In a world that is full of constant phone buzzes, ever-present screens, and instant communication, it’s no wonder that we’re all collectively longing to step back into a slower, analog way of living. While an “analog life” doesn’t necessarily mean ditching technology altogether, it does mean creating more moments where you are focused on the present instead of your screens. The good news is that it only takes a few small tweaks to feel more grounded in the day-to-day, and your home is a great place to start.
Without even realizing it, you’ve likely optimized your home for today’s technology, from where your TV sits to how you listen to music or check the time. Try these eight simple home changes to shift your space away from constant stimulation and toward a calmer, quieter way of living.
1. Invest in a magazine rack
Sometimes staying off your phone looks as simple as keeping other activities and media within reach. Adding a magazine rack to your space (along with subscribing to a few of your favorite print publications) will not only enhance the aesthetics but will also encourage you to spend more time engaged in physical media. You can also keep activity books in there, such as coloring books or ones filled with crossword puzzles and word searches, for when boredom strikes and you’re tempted to dive into the short-form video rabbit hole again (whew, that was a close call!).
2. Change your TV placement
Why did we as a society decide that the TV should be the center of our living rooms? If you’re tired of your living room’s focus being on the television, consider changing its placement. Instead of placing the TV directly in front of the main couch or seating situation, put it in the corner or off to the side, so that all the chairs and couches aren’t directly facing it. While it might feel weird at first, you’ll find that there are more opportunities for conversation throughout your day (especially when you have guests over) or simply relaxing without the need to turn on the TV. When the TV isn’t the automatic focal point, it becomes more of a choice and less of a default.
3. Start using an actual alarm clock
While you may have an alarm clock on your bedside, when was the last time you actually used it for its intended purpose? It’s time to turn off the bajillion alarms you have set on your phone, and instead set an actual alarm clock to wake you up in the morning. Not only will it add one more analog item to your space, but you’ll also be less tempted to scroll on your phone immediately after waking up. In fact, if you have an alarm clock, there’s no need for your phone to be in your bedroom at all.
4. Display cookbooks in the kitchen
Instead of keeping cookbooks tucked away inside a cabinet or on a high shelf, take a note from any Nancy Meyers film, and display them where you’ll actually see them: stacked on your countertop, on a stand, or on an open shelf. Flipping through a physical cookbook will make for easy cooking inspiration when you need dinner ideas. Plus, it’s much less distracting than opening a recipe on your phone (and accidentally checking three other apps along the way). Even choosing one night a week to cook exclusively from a cookbook can make dinner a more creative, calming process. And you’ll find yourself looking for new cookbooks to add to your collection (I love looking for them at thrift stores and used bookstores!).
5. Place a record player in a central location
Instead of leaning on your phone for background noise, turning to a record player will make listening to music feel much more intentional. It encourages you to experience an album all the way through, instead of skipping from song to song, and naturally creates pauses, from flipping the record to choosing the next one. Plus, the setup itself is undeniably dreamy, and there’s something so satisfying about collecting and physically holding your favorite records. Place your record player in the living room, kitchen, or some other central location to make listening to records part of your daily rhythm (pun intended).
6. Curate a stack of coffee table books
Other than imbuing a bit of personality into your space, displaying a curated selection of coffee table books will give you something to reach for when you’re tired of looking at screens. Plus, they often spark conversation when guests are over. Choose books that reflect your interests, and let them live in arm’s reach. Whether you’re interested in fashion, travel, photography, film, or design, flipping through a coffee table book is basically like Pinterest IRL.
7. Add a mechanical timer to your kitchen
There’s something that feels so grounding about turning a tangible dial instead of tapping a screen. Whether you’re cooking dinner, steeping tea, or doing a short cleaning burst, a mechanical timer will help you stay off your phone during the process. No more accidentally getting swept up in emails while just trying to figure out how much time the pasta has left to boil (we’ve all been there). You can’t help but love the little added touch of early-2000s nostalgia.
8. Invest in a landline phone
These days, home phones feel like a relic from the past. And while a landline may not help you stay off your phone entirely, it does encourage taking a small step back from constant technology and toward connection with the people you love. Having a home phone allows you to keep your cell tucked away while still being reachable, so you can chill out knowing that if someone really needed something from you, they could call. It also makes calling people feel more deliberate; no more endless notifications and the temptation to scroll while on the phone.
If you’re not ready to commit to a separate home phone plan, consider purchasing an adapter that can connect your mobile phone to a landline. This allows you to keep your same number and use your phone plan as usual. Pick out your home phone of choice—there are plenty of retro, colorful landlines on the market (coil cord and all)—and start chatting!
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
Feature graphic images credited to: Lotte Nielsen | Dupe, Creative Market, Amazon, Target, Urban Outfitters
