As I caught up on blog reading over the past week, the word analog popped up a couple of times prompting me to consider the pitfalls of spending too much time in the online world. Read on for 10 ways to choose analog over digital in our everyday lives.  

The first post that brought this to my attention was from my friend Vicki who told the story of a former student who carries an “analog bag”. The term was new to me, but it’s a bag of things to support “self care on the fly” as a readily available alternative to mindless scrolling.

A little while later, I read a Substack post from Anne Marie Bonneau—better known as the Zero Waste Chef. The post discusses the environmental impact of AI and data centres. Bonneau concludes that “analog looks better and better” and urges us to try to ditch screens when possible.

These pieces were a reminder of the cost and perils of our digital lives and highlighted the need to find non-digital ways to fill our days.

Analog defined

Analog is one of those words that has morphed in modern usage.

My good old-fashioned “analog” Collins Canadian Dictionary defines analogue (Canadian spelling) as “displaying information by means of a dial.” That aligns with the most common usage I know—an analog clock. People of my vintage may remember those from back in the days when clocks had hands rather than a digital display. 

Times have changed and language evolves. A quick look at dictionary.com revealed the following definition: “relating to or denoting an activity, process, etc., that is not online or computerized but that can also exist or happen with the help of such technology”.

It’s interesting how the language we use has kept pace with our use of technology.

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The blessing and curse of technology

Like most people, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with technology.

On the positive side, I love how technology keeps us connected. I couldn’t stand the thought of my daughters living so far away if we didn’t have video calls and our family group chat to stay in touch on a daily basis.

On the other hand, I see how intrusive technology can be if left unchecked. It can easily take over our lives and warp our view of the world. No matter how hard we try to keep our online activities positive, algorithms put things on our feeds that just make us angry and frustrated.

Interestingly, August is International Peace Month. What better way to restore peace in our daily lives than choosing analog over digital. But how?

10 ways to embrace analog

I’m not suggesting we ditch our devices and turn into Luddites. But if, like me, you find yourself reaching for your devices instinctively or out of boredom, here are 10 analog alternatives you can easily make today.

• Read real books. I find I concentrate better with a real book, so I borrow books from the library and only read e-books when I travel.
• Send handwritten notes and cards. Most people love getting mail and there’s nothing like the sight of a handwritten greeting in your mailbox.
• Shop local at real stores where you can touch, feel, and try on items before you buy.
• Play cards and board games instead of online games.
• Grab a pen and paper and embrace the art of hand writing meeting notes, blog posts, poetry or whatever else you need to write. Science shows the act of handwriting engages our brains differently and improves memory and learning.
• Choose jigsaw puzzles and puzzle books as alternatives to online versions.
• Engage in hobbies that don’t require a device: crafts, gardening, hiking, music, and cooking are just a few simple examples.
• Write your daily to do list on a paper calendar or day planner. You’ll feel immense satisfaction every time you check an item off your list.
• Call someone on the phone instead of messaging.
• Walk outdoors with no devices. This summer, I’ve been listening to the Anne of Green Gables series on audiobook during my morning walks. As I reach the end of the series, I think I’ll go back to simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

I’ve already adopted many of these habits and plan to make a conscious effort to reduce my screen time further.

What are your thoughts on choosing analog over digital? Are there other activities you’d add to this list? Drop me a comment below and let me know.