Analog hobbies are having a moment. In the days of constant screen presence, media saturation, home devices powered by AI, and the “doomscroll”, many are seeking slower-paced, tangible ways to disconnect and be mindful. If you’re feeling doomscroll fatigue, here are some things you can do for self-care.
Keep Your Hands Busy with Crafts
Crafting is good for creativity, relaxation, inspiration and creating special gifts for loved ones.
Don’t be too ambitious! Part of the appeal of the infinite scroll is that it is a low effort way to turn off your brain for a time. Pick an activity that doesn’t tax you mentally, one that you could easily have a conversation while doing.
Journaling is a great activity to start with. There are countless ways to journal – Bullet Journaling, Morning Pages, Commonplace Books, Second Brains, etc. There is no right or wrong way. Start carrying a pocket notebook and be amazed at the things you fill it with. To-do lists and grocery lists. Small doodles, little poems, inspiring quotes. A funny thing you saw you want to remember or later. The early note that will become the next Great American Novel. There’s no telling what you might put in there!
Engage with Intent through Physical Media
- Consider replacing your scroll with a physical newspaper or magazine, or a print book. Browse the Hot Picks collections on the first floor – try the Paperback collection for a browsable spot of great and portable books.
- Have you ever spent so much time scrolling through streaming platforms, searching for that perfect thing to watch, that you wind up never watching anything? For your next movie night, try checking out five DVDs to limit your options. You might save so much time choosing that you even have time to watch a second movie!
- Try one of our many curated movie lists available on the catalog, or a “Binge Box” of collected movies on a theme to get started.
Form or Join Community
- Host a craft night with friends, family, or neighbors.
- Join a club, like our Knit and Purl group that meets at the Library.
Decentralize Devices
- Our smartphones being an Everything Machine is convenient in so many ways – but when you get stuck in a loop of swapping between apps, you might consider offloading some functions to another device. Cameras, pocket notebooks, e-readers and physical books, portable video games or small card games, and even a watch (with no notifications!) can help you decrease your screen time.
- Still need to travel light, with no room for extra devices? Remember to mute unnecessary notifications to keep you focused on the task you’re using your phone for.
Want to escape the doomscroll? Pick up an analog hobby - sometimes called grandma hobbies. Arts and crafts are a great way to occupy your hands, your mind, and have fun!
Get Creative with CreativeBug
All you need is your GPL card to get started with online crafting classes taught by top artists and designers. Download patterns, templates, recipes and more. Popular projects for the spring include Crochet Flowers, Make a Paper Cherry Blossom Branch, Garden Journaling, and more. Use your GPL card to get started at creativebug.com/lib/glenviewpl.
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