Analog Activities
Seven ways I stay off screens.
I spend a lot of time working and creating online with digital tools. Here are seven ways I like to unplug on a regular basis. I hope they give you some ideas!
Play music. Worship music is my bread and butter, and playing instruments and singing with the church is a deeply analog experience. It reminds me that creativity doesn’t always need a screen — sometimes it just needs strings, keys, and voices.
Public speaking. Whether it’s preaching sermons or teaching Sunday School, I’m glad I can practice communicating face-to-face, not just behind a keyboard. There’s something refreshing about seeing real reactions and connecting through words in person.
Read books. Reading is obviously important to me, but my eyes still love to see ink on a page, and my hands love to hold a beautiful hardback. It slows me down and reminds me how different it feels to take in words without notifications or tabs.
Go to Disneyland. Jess and I spent much of our dating days at Disneyland, and we still find it fun just to get out, walk around, and enjoy the parks. Being there is a great way to reset — no deadlines, no screens, just shared memories and joy.
Exercise. I rotate between running, indoor workouts, and shooting hoops. They all take different skill sets and do a good job of giving my mind a break. Movement clears my head in a way no app or playlist ever could.
Do chores. While I need to do these anyway, I actually enjoy washing the dishes and sorting the laundry because it helps me feel productive and relaxed at the same time. There’s something grounding about simple, hands-on tasks that make my space (and my mind) a little clearer.
Grill. This is more of a summer activity for me, but it’s impossible for me to cook food and be on my phone — which is exactly the point. Cooking outdoors feels both social and meditative, and it’s one of my favorite ways to slow down and enjoy the moment.
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Late Today
In Late Today, Jungyoon Huh shares a touching story about a kitten and the power of compassion. This beautiful story will teach your kids the importance of kindness. While no one wants to be late, it’s even more important to be loving. Related: Enter our Eerdmans Christmas Kids Books Giveaway!
More: Book Reviews
Thank God it’s Friday
TGIF: Words Fit for Our King / Gossip is a Tornado: If Your Words Have Ever Splintered Trust / Tickets and Teaching: How Spurgeon Fenced the Table / Why Philosophical Theology Still Needs the Creeds / Why Attending Church Service Matters in the Digital Age
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Footnotes
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