How to Live an Analogue Life
What to do when you aren't on your phone.
A short one this week, as things have been pretty quiet on the dating front. I’ve got a couple of longer reflective pieces in the works. In the meantime, however, I have been living a very analogue life in my vow to reduce screen time this year (which includes deleting the dating apps). As a result I have taken up a number of hobbies which I doubt have enhanced my dating prospects in the slightest, but which have been very enjoyable.
I have just finished my first knitting project of 2025, a sweater vest, which I am very pleased with. My screen addiction seems as a result to have been replaced with a knitting addiction, which I suppose is marginally better. I’m yet to find out in full the effects of sending pictures of my knitting projects to guys I’m talking to, so that’ll have to be an update for another day!
I have also been cooking a lot more. I’m loving Rukmini Iyer’s roasting tin recipes as I’m too lazy to do much beyond chopping everything and throwing it in a dish together. And of course, a good podcast in the background is essential for any cooking session—I am currently loving ‘London Writers Salon’ and also BBC 4’s ‘Desert Island Disks’.
Music has always been an important hobby for me, and I have had some wonderful times with friends playing and singing music over the last couple of months, followed by cozy pub trips and good conversation.
On a serious note, I am amazed at how much my mental health has improved by limiting phone use. I have been using the app Opal, which allows you to block specific apps for set periods of time. I will admit, I have taken my fair share of ‘breaks’ this week (overcoming the block) but I will forgive myself because it is half-term, and because I’ve managed to keep my screen time under 2 hours, which was previously unthinkable for me. I would urge anyone to try it out and see how much of a difference it makes.
That’s all from me for this week! I hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend. <3
Aww love this! 🫶🏻 Also very funny re how knitting will improve dating prospects and feeling like a lady of the past!