The Analog Experiment

Things I will be doing to stay offline more in 2026 as someone who does content creation as both a hobby & a side hustle

It started with the cottagecore aesthetic. Then the rise of slow living/homesteading content. Now the trend is about being “chronically offline” by being more “analog” with hobbies, media consumption, etc.

TikTok is full of people's making “analog bags” (think, screen activities you would pack for your toddler at a restaurant, but make it for adults).

To be honest, I was initially skeptical of all of it. For one, it seems like it would be overwhelming to try to keep up with physical tools when my phone conveniently consolidates things like my camera, GPS, notebook, and calendar. And two, it feels very meta to see offline living become a trend online.

But I think part of that skepticism comes from an internal belief that it isn’t for me or that it wouldn’t be possible for me. And shouldn’t I be encouraged that more people are wanting to be more intentional with their time, money, and relationships, even if some people are jumping on this trend just for aesthetic reasons?

So instead of feeling intimidated, I’m choosing to be inspired.

In 2026, I’m starting my own personal analog experiment, where I turn my phone back into a tool and document my authentic experience every other week here on my newsletter.

What My Analog Experiment Looks Like

I don’t want to completely abandon my phone. I still need it for lists, notes, and managing everyday life. But I do want to break the habit of using my phone for something productive and then getting sidetracked.

As part of this experiment, I’ll be:

• Getting a small notepad for my purse to write things down as they pop into my mind (hello, ADHD mom brain)

• Using a digital camera again (a total throwback to middle school)

• Reading on my Kindle instead of my phone

Ultimately, I want my kids to see me being busy or present with life-based things, not constantly on my phone. I want there to be a clear distinction for them.

There’s a level of conviction that comes with this for me.

Using Substack More

Another part of this experiment is using Substack more intentionally.

Substack is a social media platform home to long-form content by writers and creatives, but without the dopamine spike of endless scrolling and quick content consumption. The community feels more authentic, and the pace feels more human.

If you’re already here reading this, you know what I mean. And if you’re not, you’re welcome to check out my newsletter while you’re there.

Deleting Apps and Using My Laptop More

I’ve been deleting apps from my phone and using my laptop instead.

There’s something more grounding about turning your phone back into just a tool instead of a portal to a hole in the world. It doesn’t hit the same to use social media on your laptop versus your phone, and that difference matters.

The Brick Phone Blocker

The Brick phone blocker has also been a part of this experiment.

This was a really sweet early Christmas present from my husband, and I’ve been enjoying it a lot. I don’t fully understand why the psychology works for me, but I tap my phone to the device and it blocks the apps I’ve chosen.

While I do have the ability to easily “unbrick” my phone, I’ve noticed that when my phone is in Brick mode, I can use it without even thinking about getting on a social media app.

I plan on keeping this in my bag as part of my analog experiment.

Closing

I don’t know exactly what this experiment will look like long term, and I’m not trying to do it perfectly. I just know that I want to be more present, more intentional, and more aware of how I’m spending my attention. So for 2026, I’ll be putting my own spin to analog living.

If you’re feeling a similar pull, I would love to hear more of your thoughts! And if not, that’s okay too! Intentional living doesn’t have to be synonymous with analog living. Do what works best for your life and your family and I’m honored that you are here as I share what intentional living looks like for me and my family.

Much love,

Sarah

If you’ve been encouraged by this post and want to support my writing, you can “buy me a coffee” to help me keep creating gentle, faith-filled content: buymeacoffee.com/bysarahsmith