The Beginnings of an Analog Life

 At the beginning of 2026 I joined an analog life challenge somewhere (honestly I think IG but it could have been anywhere). I was (am?) making a concerted effort to lower my anxiety level and I decided that steering away from social media wouldn't be a bad thing.

Step one: I set limits on social media. Specifically Facebook and Instagram. I gave myself 3 hours per day of mindless scrolling. I have stuck to that pretty closely, however, I would love to get it a little lower. Maybe I will make a goal of no more than 2 hours in 2027. 

Step two: Limit mindless TV viewing. Honestly, this was super duper easy. I don't love watching TV for the sake of watching TV. I will watch if there's a movie I have been waiting for or even occasionally a TV show but honestly I hate getting sucked into a series. I like short series. Case in point, although I love the Gilmore Girls, I have never seen the whole show. I will, however, watch a show with people so I do manage to get through them that way. If the person I watch that show with isn't there, then I don't watch.

Step three: Increase book reading. I am an avid reader. I have multiple books in progress at one time. Roughly 1 audiobook, 1 kindle book (sometimes 2 if I am reading one on my phone and 1 on the kindle), a physical fiction book, a physical self-help type book and a physical devotional or Bible study book. That doesn't count Bible reading. I have three copies of the Bible that I keep in my Bible study basket. 

Step four: Porch sitting. This might seem like an odd step in living an analog life, but let me tell you about the peace it gives me to sit on the porch. If you are on the porch, you aren't tempted to turn on the TV. I like to put down my phone and just exist out there. I have a hammock chair swing that wraps you up tight and it is literally my favorite place to be.

How's it going?

It could be better, but I am thrilled with the emotional progress that I have made this year. I am calmer and don't react like a crazy woman if any little thing happens. I know that this isn't all due to avoiding the digital world, but I think it definitely helps AND if you aren't reaching for your phone to mindlessly scroll or the remote to turn on the TV, you are more likely to sit in quiet or reach for a book. I've read 71 books so far this year. Can I get to 100? I am not sure, but maybe. 

If you would like to join me in furthering this journey I will absolutely be carrying this into 2027. I still rely on my phone for recipes, pattern instructions and connection with friends and family. So I don't know how much I'll be willing to give it up. I am looking forward to seeing where the journey takes me though. 

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