Go Analog (and Give Your Phone a Break Already)
We’re a bit too cozy with our phones. They wake us up, guide us through traffic, organize our lives, remind us to drink water, and even track our steps while we pace the kitchen waiting for the coffee to brew. They're basically our pocket-sized life assistants—but that kind of reliance comes at a cost. Ever feel that tiny jolt of panic when your phone isn't within arm's reach? Yep. Guilty.
This week’s tip: go analog. Strip a few responsibilities away from your phone and hand them off to good ol’ fashioned tools. The fewer reasons you have to pick it up, the less likely you are to tumble down the rabbit hole of unread emails, impulse purchases, and cat videos. (No shade to the cats.)
Ditch the Digital Wake-Up Call
Your first move? Buy an alarm clock. Seriously. If the very first thing you touch in the morning is your phone, chances are you’re not just turning off the alarm. Suddenly you're checking texts, scrolling headlines, and deep into a Reddit thread on how to train raccoons. An actual alarm clock lets you charge your phone across the room—or, wild idea, in a completely different room—and reclaim your mornings.
This is the alarm clock I use, best $17 I’ve ever spent.
*This post contains affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.
Paper Planners: Because Scribbles Are Satisfying
Sure, phone calendars are efficient. But paper planners are aesthetic. If you love doodling, color-coding, or just the tactile joy of pen and paper, try keeping a physical calendar. It’s functional and fun—and it won't ping you with "urgent" notifications while you're scheduling your next dentist appointment. Bonus: you now have an excuse to buy cute stationery.
Cookbooks Are the New Pinterest
Yes, the internet is bursting with recipes. But if you’re always reaching for your phone in the kitchen, chances are you end up watching a video about 18th-century bread-making instead of making dinner. Start your own recipe book with your go-to meals. That way, meal planning doesn’t turn into another accidental hour online.
This is my go-to recipe book! It has enough space for 144 recipes!
*This post contains affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.
Journal Like It’s 1999
Journaling is having a renaissance. A little notebook can replace your Notes app for ideas, to-dos, rants, dreams, and shower thoughts. Keep one on hand. It’s like your brain’s external hard drive, minus the battery drain.
This is the journal I use to track my daily thoughts, goals, and ideas!
*This post contains affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.
Phones are great. They're smart. They're helpful. They're also a little clingy. Giving some of their duties to analog alternatives won’t make your life harder—it might just make your mind a little quieter. And hey, if you can break the habit before it spirals into another 45-minute scroll-fest, you’re already winning.
