Running Through It: Conversations about running, resiliency and real-life

,

50 Analog Hobbies to Slow Your Mind Down

Analog hobbies have gotten quite popular in recent years. More and more people are trying to disconnect and avoid the pitfalls of the doomscroll (me included).

What’s an analog hobby? Analog hobbies are screen-free activities. The experience of doing something enjoyable without a screen present slows your brain down and is also said to help manage serotonin and dopamine levels.

I first heard about analog hobbies in an ADHD support group I’m in. The idea of slowing my brain down and keeping my screens away enticed me. My mind likes to run on the treadmill, often. Racing thoughts are debilitating for me. When my mind races, I get distracted and anxious, easily. Finding a solution would be nice, I thought.

For me, symptoms of my ADHD get worse when I am staring at multiple screens per day, doom scrolling. Being obsessed with having my phone on me doesn’t help my overall mental health either. I am trying my best to find ways to disconnect from my phone, and I am doing that by engaging in hobbies that don’t require screens.

Some of my favorite analog hobbies include running, journaling, practicing yoga, thrifting/antiquing, kayaking, and playing with my pets. These have not only helped my mind calm down, but I truly enjoy these types of hobbies. 

Below is a list of 50 Analog Hobbies to Slow Your Mind Down. A big thank you to my mom and sister who helped me come up with some ideas by including their own favorite analog hobbies.

I’d love to hear what your favorite analog hobbies are! Let me know in the comments. 

  1. Reading (no e-readers)
  2. Writing (in a journal, notebook, etc. not a screen!)
  3. Cooking/baking
  4. Decorating a space in your home
  5. Puzzles
  6. Gardening
  7. Making gratitude lists
  8. Painting
  9. Drawing
  10. Coloring
  11. Photography
  12. Working out (running, hiking, lifting weights, etc)
  13. Fishing
  14. Kayaking
  15. Collecting and cleaning rocks
  16. Collaging 
  17. Caring for pets…taking them on a walk and helping them get cuddly
  18. Crosswords
  19. Playing cards
  20. Playing board games
  21. Listening to podcasts
  22. Listening to music
  23. Collecting vinyl
  24. Sewing/knitting
  25. Dancing
  26. Attending a live music 
  27. Attending sports games
  28. Legos
  29. Meditating 
  30. Reading/writing poetry
  31. Scrapbooking/Junk Journaling
  32. Playing an instrument
  33. Cloud watching/star gazing
  34. Enjoying nature and the outdoors
  35. Setting goals and planning for the future
  36. Vacation Planning and ideas
  37. Creating Manifesting/ Dream Boards
  38. Volunteering
  39. Taking long baths
  40. Thrifting and going to garage sales
  41. Exploring new cafes
  42. Scavenger hunting
  43. Geocaching
  44. Upcycling furniture 
  45. Flying kites
  46. Going to the library
  47. Re-arrange a room in your home
  48. Cross stitching/sewing
  49. Meal prepping/planning
  50. Bird watching

What are your favorite analog hobbies?

What is one activity on the list that you haven’t tried yet but would be willing to?

pmcdonaldmi
, , , , , ,

Leave a comment