What’s in My Analogue Bag? 5 Ways to Swap "Doomscrolling" for "Soul Time"

 

What’s in My Analogue Bag? 5 Ways to Swap "Doomscrolling" for "Soul Time"

We’ve all been there: you pick up your phone to check the weather, and forty-five minutes later, you’re spiraling through news alerts and social media feeds. For those of us who "rock on" with a little less physical mobility these days, our screens often become our primary window to the world.

But what if we reclaimed that time?

The Analogue Bag movement is about gathering the things that feed your spirit into one beautiful, reachable place. Whether you’re heading to a doctor’s waiting room or simply settling into your favorite chair for the afternoon, here are five low-impact ways to fill your bag (or your side-table basket) with "soul time."

1. The "Slow-Read" Journal

Instead of a heavy hardcover, try a Commonplace Book. This is a simple notebook where you jot down beautiful quotes, a line from a poem, or a memory that made you smile. It requires no physical exertion, just a pen and a bit of reflection. It’s a way to "scroll" through your own wisdom instead of a stranger's feed.

2. Micro-Crafting: The "One-Square" Project

If traditional knitting or large quilts are too taxing on the joints, try micro-crafting. This could be a small embroidery hoop, a simple crochet square, or even "diamond painting" (which uses tiny resin "diamonds" to create a mosaic). These projects are lightweight, sit right in your lap, and give you a tangible sense of accomplishment.

3. Tactile Brain Games

Swap the digital Wordle for a physical book of crosswords, Sudoku, or even a deck of cards. There is something about the "scratch-scratch" of a pencil on paper or the shuffle of a deck that engages the senses in a way a glass screen never can. It’s "brain-gymnastics" that you can do entirely from a seated position.

4. The Correspondence Kit

In an era of "likes," a handwritten note is a superpower. Keep a few pretty stamps, envelopes, and postcards in your bag. Writing a three-sentence "I’m thinking of you" note to a grandchild or a friend is a beautiful way to stay socially connected without the exhaustion of a long outing.

5. Audio-Savouring (with a Twist)

If your eyes get tired of reading, include a pair of comfortable headphones in your bag. Instead of the news, listen to an audiobook or a "soundscape" (like birdsong or ocean waves). Close your eyes and let the story take you on a walk that your feet might not be up for today. It’s a mental vacation.

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Why this Rocks:

The goal isn't to be "busy"—it’s to be present. By reaching for your Analogue Bag instead of your phone, you’re choosing to nourish your mind and soul on your own terms.

Marge Farrington  OWRO