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It’s easy to get lost in the digital world. I have a love-hate relationship with my phone, in particular. It’s a source of entertainment when I’m waiting in line, it plays music and podcasts when I’m driving, I get cool alerts from friends, and I can instantly order from Amazon when I see something that’s run low or I get inspired to do something. But especially over the last few years, my distaste for the phone has increased because it’s become very attractive to use it much more than I should. When I’m not using it or not close to it, there is a low-grade anxiety that surely can’t be a good sign.
Candidly, using my phone and my computer less is an ongoing battle that I’m still fighting. My biggest success has been leaning into analog habits. Things that happen away from the digital world may be at a slower pace but definitely at a more connected pace. Not by going off the grid or quitting technology altogether, but by weaving in what I call “analog moments” — small, intentional habits that help me slow down, recharge, and experience life more fully.
Here are some of the analog practices I’ve built into my life that make a big difference.
I’ve written on this blog how audiobooks allow me to enjoy more books, and more frequently, too. But, physical books and magazines absolutely have their place, too! There’s something about holding printed pages that slows me down … in a good way.
I lean into audio books for longer reads. I lean into physical books for shorter, inspirational reads. Recently I started planning a visit to Maine backcountry by looking through a few physical copies of hiking guides. ChatGPT may be amazing for building itineraries, but it’s more enjoyable to me to look at pictures offline and imagine the enjoyment of the experience away from a computer screen. I’m also a huge fan of physical books for shorter, inspirational reads. A recent favorite has been Chris Dorris’s “The Book of Mental Toughness Mantras”. Each mantra is a two-minute read and a great way to focus my mind before I start work for the day.
I also love printed magazines as a great way to disconnect from the digital world. Call me old school, but I love the idea of a printed magazine inspiring me. About some article or new thought. I subscribe to a few favorite magazines that I enjoy regularly. Dwell fuels my thinking around architecture and design. National Geographic draws me in with its stunning photography and deep dives into nature and science. Flipping through a magazine, dog-earing pages, and seeing visuals in print hits differently than swiping through a screen.
How building a strong reading habit improves productivity and perspective
One of my favorite analog rituals is journaling. I sit down with a notebook and pen and let thoughts flow onto the page. I keep my journaling simple and bite-sized, so it’s consistent without being overwhelming.
There are plenty of productivity apps out there, but for me, pen and paper is therapeutic. Writing something down and then seeing it in front of you brings a sense of calm and clarity that no app can replicate.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in the journal I use, head to my Justin’s Recommend page for a link to purchase. I’ve tried lots of journals, and the reason I love this one is because it doesn’t require a lot of effort to keep up with it. If I feel inspired to write more than what fits on the page, I can always keep a second journal to add extra entries to.
I’ve tried plenty of productivity apps for keeping track of tasks and TODOs, and I still come back to a notebook. I like the feeling of actually writing down my list on a piece of paper where I can see it and check things off. It’s easy to go back and look at what I was thinking about yesterday, last week, last month, or even last year. Another huge reason I love a notebook is its perfect for meetings. It looks rude taking notes on your phone during a meeting vs. very focused and engaged jotting down notes on a physical notebook. Plus it gives me an excuse to be away from a screen.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in the notebook I use, head to my Justin’s Recommend page for a link to purchase. I’ve tried quite a few before settling on the one that I really like.
With writing comes pens. I’ve discovered that pens can be a joyous art instead of a tedious chore. They’re more of an art form than I ever realized, and it’s a surprisingly deep rabbit hole. A good pen makes me want to write more — and the more I write, the more curious I get about pens. It’s a self-reinforcing analog habit that keeps me grounded.
Another analog ritual for me is making coffee. I’m a French press guy and I love the process of creating the perfect cup every morning. It’s not just about caffeine — it’s the ritual of selecting freshly roasted beans, grinding them, going through the brewing process, and then choosing a favorite mug.
Over time, I’ve started collecting mugs that remind me of trips, people, and experiences. Drinking coffee from one of those mugs turns a simple cup into a moment of reflection. It connects me to memories and makes the ritual even more meaningful.
Walking is one of my favorite ways to unplug. Getting outside, away from screens, clears my head. Even better, I like pairing walks with meaningful conversations. Catching up with someone while moving together through nature feels different from sitting across a table with phones buzzing nearby. It creates space for deeper dialogue.
How time in nature creates space for clarity and connection.
Finally, one of the most important analog practices I’ve embraced is organizing and attending in-person events. In a world where most connection happens online, there’s something powerful about gathering in the same physical space with people you want to invest in.
I think it’s a lost art worth bringing back — slowing down enough to be truly present, without the constant pull of notifications and digital distractions.
The power of gathering in-person to recharge and connect.
For me, an “analog life” isn’t about rejecting technology. It’s about creating balance. These analog moments — reading, writing, coffee rituals, walking, and face-to-face connection — help me slow down, reset, and find clarity. They counterbalance the digital noise that fills so much of my day.
I’m grateful for the digital tools that make life easier. But I’m equally grateful for the simple, analog habits that keep me grounded.
👉 What about you? What’s one analog moment you’d like to create in your life — something offline that helps you slow down and feel more present?
