4 Calming Analog Hobbies That Help You Slow Down and Reset

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to decrease your screen time, then you might want to look into analog hobbies. Trending as of late across TikTok and Instagram, analog hobbies may be the unwinding activity you didn't know you needed. Here’s what they are and why it’s a smart idea to pick one up.

What Are Analog Hobbies, Anyway?

An analog hobby is simple—it’s a type of hobby you can do without the use of any digital devices. It takes your favorite hobbies and crafts to the next level; instead of following a YouTube tutorial while crocheting, pick up a how-to book instead. If you’re tempted to browse social media for pottery ideas, try visiting a studio and taking a class. 

Analog hobbies are also hands-on, providing a mind-body connection that helps you feel relaxed and focused. Consider hobbies like writing and hand-lettering, scrapbooking, knitting, gardening, or doing a puzzle.

Lastly, an analog hobby is something that you can do slowly. It’s meant to be peaceful, providing your mind with a respite from the busyness of the digital world. Scrolling through your social media feed inundates you with hundreds of bits of information all at once—focusing on an analog hobby can help you expand your attention span and train your mind to focus better.

Analog Hobbies to Try in 2026

If the idea of screen-free activities speaks to you, here are a few analog hobbies to try your hand at.

1. Fiber Arts

Picking up embroidery, crochet, sewing, felting, or knitting is a fun way to expand your home’s decor by making something meaningful. Grab a fiber arts kit from a craft store if you want some help getting started—it’s also easy to find books on fiber arts if you need a more thorough tutorial. 

The fun part about fiber arts is that you can make anything you can set your mind to. An embroidered art piece can help you fill blank space on your walls, while a crocheted blanket or toy is a heartfelt gift idea for the next baby shower you attend. Those who find themselves getting deep into fiber arts might even enjoy dying their own yarn or thread.

2. Baking or Breadmaking

Sourdough starters are a trend for a reason. Not only do they relieve stress by allowing you to work with your hands, but you also get a delicious end result. If you want a hobby that’s affordable and totally consumable, then baking and bread-making are both for you. 

Consider learning to decorate cakes, make artisan breads, perfect your focaccia recipe, or knead pasta dough by hand. You’ll soon have the most impressive dishes out of everyone at the potluck. And if you’re trying to be more minimalist in the new year, it’s always nice to create something that you can eat. 

3. Pottery and Sculpting

Working with clay has also captured people’s hearts over the past few years. It’s a tactile (and often messy) hobby that, in its most basic form, allows you to create things with nothing but your own two hands. If you want a pottery hobby you can do at home, look into air-dry clay. However, visiting a pottery studio is a fun way to meet new friends and use your hobby to get out of the house. 

4. Puzzles and Board Games

Maybe you’re not feeling particularly creative yourself, but you still want an analog hobby to turn to when you’re bored or tired. Puzzles are a great option here; you still get to work with your hands and solve something challenging, but with a guarantee of what it’ll look like in the end.

Board games are another fun analog hobby to get into with a group. If you and your friends want to make a commitment to digital detoxing in 2026, then a regular board game night is just what you need. You can also look into board games that can be played solo—it’s a fun, puzzle-like challenge that can help you get more use out of your favorite games.