The quiet pull of going offline
As I’m writing this, I’ve already picked up my phone… twice (ok, maybe three times). Just to check. For nothing, really. Phantom notifications are real, and if you’ve ever checked your screen time and immediately closed the app out of self-preservation, you’re not alone.
There’s a low-grade anxiety tied to being without our phones. An invisible chain. We scroll to relax, scroll to connect, scroll to zone out, and somehow end up more overstimulated and sometimes stressed than when we started. Social rabbit holes, comparison spirals, endless noise, the news cycle reminding us that the world is on fire, all of it pulling us away from the here and now.
When we talk about going offline, we don’t mean to demonize technology or romanticize a pre-iPhone period (I mean, you’re probably reading this on your laptop or phone). We’re also not talking about ignoring the current political climate and pretending everything is fine. We’re talking about returning to the present and creating little moments of joy in your everyday life. At CarteHaus, we believe in elevating the routine and turning it into moments. We also believe that joy and happiness are among the best ways to resist and stay strong during times that test us. Choosing to unplug, even briefly, is another way to do just that.
Why going analog feels right now
We’re clearly not the only ones talking about this or craving this shift. “Going analog” is having a moment, ironically, online. It makes sense. We’re burnt out. Digitally fatigued. Tired of AI everything. And feeling a sense of hopelessness and anger towards the world right now. What we’re craving instead feels simpler. We want humanity, connection, and slowness.
There’s something grounding about physical media and tactile experiences. They engage more of our senses, invite us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves (and sometimes with others). Touch, sound, scent, taste, memory… It’s all connected (we’ve talked about it before, read about it here).
Lighting a candle, feeling pen touch paper, hearing the spin of a record playing. These moments pull us back into our bodies. So, here are a few offline rituals we’ve been loving lately. See this not as a checklist, but as inspiration to try one.
Offline rituals to bring more presence into your day
Letter writing & thank you notes
There is something ritualistic about writing something intended for someone else by hand. From choosing the stationery to sitting down without distractions and choosing the words you want to use (without the help of ChatGPT). Just you and your thoughts. Plus, there is the emotional impact for both the writer and the receiver. It is slower, more thoughtful, and deeply human. We also believe that one of life's simplest luxuries is nice, thick paper and a beautiful pen to write with.
Puzzle night
Solo or shared, there is no need to be productive here. Pick a puzzle that matches your vibe and desired challenge level (350 pieces or 1500 pieces?), add a candle, put on a record or soft playlist, and let yourself enjoy the incremental progress. It is deeply satisfying to work toward something with zero urgency.
Listening to records instead of streaming
Beyond the aesthetic (yes, they look cool), playing a record is an act of intention. Think about it. You curate your vinyl collection with the records you love. Then, you choose what you’re going to listen to, pull it from the sleeve, place the needle, and listen start to finish just as the artist intended. Pair your album with a scent that matches, and maybe even add another level of sensoriality with taste—a cocktail or a glass of wine (we love this book on cocktails and music pairings). Make music more than background noise.
Coloring
Yes, coloring has gone viral, but we approve. It is creativity without the pressure of perfection or the expectation of skills. It is meditative repetition and pure enjoyment of the process. Invite friends over, pass along the markers, light a candle, get some snacks, and make it an evening.
Borrow a physical cookbook from your local library
We’re declaring 2026 the year of the cookbook. Go to your local library (support your local library), wander the stacks, and pick one that catches your eye. No need to buy a new one. Choose a recipe, gather the ingredients, and dare to try something out of your comfort zone. There’s a beauty to this process, finding, choosing, making, eating. Share it with friends and family or keep it to yourself (hello leftovers).
An invitation to slow down with intention
This year feels like a collective need for a reset and a return to intention. One of the simplest ways to do this and regulate our anxiety and stress is to disconnect on purpose and be mindful of where our attention and energy go.
If reducing screen time is one of your resolutions this year, consider this your gentle nudge. Try one activity and see what happens when your phone stays in the other room. Who knows, we may get to a point where we don’t need to reach for it every few minutes.
And if you want to elevate the moment just a little more, engage another sense. The sense of smell. Let CarteHaus be a part of your analog ritual. Pair any of the activities above with your favorite scent. If you don’t know where to start, we have a quiz for that. TAKE THE QUIZ.