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One of the biggest trends of 2026 is going to be analog activities. The analog revolution has already begun and spread across social channels like TikTok, Substack, and Instagram. With the rise of AI, algorithm updates, and pervasive technology, people are craving simple ways to detox and get away from mindlessly scrolling and consuming online.
Whether you’re looking to unplug after work, for the summer season, or want to intentionally integrate screen-free activities into your daily life, there are so many practical and engaging ways to stimulate your mind without the use of a screen. We’ve rounded up 12 easy analog activities to try this year.
What are analog activities?
Analog activities are screen-free hobbies or interests that require you to interact directly with the real world. Whether that’s crafting, cooking, or gardening, there are so many tactile things you can do to separate from your social media, Netflix binge, or online shopping spree.
1. Read a Book or Physical Media Before Bed
After a long day at work or a busy weekend, you may not have much time to squeeze in a lengthy reading session. We recommend reading for a bit before you go to bed, whether you choose to read a novel, a book on your Kindle, or other physical media — like magazines or a new cookbook.
Make it a goal to squeeze in 15-20 minutes of reading time when you can. Of course, you can read as much as you’d like, but setting small goals is a good way to integrate it into your daily routine.
Kindle Paperwhite
The New Yorker
2. Host a Crafting Girl’s Night
Crafting has taken on a whole new meaning because of social media. In fact, content creators are encouraging the movement by posting fun craft night ideas. Plus, it’s fairly easy to coordinate. All you have to do is send out a text to invite your friends, have everyone pitch in supplies depending on the type of craft, and enjoy each other’s company while you craft and eat yummy snacks.
3. Draw or Paint in Your Free Time
A great way to unwind on the weekend or after work is to take time to draw or paint. If you don’t know where to start, there are so many great tutorials on YouTube. However, to go completely screen-free, have fun with the process and create a sketch or painting that’s completely spontaneous.
4. Write in a Journal
Journaling is most likely the most therapeutic analog activity. Take a moment at the start or end of each day to write what you’re grateful for, some goals you wish to achieve, or talk about the events of your day. It’s a great way to process your thoughts as they come.
Papier Lined Notebook
Papier Fineliners Pens
5. Gardening
During the warmer seasons of the year, gardening is a great tactical activity to get you outside. We’ve grown to love planting our own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the spring and summer. Not to mention, potting flowers in the spring always instantly boosts our mood. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at all you can grow in a short amount of time.
6. Cooking or Baking
Cooking a dinner or baking a sweet treat is one of our favorite analog activities. We cook our dinners almost every day of the week and will bake cookies or brownies once every week to enjoy or give to neighbors. Although the process canseem intimidating at first, we’ve gotten so much better at it over the years.
Not only does the food taste better than ordering food out, but it’s become a lifestyle choice that makes us more grateful for the food we eat.
Cook Like a Pro Cookbook
What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking
7. Scrapbooking
As children of the 90s, we grew up scrapbooking with our mom. Every summer, we would make a scrapbook for all our adventures. We always loved creating each page and making it special, so this year, we’re challenging ourselves to sit down and start a scrapbook. Imagine if you documented little moments throughout the year. By the end of December, you’d have a really cool memory book to look back on.
8. Play an Instrument
Maybe you played an instrument when you were younger. Maybe you always dreamed of playing the guitar or the piano. This year, take the risk and play the instrument. Whether you hire someone to teach you or watch YouTube videos to learn basic chords and technique, you’ll never regret learning the skill.
9. Start a Mahjong Group
Mahjong is by far the most popular game to play right now. We love gathering our friends and neighbors to play. It seems a bit overwhelming to learn, but after the first couple of games, something clicks, and you can’t stop playing.
Plus, the tiles are so fun to buy. We’ve started collecting sets, and it’s fun to switch out the tiles each game to spice things up a bit.
Oh My Mahjong Gam Bundle
Pink Mahjong Tile Set
10. Install a Landline in Your Home
If you’re a ’90s or early 2000s kid, then you remember what a landline phone is. You most likely called your friends on it after school and on the weekends. In recent months, there’s been a push to start integrating the landline back into your home. It’s become a way of reconnecting with the technology of the past and continuing to connect with friends in a more tangible way than texting on the screen.
11. Visit a Museum
We are museum girlies through and through. We love visiting gorgeous art museums, natural history museums, and bigcity zoos. It’s a great way to learn and immerse yourself in a different culture. Plus, we always walk away with a new perspective and appreciation for the world. Take some time this weekend to visit a local museum, or if you’re visiting a new city, find the best spots to visit.
12. Start a New Sport
Whether it’s pickleball, tennis, basketball, or a run club, starting a new sport at your local recreation center is a great way to stay active and spend your time. Plus, it’s an amazing way to meet people and get connected in the community.
2-Player Pickleball Set
