The “analog bag” trend has emerged as a popular method among Gen Z for adopting healthier habits in the new year. This movement encourages individuals to replace their smartphones with offline activities, allowing them to engage in creative and meaningful pursuits. The trend gained traction after TikTok creator Sierra Campbell shared her own analog bag, which includes items like a crossword book, a portable watercolor set, a Polaroid camera, a planner, and knitting supplies. Her original video inspired countless others to create their own versions, filled with magazines, decks of cards, paints, and puzzle books.
“I made a bag of non-digital activities to occupy my hands instead of the phone,” Campbell explained during an interview with Fox News Digital. She noted that the practice has significantly reduced her screen time while enriching her life with “creative and communal pursuits that don’t include doom-scrolling.” This initiative reflects a broader desire among young people to seek alternatives to constant digital engagement.
The Science Behind the Trend
Research supports the effectiveness of the analog bag concept in forming healthier habits. Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist based in California and founder of Amen Clinics, emphasized that “your brain is a creature of habit.” He explained that neurons that fire together wire together, meaning that every time a behavior is repeated, the corresponding neural pathways are strengthened. This reinforces the idea that habits tend to form around specific cues, such as boredom or stress, which often lead to automatic responses.
Studies indicate that replacing an old habit with a new one linked to the same cue is often more effective than attempting to suppress the behavior entirely. “When cutting out coffee, you need to have another drink to grab for, not just quit cold turkey,” Campbell noted. In essence, offering an alternative can help diminish the original habit while promoting a new, healthier routine.
Dr. Amen further elaborated on the challenge of simply stopping a behavior. He stated, “Replacing one habit with something that is better for your brain is much easier. That’s how lasting change happens, one step at a time.” He advocates for making alternatives easily accessible, suggesting that individuals are more likely to adopt healthier activities if they are within reach.
Implementing the Analog Bag in Daily Life
Campbell shared practical examples of how to utilize an analog bag in everyday situations. For instance, while at a coffee shop with friends, she might pull out a crossword puzzle to engage others when conversations wane. Using an instant camera instead of a smartphone encourages more thoughtful photography and limits the number of shots taken, fostering intentional moments.
In relaxed settings, such as parks or wineries, Campbell finds joy in using a small watercolor set for quick creative expressions. “It’s brought so much joy,” she remarked about the analog bag movement, “seeing how it resonates with so many.”
Overall, the analog bag trend represents a refreshing shift towards embracing offline activities and fostering deeper connections. As more individuals adopt this practice, it may pave the way for a healthier balance between digital engagement and real-world interactions.
