomes a time to read or write, and maybe to inspire someone else to do the same.

10. Cancel Amazon Prime

If five different “but what if…” statements just played through your mind, I get it. Amazon Prime, a behemoth player in the 21st century zeitgeist, has so vastly integrated itself into our daily culture that most people can’t imagine detaching themselves from free 2-day shipping, Prime Video, and other Prime perks.

And yet, all it takes is a couple minutes to cancel Prime and save yourself $140 a year. You’ll probably save even more, if you’re less motivated to buy something when you have to wait longer for paid shipping.

If you want to hear from someone who’s made the cut, check out my other post about why our family broke up with Amazon Prime, and why we won’t be going back:

Uprooted: I broke up with Amazon Prime, and adjusting was easy

11. Delete social media apps

Make it harder to instantly access social media on your phone by deleting the apps. In fact, start the habit of only logging into your social media accounts through the browser on your laptop, forcing you to be more intentional about when and where you do it.

I’ve even found that I have to install “site blockers” on my phone so I’m not tempted to log in to Facebook through Google Chrome.

12. Make your smartphone “dumber”

Maybe you’re not interested in completely ditching your smart phone for a “dumb” phone. But there are several apps that actually make your smart phone “dumber.” One will change all colors on your home screen into a grayscale. Others will minimize your entire interface. Some are free, and some are paid.

Research apps and figure out which one will dumb down your smartphone while keeping the features you need (Google Maps, I will always need you). Try googling “dumb phone app” to get started.

I use the free Olauncher app (not an affiliate link) on my Android smartphone. Sorry to all Apple users out there!

13. Break out a puzzle

Or a board game. Or a book. Or a crossword. Or an unfinished knitting project. If you have a couple minutes of free time, grab anything except your phone and start doing something creative with your hands that engages your mind.

To make it easier, keep a basket of these “handy” hobbies next to your comfy chair or on a shelf, so it takes two seconds and no brain power to grab when you’re ready to relax.

Embracing inconvenience

Let’s be honest, the decision to make changes that cultivate “slow living” comes with a high cost. Even if these habits don’t cost much money, they demand something even more valuable: time. And they offend convenience, the idol of the 21st century.

It’s time to retrain your brain: stop seeing slower habits and inconvenience as “bad.” It requires cultivating patience. And the only way to do it is to introduce these habits gradually. When you act first, your brain and attitude will follow.

But maybe the tradeoff is a little unexpected joy. Or the increased ability to remain rooted in the present moment. Maybe it’s worth the struggle.

I want to know…what are your favorite ways to live an analog life?