In light of the ongoing criticism of artificial intelligence and increasing worries about our dependence on digital screens, the allure of a more traditional, non-digital lifestyle has become increasingly appealing. While I haven’t yet invested in an analogue bag, I have managed to complete a challenging puzzle and read five physical books this year—two more than I read in 2025.

Interestingly, I’ve found that I am using digital tools to enhance my engagement in various analogue activities. This raises the question: can technology actually assist us in living more mindfully and reduce our screen time, all while promoting our physical and mental well-being over time?

With that perspective, here are six suggestions for embracing a more analogue lifestyle, aided by technology.

I have been a birdwatching enthusiast since childhood, yet I’ve always faced difficulties in recognizing different bird calls. Despite having an extensive collection of bird identification books, I struggled to interpret their whimsical sound descriptions like “zuz,” “ch-ch-si-si-si,” or “tu-reep.” However, last year, I stumbled upon the Merlin app, developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which has significantly enriched my birdwatching experience. This free app allows users to record bird sounds and offers suggestions on the species in their vicinity, based on location data.

As it turns out, I had mistakenly identified wrens, blackcaps, willow warblers, and dunnocks as robins for nearly four decades. Now that I can recognize their calls, spotting them has become easier, even with the often-elusive blackcap. I enjoy dedicating a few minutes each morning and evening to sit quietly in my garden or by an open window, using the app to appreciate and identify birdsong. The Merlin app has also inspired me to take my dogs on more engaging walks in forested areas, as denser woodlands often yield a richer variety of birdsong.

Monitoring my step count has certainly encouraged me to be more active, but those seeking more than just brisk walks in the woods may find greater value in specialized apps beyond the standard health tracking features on many smartphones.

“I really enjoy using Strava heatmaps to discover new trails. It’s particularly helpful when I come across a path that seems interesting, but I’m unsure of where it leads or whether it’s just an animal track,” explains Flora Beverley, an ultramarathon runner and content creator. She notes that heatmaps instill confidence, as they provide a general sense of where you’ll end up: “I can explore new areas without fear of getting lost, and after some use, I can easily identify fun trails—those that are twisty, hilly, and offer great views—just by looking at the map. No matter where I go, I can always find the best paths for off-road adventures.”

Last winter, I finally took up knitting, thanks to a kit from Wool and the Gang, which I used to create a charming little bonnet. Although I’ve long intended to join a knitting club, that hasn’t materialized. Instead, I turned to the excellent video tutorials on the brand’s website for guidance. While I spent most of my knitting time focused on the project rather than a screen, having access to these tutorials felt like having a friendly, knowledgeable grandmother nearby. Without this visual support, I likely would have abandoned the project, but it gave me the confidence to create a more refined version of the bonnet after completing the first one.

I have always wanted to learn the drums, and with my 50th birthday approaching next year, I decided it’s the perfect time to start. I am taking lessons with a live instructor using an acoustic drum kit, but I have also integrated digital tools to enhance my learning and allow me to practice without disturbing my husband, who often watches reruns of House in the next room.

I acquired a secondhand electric drum kit from my father’s bandmate, which can be connected to headphones and my iPhone. This setup allows me to play along with my favorite songs or follow along with YouTube tutorials. Having played the violin as a child for six years, I can read music, which lets me immerse myself in practice for hours. Ultimately, I hope to transition to my own acoustic kit and possibly perform live; after all, there’s nothing more analogue than playing drums on stage.

Wearable technology and functional accessories are becoming increasingly stylish, with products like Loop’s Swarovski earplugs and Oura rings that monitor sleep, steps, and heart rate. While I have never been particularly fond of smartwatches—since they can be distracting in settings like yoga classes—I appreciate the understated elegance of a ring. This is especially useful for me, as my step count often differs from what my phone records since I don’t always carry it with me.

While maintaining a wild garden is beneficial, it can also lead to the appearance of harmful plants, posing risks to children and pets. I often find myself taking my phone outdoors rather than a hardcopy book, so I use the PictureThis app to differentiate between potentially dangerous plants like hemlock water dropwort and harmless ones like wild carrot, as well as managing invasive species like creeping buttercup. This app enables me to focus on selective weeding, removing unwanted plants while preserving those that enhance the ecosystem and beauty of my garden, such as the native pussy willow that has recently sprouted next to my barbecue.

For more insights, check out our compilation of the best calming activities that do not involve screens.