On Analog Hobbies: Fall Edition
I’m fully embracing outdoor activities this fall, but soon the sun will set before I’m quite ready for it to, and we’ll be spending more time indoors.
Many analog hobbies lend themselves naturally to indoor activities, so I thought we could explore some ideas for spending our free time doing things that help us slow down, get a little lost in the moment, and have some fun.
“Analog” is a trend spanning generations right now, especially for those of us with a soft spot for nostalgia. With so many changes happening in the world, there’s a certain comfort in these activities. They offer time away from the screens, without the pressure to optimize, achieve, or get anything right. They invite us to reconnect with ourselves and our creativity, learn something new, or simply enjoy the process. And they support our mental well-being, too.
So this fall, I encourage you to try a few screen-free activities. I’ve written a list of ideas below to help you get started. You might be surprised by how much joy you find in the process.
Be well,
Annette
Founder, Season Journals
P.S. My current favorites? Puzzling, trying new recipes, journaling, and book club.
Write It
Journal Prompts
What analog hobbies do I enjoy?
What’s something new I’d like to try?
When can I make time for this in my schedule?
Would I enjoy doing this on my own or with someone else?
What’s one small step I can take to get started?
How do I feel after I’ve participated in an analog activity?
Say It
Affirmations
I give myself time to slow down and be present in the moment.
I am creative.
I find joy in the process, not just the outcome.
Try It
Fall Analog Hobby Ideas
Choose two hobbies from this list (or come up with your own) to incorporate into your life during November. If you need more inspiration, get lost in your local stationery store, bookstore, library, or art supply store.
Bonus points if you can make time for your activity at least once a week. Consider trading some screen time for analog time. You might find you have more room for these activities than you think!
Get Creative
Draw, paint, or color
Make jewelry
Take up knitting, sewing, or another textile craft
Make a collage or scrapbook
Frame and hang your photos
Enjoy the Kitchen
Cook a new recipe
Cook without a recipe
Write and catalog your family recipes
Host a cookbook dinner party
Bake for your friends or community
Connect with Music
Learn or play an instrument
Collect and play records
Make a mixtape
Take a dance class
See live music
Find Joy in the Written Word
Journal
Write and send a letter or card to a friend
Subscribe to a magazine
Get the newspaper in print
Join a book club
Play and Unwind
Work on a puzzle
Play cards
Do the Sunday crossword
Build with LEGO
Host a game night
Explore It
Resources & Links
Learn how to re-balance your digital habits (Mental Health Commission of Canada)
Read one poll’s findings on how weekly creative activities improved participants’ mental health (American Psychiatric Association)
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