Specifically, do you have an analogue bag ? [nb if you read TikTok, you may spell it analog] I came across this term recently. The idea is that many people would benefit from less time doomscrolling on their screens, and participating in activities which do not require a screen has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing.
So in order to do this, you prepare an analogue bag which you keep with you throughout the day, or leave by your armchair in the evening, so you always have a positive activity ready to hand. I first read about it here.
What's in your bag? well it could be a newspaper or paperback to read, a book of sudoku or crossword puzzles, a sketchpad and art materials, a piece of knitting or crochet, a small embroidery or quilting project... you get the idea. This will help prevent screen burnout.The name comes from analogue as opposed to digital. Slow technology. I'm all for this idea - but I imagine many of you are reading this and muttering "this isn't a new thing, I've done that for years..."
When the girls were small, they knew Mummy usually had a boredom bag to hand - containing a storybook, some paper and crayons, a couple of finger puppets, a toy vehicle, a small canister of bubbles. Liz and Steph have done this with their children. You do not need a large tote bag - just a few things inside a small zip bag, enough to work on a little project, rather than get out your phone and start tapping away.
We were given a lovely food hamper at Christmas, and I am thinking of designating that as my 'analogue basket' for the lounge. I've found a longterm knitting project I would like to work on. To have all the components tidily stored there, ready to bring out when I want to knit [and later in the year, carry outside to work in the summerhouse] would be useful. Such activities definitely contribute to the restoration of a good state of mind, helping us to unwind, leaving the stress behind for a few moments. And because they are easy to pick up and put down again, this works well for those snatched minutes. We cannot all go for an hour's calming walk in the forest, or randomly take an afternoon out to work on the sewing machine - but these little interludes of creativity and joy can do so much good. Really old blog readers will remember that black and white film of a potter's wheel which the BBC used as a filler between programmes [you can find the whole 'interlude' series here] OK, that was on a screen, but it was a good 'time out' interval.
Do you have anything like an analogue bag already?
What would you keep in it?
What would you put in a bag for the children?
I think I would put a herbal tea bag in there with a reminder note to just sit and be for a short while, day dreaming is so good for the brain and mental health, we don't do enough of it these days. After that I would put a notebook to record any thoughts I might have alongside a doodle or little sketch.
ReplyDeleteThe teabag is a great idea!
DeleteI always took a bag of various items out when our sons were small, books, small toys, snacks as our eldest is Type 1 diabetic and was always having hypos when he was first diagnosed, pencils and drawing books, etc. I keep all my "items of interest" in a basket by my arm chair. My phone is normally in my handbag , I honestly am not a phone person used just as a necessity. I normally have a couple of books on the go, a note book for ideas etc, a knitting project which is very slow growing, a codeword book, and a piece of tapestry that is taking me an age to finish. That's about it. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI think the "very slow to get finished " item is an important thing in the bag. No sense of rush or urgency. It contributes to the calming nature of the activity [especially in the dentists waiting room, where one might be feeling stressed]
DeleteI don't have an analog bag, but, I do have what I call project bags. One such bag is my knitting bag - in it I keep my bundle of knitting needles, the file folder with my knitting instructions, the yarn I need for the current knitting project, etc. Then, there is the tote bag I take with me when I go to medical appointments - in it, I usually carry a book to read, a file folder with medical records pertaining to that particular visit, a bag with extra masks (yes, I still wear masks when I go out), a bottle of water, maybe a granola bar, my medications, etc. I am definitely a bag lady!
ReplyDeleteSnack bars are always good to have with you. As long as they stay securely wrapped!
DeleteI always put my handcraft projects down beside my chair in a canvas bag with a drawstring. I like the idea of a box or basket which would also be easily transported to another room. I bought myself a crossword book recently to take me away from the screen. Catriona
ReplyDeleteRosie gave me a book of Bletchley Park code puzzles
DeleteA book, a flask of tea, an apple, a small pot of nuts.
ReplyDeleteA mask in the waiting room.
Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases.
Well prepared there! Were you ever a Girl Guide, I wonder ?
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