January 22, 2026
Creating My Own Analog Basket
Every Sunday morning, I get a notification on my phone to alert me of how much time I spent on my phone the previous week. I usually quickly glance at it and then close it, but over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed that number increasing steadily while the time I spend on my favorite hobbies decreased. I wasn’t getting through books as quickly as I usually do, and my current coloring book has been open to the same page for longer than I’d like to admit. I found myself frustrated at how quickly time seemed to pass in the evenings, doing little more than mindlessly scrolling. I could also sense my mood being affected by whatever online content I was consuming. I was ready for a change.
Funny enough, the inspiration I needed to kick this habit came from Instagram, where screen time seems to be a common concern right now. I saw a number of creators posting about their intentions to live a more analog lifestyle. They were putting together baskets and bags full of activities that didn’t involve a phone. Rather than stream music on their phones, they added an old iPod or CDs and a player. There were books, crafts, puzzles, and journals. As someone who rarely sits still, even when watching TV, I loved the idea of having different ways to keep my hands busy readily in front of me.
I thought about what I’d be most compelled to do, and filled a little basket with a couple of books, coloring books and markers, a crossword puzzle book, playing cards, an unfinished project, and more. It sits under the coffee table where I can easily reach it from my spot on the couch. Now, when I get home, I allow myself to unwind with a few minutes of phone time to catch up on what I might have missed, and then place my phone on its charger next to my bed, where it stays for the rest of the night. I just started this new routine a week ago, but I feel really good about it, and it’s even inspired my husband to spend less time on his phone.
If you’ve been feeling the need to cut back on the amount of time you spend on your phone, I suggest putting together a basket of your own, full of whatever it is you enjoy doing. And if you’re looking for more ideas on ways to spend your time without a phone involved, we’ve created a “Screen-Free Activities” BINGO card for you. Click here.
Here are some publications (like Bella Grace!) we recommend adding to help you disconnect.
Mary Anne
January 27, 2026 at 4:03 pm
Nice idea….thanks.
Susan
January 27, 2026 at 5:06 pm
I love this!
Chrisanne
January 28, 2026 at 5:25 am
Magical!! Crafting your stress away ALWAYS leaves your soul and mind refreshed…Time in Nature, Journaling, reading an actual book (!!!) ❤️ never fails to LIFT the soul.
Amanda messina
January 27, 2026 at 4:04 pm
So well put and lovely. Inspired
Me to do the same!
Karen
January 27, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Thank you!
Sometimes it takes a little nudge in a different direction to get momentum.
I printed the bingo card and started a basket.
May blessings come to you in return for your kindness.
Karen in NH
Laurie
January 27, 2026 at 5:18 pm
I love this idea. Looking for a basket to use right now. Thank you!
Glenda Dudley
January 27, 2026 at 4:22 pm
Marvelous idea. I, too get so discouraged when I realize that I have been scrolling and realizing that it’s over an hour!
Lisa R
January 28, 2026 at 4:30 am
I started this back on January 1, 26, and it’s wonderful seeing my screen time decreasing every week.
Nina Hale
January 28, 2026 at 9:04 am
Thank you, I love the advice. My mother always said find something constructive to do.
Barbara Milton
January 28, 2026 at 3:35 pm
I see no bingo card, or any suggestions at all?
Cathy
February 8, 2026 at 8:09 am
The last words of the article say “Click here” or use this link: https://go.stampington.com/hubfs/Screen-Free-Activities-Bingo-Printable_Bella-Grace.pdf