The goal for 2026? To live like it’s 1996. What’s old is new again: magazine subscriptions, record players, and postcards are in; doom scrolls are out. This year, we’re avoiding the algorithms and going analog.
While a total departure from the digital world might not be possible during the week, Saturday and Sunday are perfect days to unplug. Let your close friends and family know you’re logging off, then do just that. Whether you’re disconnecting for a full 48 hours or an afternoon, hold yourself accountable. Stay off socials. Silence notifications. Lock your phone in a drawer. And make a plan for what you’ll do instead of refreshing your FYP.
A screen-free weekend isn’t just trendy; it’s healthy. Swapping screen time for analog activities like cross-stitching, journaling, and thrifting can improve your mental health, regulate your nervous system, and boost creativity. So stock up on pens, paper, and a roll of film, because you’re about to become chronically offline. Here are 12 screen-free activities to try for a fully analog weekend.
1. Send letters in the mail
Who says you have to be on social media to be social? Reconnect with your loved ones by mailing them a handwritten letter or postcard from your travels. It’ll mean so much more than another Instagram DM. Plus, it gives you an excuse to start collecting cute postage stamps and other stationery items.
2. Make art
This is your sign to get crafty. Start an embroidery project, play with watercolors, or try your hand at calligraphy for some therapeutic me-time. You don’t need expensive supplies—whether you’re painting, scrapbooking, or junk journaling, you can experiment with whatever you already have at home. The key is to focus on creating, rather than consuming content online.
3. Join (or organize!) a book club
Is your New Year’s resolution to read more? Join the (book) club. These meet-ups are one of the best ways to make new friends, lower your screen time, and stay committed to your literary goals. Check with your local library or favorite independent bookstore to find book clubs near you, or round up some friends and start your own. Be sure to think through some logistics, such as when and where the group will gather for discussions, how you’ll choose books, and if you’ll focus on a specific genre or theme.
4. Assemble a photo album
In the age of digital camera rolls with unlimited storage, there’s something special about preserving memories in a physical album. Take time to print out and catalog your favorite snapshots, from the big events like weddings and birthdays to the little everyday moments. Your photo album can even double as a coffee table book, adding a personal touch and a conversation starter to your living room.
5. Follow a cookbook recipe
Spend an afternoon baking or sautéing like in the days before the World Wide Web. Open up a cookbook (no ads in sight!), pick a recipe, write a grocery list on a pad of paper, then get busy in the kitchen. You’ll feel so much more productive and relaxed after an hour or two of cooking instead of scrolling.
6. Conduct research for fun
Interested in a niche topic like astronomy, climate change, or interior design? Visit your local library and learn everything there is to know about it, just because. Instead of Googling questions or asking ChatGPT, turn to textbooks, research studies, and maybe even an encyclopedia for the answers. Make copies of your favorite pages, highlight intriguing sections, and take notes on index cards. The excitement of learning something new will be a major dopamine hit.
7. Meet your friends at a coffee shop
Is there anything more evocative of the ‘90s than a wholesome coffeehouse hangout? Do as Monica and Rachel would do and catch up with your favorite people over a latte and a muffin. Keep your phone out of sight to stay in the present moment, and encourage your friends to do the same. Everyone might enjoy it so much that it’ll become a recurring meet-up.
8. Shoot film photography
Be intentional about the moments you capture with a point-and-shoot or disposable camera. For the ideal screen-free weekend activity, make a whole day out of it. Go on a hike, explore a new neighborhood, or set up an at-home studio to create portraits of your friends. The experience of taking film photos will be just as memorable as the photos themselves.
9. Get into gardening
Put your green thumb to good use and start a gardening hobby. Whether you want to grow leafy greens, root vegetables, herbs, or flowers, the winter months are an ideal time to plan what you’ll plant come spring. And if you want to get your hands dirty today, all you’ll need is a small pot, soil, and sunlight to begin tending to your houseplant of choice.
10. Host a luncheon
Channel your inner Martha Stewart and invite a few friends over for a chic mid-day meal. Make it a celebration with a vintage tablecloth, colorful flower arrangements, and a signature mocktail. Opt for a low-key menu (think croissant sandwiches or pasta salad) that’s quick to put together, so you can spend more time yapping with your guests.
11. Go thrifting
Shopping secondhand isn’t only eco-friendly and economical; it’s fun. New-to-you designer clothing, unique home decor, books, and more can all be found at your local thrift store. Whether or not you score a vintage jacket or antique vase, the search is half the fun. At least you didn’t make another impulse purchase on TikTok shop!
12. Take a tech-free walk
When’s the last time you left the house without your headphones? Next time you’re getting your steps in, enjoy the walk without a playlist, podcast, or phone call to preoccupy you. Observe your surroundings, focus on your breathing, and let your mind wander for a more mindful, meditative experience.
Emma Guillen, Contributing Writer
Emma is an NYC-based writer with a master’s in communication from Boston University. She’s currently on the brand authority team at Macy’s, bringing print and digital campaigns to life for the country’s most iconic retailer. Beyond The Everygirl, Emma’s editorial work has been featured in publications like POPSUGAR, HelloGiggles, and Darling Magazine, among others.
