It’s no secret that we all spend more time on our phones and technology than any generation before us. But what if there was a way to shift our habits in a healthier direction? A new movement known as analogue wellness has surfaced as a beautiful rebellion to the increasing digital world.
Put simply, analogue wellness is the practice of intentionally unplugging from digital devices to engage in tactile, screen-free activities. And with 2024’s Word of the Year being ‘brain rot’ - the mental exhaustion that comes from constant digital engagement - the trend couldn’t have come at a better time.
Yes, it’s scary to look at the stats of screen time on our phones, or consider how often we’re checking emails or apps. Which is why this trend isn’t asking us to completely ditch tech or even look at technology as a negative thing. It simply invites us to find a little more balance between our on and offline time, with the inclusion of more mindful, offline activities.
And the results are already in - analogue wellness improves our mental clarity and focus, reduces stress, improves sleep quality, and even cultivates stronger relationships.
Are we really that digitally engaged?
Did you know that our brains are consuming more information than ever before - and it’s only increasing! The average person now consumes a jaw-dropping 74 gigabytes of information every day, with this figure rising by around 5% every year. Alarmingly, just 500 years ago, a highly educated person would have taken in about 74 gigabytes of information in their entire lifetime.
Consider how many reels we scroll each day? How many news updates we consume. Then consider what it would be like to unplug in the evening - or even take short breaks from the digital world throughout your day in order to refresh your mind. Our brains are far more efficient when we give them mini resets before the next online task.
The movement has even reached government levels in Australia to help us embrace the shift. A new law now gives workers the “right to disconnect,” meaning employees can refuse to respond to work emails or calls outside of work hours. And late last year, the age limit for creating accounts on social media was raised to 16 to help preserve young minds for mental and emotional longevity.
Embracing the analogue lifestyle
We’re not the only ones adopting this trend. Did you know that in the 2025 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) trends report that it releases each year, analogue wellness was the number one wellness trends predicted to sweep the world.
According to GWS, ”2025 will be THE year that more people get very intentional about logging off from an online world costing us our minds, focus, humanity, social lives, financial wellness, and political stability.”
But analogue wellness isn't about shunning technology entirely, rather about creating a balanced relationship with it. Different to the “digital detox”, which was about getting off tech altogether, analogue wellness seeks to minimise screen time, while replacing it with engaging pastimes that help us better balance how we spend our time - and our lives.
What does analogue wellness look like?
Analog wellness isn’t asking us to go back to the stone age or to throw away the TV! Instead, it encourages us to intentionally log off to cultivate more mindful activities - it’s an invitation to be creative and spark joy in how we live our lives.
Some of the ways we can all gently integrate analogue activities into our lives include…
Switching to simpler devices
Some folks are opting for basic phones with limited functionalities to minimise distractions and encourage more meaningful interactions. As a result, texts and emails are swapped for calls, online research is deferred to the computer, games and social media are no longer in immediate reach, and music is played from a designated device.
For those who can’t quite fathom life without an iPhone just yet, other ways to strip your phones back to simpler times include setting time limits on social media apps, deleting apps you don’t urgently need, and using apps like ScreenZen, which get you to pause before opening an app you’ve tagged as ‘distracting.’
Beyond phones, there’s been a resurgence of record players and cassettes, polaroid or film photography, and even phone calls and letter-writing over the detached email or text.
Engaging in tactile hobbies
Activities like journaling, painting, or playing musical instruments are the perfect swaps for a hands-on approach to relaxation and creativity. With countless Aussie businesses taking the analogue hint, you’ll find all the craft hobbies you desire - from latch-hooking cushion covers, to paint-by-numbers kits.
It doubles as a way to reconnect with your inner child, a therapeutic method that inspires the kind of play and creative energy we enjoyed as kids. And by ditching the tech, it takes away the constant burden of productivity or comparison via social media.
Prioritising face-to-face interactions
Whether it’s organising board game nights or book clubs, social settings that get you offline and back to the real world are making a comeback. These types of in-person activities foster deeper connections without the interference of screens - and leave you feeling more socially and emotionally recharged.
Find a hobby you can share with others, an outdoor exercise that doubles as socialising, or create a weekly/monthly event where friends come together. Make it even more analogue-focused by encouraging everyone to leave their phones in their bags and prioritise personal connections.
Spending time in nature
Practices like gardening, hiking, or simply walking in a park can ground you when the digital world all gets a little much, offering much-needed respite from digital stimuli. Compared to the old trend of digital detox, analogue wellness is centred around things like creativity, community, and caring for the planet and each other. By mindfully appreciating the planet we live on, it’s already a step in the right direction for our earth.
Incorporating analogue wellness into daily life
Transitioning to an analogue-friendly lifestyle doesn't require drastic changes. Consider the following steps to bring some separation into your on and offline worlds.
-
Designate tech-free zones: Establish areas in your home, like the dining room or bedroom, where digital devices are off-limits.
-
Set specific times for digital use: Allocate certain periods during the day for checking emails or social media, ensuring the rest of the day remains screen-free.
-
Explore new hobbies: Take up activities that don't involve screens, such as cooking, knitting, dancing or chess.
-
Attend analogue-focused events: Participate in workshops or retreats that emphasise offline experiences and skills.
In an era dominated by digital interactions, the analogue wellness movement offers a refreshing alternative. By consciously choosing to engage in offline activities, we can restore balance, enhance our well-being, and foster deeper connections with ourselves and each other.
