Just like every other person on the planet, coming into 2026 prompted a reflection on goals, habits and what I wanted to change coming into the new year. Whilst I can sympathise with the staunch haters of New Year’s resolutions, as the sudden burst of people claiming they’re going to go to reformer pilates and only eat raw vegetables can feel quite overwhelming, I think the new year is a great time to feel prompted to make small changes or try out a new interest.
Like most 20 year olds, I would like to reduce my screen time. Between lectures, library trips, societies and even movie nights with friends, I can’t help but feel like screens dominate my life in a way which can sometimes feel exhausting. I will definitely not be the first nor the last person to remind you how screens damage both mental and physical health, deregulating sleep patterns and increasing anxiety and stress. Taking back up analogue hobbies is the perfect way to combat this.
The rising trend on social media talking about this concept of ‘analogue hobbies’ has, if you’re on the same side of the internet, taken over my feed with people demonstrating what’s in their analogue hobby bags. The concept is simple: a bag filled with physical hobbies so they’re all in one place and doing activities away from your home becomes as accessible as playing on your phone. There is certainly valid concern and commentary about making personal interests into a trend, and there is definitely a financial barrier to some of the hobbies people are partaking in online such as weekly newspaper subscriptions and elaborate crafting materials. However, I think any push towards connecting more in person and doing physical activities can only hope for a positive culture shift.
Studies have demonstrated that to break negative habits, they need to be replaced rather than just stopped entirely. Whilst the internet may suggest you need to pick up ten different interests which is as unsustainable as it is expensive, trying out a new hobby or activity can be a nice time to share with friends too. Charity shops stock jigsaw puzzles normally priced for a few pounds each, or most have balls of yarn if you’re interested in trying out knitting or crocheting, and the uni has societies if you’re looking for a place to learn. Picking up cheap puzzle books in places like Poundland or The Works can also be a screen-free alternative to doing challenges and games on your phone, or you could put those old FreePrint photos I know you have into a scrapbook to look back on when you’re older.
Whatever it is that takes your fancy, I would recommend anyone to just give it a go, disconnect from your phone and try out something new.
Illustration by Erika Bunjevac for The Student.
