I hate to admit it, but my screentime is embarrassingly high. I cringe when I get my screentime notification every week because—try as I might—it feels impossible to stay off my phone. Anyone else? Social media and cell phones aren’t going anywhere, of course, so quitting completely and living off-grid isn’t exactly realistic. But this is the year I’m determined to replace my scrolling with something else.
As a millennial, I’m thrilled to see ‘90s nostalgia creep its way back into pop culture. I remember a time before social media and endless scrolling, and I find myself longing for simpler times. Analog hobbies feel like a balm—activities that are meant to help you slow down, focus, and get creative, all without a screen in sight. If you’re similarly looking for more screen-free ways to spend your time, here are 10 fun analog hobbies to try instead of scrolling on your phone this year.
1. Needlepoint
I’ve personally fallen head over heels in love with needlepoint. It’s super trendy right now, so even if you hadn’t yet hopped on the bandwagon, your TikTok feed may already be sprinkled with needlepoint content and WIP Wednesdays. That is, work-in-progress needlepoint projects the girlies are sharing to their feeds. Needlepoint isn’t new, but the past couple of years have seen a surge of millennial and Gen Z women diving in headfirst, and I am so here for it.
Not to be confused with cross stitch, needlepoint is a type of hand embroidery done on a mesh canvas. It’s essentially paint-by-number, just with stitches instead of paint. This is the ultimate slow, analog hobby—perfect for winding down after work or enjoying on a lazy Saturday morning. Diving in can be a little intimidating, since there are lots of canvases and threads to choose from, but I suggest finding a beginner kit that comes with all the supplies included. You’ll have everything you need to get started! Mini canvases are quick and easy to start with (this butter canvas was my very first project!), and I’m working my way through this leopard clutch canvas from Needlepoint.com now. It’s beginner-friendly and so cute!
2. Coloring
Who knew that coloring as an adult would be just as calming as it is for kids? You can now find adult coloring books to match any interest or aesthetic, with designs that range from intricate and detailed to soothing and simple. Invest in a good set of colored pencils, then find a book that suits your vibe! I personally love the brand Coco Wyo (their designs are so cute!) and mini coloring books from A Brighter Year. If you feel overwhelmed by full, highly detailed coloring pages, the mini pages are a perfect place to start. You can practice coloring inside the lines with simple designs that only require using a few colors at a time.
3. Reading
Growing up, I read voraciously. It was a daily practice that was ingrained in me at school, as well as in my childhood home, but my reading habit slowly dropped off over time. These days, I feel like I never have time to read, but in reality, I’m just using that time to scroll on my phone instead. To get back into it, pick up your Kindle, or better yet, an actual book, and start with just 10 to 15 minutes a day. Reading can lower stress, help you wind down, and provide endless entertainment, no screen required. Bedtime reading is way better than bedtime scrolling, if you ask me.
4. Sending snail mail
Handwriting letters back and forth feels way more romantic and creative than sending a text or an email, don’t you think? For a more intentional way to keep up with friends and family, start sending physical birthday cards in the mail, write handwritten notes to long-distance loved ones, or make a point to send a postcard back home whenever you’re traveling. If you want to expand your network a bit, find a pen pal through a site like PenPal or Global Penfriends and start swapping letters with someone across the globe. You could also join a snail mail club like this one! In exchange for a small monthly fee, you’ll receive an envelope full of fun surprises like postcards, stickers, letters, journal prompts, and other paper goods. Checking the mail just got a lot more exciting!
5. Cooking and baking
Meal prepping can sometimes feel stressful, but when I’m able to slow down and savor the process, I enjoy it so much more. Instead of thinking about cooking as something I have to do, I’m reframing it as a hobby with the help of cookbooks and a little romanticizing. Something about leafing through a cookbook, choosing a recipe, and preparing it step by step brings me so much calm. Working your way through a cookbook is also a great way to keep your hobby going! I’m currently working my way through Ina Garten’s Modern Comfort Food, as well as Broma Bakery’s Sweet Tooth. Let this be your sign to put your phone away, turn on a fun playlist, and prepare a meal or a sweet treat just for fun.
6. Solo dates
Last year, I completed a 12-week creativity course called The Artist’s Way, and one major aspect of the program is taking yourself on solo creativity dates. Julia Cameron, the author of the program, calls them “artist dates,” and I want to continue them into the new year. The goal is to feed your creativity by venturing out of the house (and outside your comfort zone) to experience something new and fun. That could mean exploring a museum, trying a new restaurant, or just wandering around a bookstore by yourself for an afternoon. While you could do many of these things with friends or a partner, I like the idea of giving myself the freedom to go alone to see what I learn. It’s an opportunity to get out and about, try something new, and forget my phone exists for a while.
7. Paint-by-number
Paint-by-number kits are so calming—perfect for shutting off your brain, vibing to a playlist, and just painting. I love them so much because you don’t have to think too hard or have any special artistic skills, and it’s easy to get into a flow state once you start. If you want to start out small, Michaels has mini paint-by-number kits that come with a frame and a magnet that I highly recommend. I have a few of them displayed on the side of my fridge, and it’s like a little gallery wall! These mini projects will likely take you an afternoon, but if you’re looking for a more involved project you can work on over time, try a large paint-by-number canvas and frame it once you’re done.
8. Junk journaling
It’s so easy to let all your photos (and memories!) sit in your phone’s camera roll without ever seeing the light of day. It takes effort to print and arrange meaningful images into something tangible, but that’s the appeal! Junk journaling helps preserve a moment in time with a collage of ticket stubs, receipts, coffee cup sleeves, labels from shopping bags, and more. Creating something with your hands is a beautiful way to stay present and honor specific times in your life—whether it’s a big event or just a random Tuesday.
9. Gardening
Martha Stewart famously said, “If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, make a garden.” Even if you only have an apartment balcony to work with, tending to plants is the perfect slow, analog hobby. Now is the perfect time to make plans for one, so you’ll be ready to start planting come spring. Whether you want to grow flowers, greenery, or vegetables and fruit, a garden is sure to keep you on your toes. If you need some pointers, head to a local nursery and ask for help starting one!
10. Taking in-person classes
One way to get off your phone is to get out of the house and learn something new. Joining a class can be a great way to build community and foster face-to-face connections you simply can’t make on a screen. Try a new workout class, sign up for a language learning course, dabble in adult dance classes, or explore art workshops like pottery or watercolor painting. The possibilities are endless, so follow your curiosity and search for classes in your area to see what’s available. I took a sewing class last year and would love to learn mahjong this year!
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.
