Lately, I’ve been carrying something a little different with me… and no, it’s not another tote full of snacks (although let’s be honest, that’s usually in the car too 😅).
I’ve started bringing along what I call my “analog bag.”
What Is an Analog Bag?
An analog bag is basically the opposite of your phone.
It’s a simple bag filled with screen-free things to do — books, puzzles, anything that gives your brain a break from scrolling, notifications, and the constant noise of being online.
Think of it as your “I’m not picking up my phone right now” survival kit.
Because let’s be real…
We all say we’re just going to check one thing — and suddenly it’s 45 minutes later and we’ve learned nothing useful except what someone we went to high school with had for lunch.
So instead, I reach for my analog bag.
What’s in My Analog Bag
I didn’t go out and buy anything fancy for this. It’s just a reusable bag I already had (because we’re not out here creating clutter to fix a problem 😏). Plus isn’t my beach bag cute? And I don’t use it but a few months out of the year.
Here’s what I keep inside:
🧩 3 Word Search Books
There’s something oddly satisfying about word searches.
They’re simple, they don’t require a ton of brainpower, and they’re perfect for those moments when you want to relax without zoning out completely.
Also? No batteries required. No updates. No drama.
🧠 Variety Puzzle Book
This one’s for when I want a little more challenge.
Crosswords, logic puzzles, random brain teasers — it keeps things interesting and makes me feel slightly more productive than scrolling social media.
🔍 Murdle
If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s basically puzzle-solving meets mystery.
From Amazon’s site: G. T. Karber, the creator of the popular online daily mystery game Murdle, presents the first collection of 100 original murder mystery logic puzzles―a perfect gift for armchair detectives and puzzlers to hone their minds and solve a series of crimes.
Who committed the ghastly deed?
What weapon was used to dispatch the victim?
Where did the calculated demise occur?
Kind of like Clue but in book form!
Join Deductive Logico and investigate murders in Murdle: Volume 1. The first of their kind, these humorous mini-mystery puzzles challenge you to find whodunit, how, where, and why. Trying to figure out the clues, speak to the witnesses, and use the power of deduction to complete the grid and catch the culprit. Together, you’ll uncover a buried secret beneath all of the murders and a message that can only be decrypted when you’ve solved them all.
Packed with illustrations, codes, and maps, and brimming with wit and intrigue, Murdle: Volume 1 is the must-have detective casebook for the secret sleuth in everyone.
It’s fun, it’s engaging, and it makes you feel like you’re solving crimes instead of just sitting in a waiting room trying not to lose your mind.
🧘♀️ Kundalini Yoga Book
This is my “slow down” item.
When life feels chaotic, this gives me something grounding to turn to — whether it’s breathing exercises, movement, or just a reminder to pause for five minutes.
📖 Untamed + Workbook (by Glennon Doyle)
This combo is for when I want to actually think about my life instead of avoiding it.
Untamed is one of those books that makes you reflect, and the workbook helps you go a little deeper.
It’s not always light reading, but it’s the kind of thing that helps you grow — which is kind of the whole point of this bag.
📚 Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
And because balance is important… I also keep something that’s just plain entertaining.
This is my “get lost in a story” book — perfect for waiting rooms, appointments, or anytime I want to escape for a bit without picking up my phone.
Why I Started Carrying an Analog Bag
Honestly? I was tired of feeling like my default setting was scrolling.
Every spare moment: phone.
Waiting in line: phone.
Sitting in the car: phone.
It adds up fast.
This bag gives me an easy alternative. No decisions, no effort — just reach in and pick something.
And the best part?
I actually feel better after using it.
Less frazzled.
More focused.
Slightly more like a functioning human.
Final Thoughts
My analog bag isn’t fancy. It’s not aesthetic. It’s not something I bought because TikTok told me to.
It’s just a simple, practical way to take back a little of my time and attention.
And in a world where everything is fighting for both of those… that feels like a win.
If you had an analog bag, what would you put in it? 👀Do you crochet, knit, sew, cross stitch, write, journal, paint, any and all of this would be excellent to put in your Analog Bag.
Drop your must-haves in the comments — I’m always looking for new ideas!
Seek a words, a book, crocheting, cross stitch, embroidery
Yes so many great options! Thanks Melissa!