What Is An Analog Bag?
An analog bag is a small collection of tactile tools and activities that help you stay rooted in the physical world.
In a culture that lives inside screens, keeping an analog bag is a deliberate choice to stay present. It says, when I have a spare moment, I will write instead of scroll, notice instead of numb out, make something instead of consume. Keeping one with you makes it easier to turn away from digital distractions.
When Do You Use An Analog Bag?
Of course, where you’re headed shapes what you carry. If I’m just running errands, I’ll grab a small bag—I don't need to haul my entire craft cabinet through the grocery store! But when I travel, I pack a more generous assortment of activities, a little portable studio to keep my hands busy and my mind awake.
Waiting rooms- I don't know why but every time I'm in a waiting room I think of this Lemony Snicket quote: "Never trust anyone who hasn't brought a book with them."
Waiting in line
Travel- public transportation, road trips, subway/rail stations, plane rides
In the living room- it's been super helpful to have analog activities easily accessible as an alternative to mindlessly turning on the TV.
Benefits of An Analog Bag
Each time I open my bag, I am retraining my brain to look for fun and engaging alternatives to mindless scrolling. The reflex to scroll loses its strength and in its place: reading, making, noticing.
The scratch of pen on paper. The weight of a book in your hand are tactile, real-world experiences. Even the simple ritual of deciding what to have with you can steady the nervous system. Meditative practices (zentangle, coloring, journaling) remind our bodies that it is good to slow down.
Ideas For Stocking Your Analog Bag
Tools for Writing and Journaling
Journal or Diary- I prefer guided journals that offer prompts rather than free writing. Personal preference! You can find my journals here.
Sketchbook
Colored pencils, pens, travel watercolor set
Something To Read
Novel or other book- I just started Sandwich by Catherine Newman and all of the stellar reviews out there are spot on. It's just so funny and true and I find myself highlighting every sentence because she just has a way of making me say, "gah, I totally feel that way too!" like every paragraph.
Magazine or newspaper- In my effort to get back out into the real world more often and find cool new things to do, I recently subscribed to my local magazine Portland Monthly and my favorite regional magazine Sunset. I tried to get The Oregonian newspaper delivered but they don't deliver to my little town. (!!!) So I had to settle for The Onion newspaper instead. :)
Paper Activities
Meal planning supplies- There is something very satisfying to me about meal planning. Being organized just brings me joy, what can I say. :) Our favorite meal planner notepads are on sale half price while they last and new ones are coming this spring.
Coloring or journaling pages- We love the therapeutic effects of coloring and journaling and have a freebies page filled with printable goodies for every season.
Origami paper, paper dolls
Games and Puzzles
Puzzle Books- I'm addicted to the Sunday Times Crossword Puzzles and trying to embrace Sudoku
Travel games
Deck of cards- oracle, tarot, playing cards
Textile Crafts
Needlepoint or embroidery supplies- we have a few kits left in our etsy shop!
Knitting or crochet supplies
Mending supplies
Letter Writing Supplies
Need someone to write to once you have a bunch of cute stationery? Our Snail Mail Society is over 1200 members strong with folks writing from all over the world! It's easy to join, find a pen pal, and start writing!
What Is The Analog Life Project?
The Analog Life Project is a year-long project with monthly content and is completely free.
That being said, I would love it if you would consider supporting this project and my work by visiting my shop.
Are you outside the US? My international shipping is limited but Buy Olympia sells all of our products (washi tape is on the way!) and ships worldwide!
Not ready to shop? You can Buy Me A Coffee.
Get Your March Workbook!
