In an era dominated by screens and constant connectivity, a growing movement is pushing back against digital fatigue. Dubbed “Analog Wellness,” this trend encourages people to unplug from technology and reconnect with offline experiences to restore mental clarity and emotional balance. Named the #1 wellness trend for 2025 by the Global Wellness Summit, the movement reflects a cultural shift toward simplicity, tactile engagement, and human connection in response to the overwhelming demands of the digital world 38.
The Rise of Digital Fatigue
Modern life is saturated with digital stimuli—smartphones, social media, and virtual workspaces keep people perpetually connected, often at the cost of mental well-being. Studies show that excessive screen time contributes to stress, shortened attention spans, and even “brain rot,” a term recently highlighted by Oxford University Press as a defining concern of our time 2. The average person now consumes 74 gigabytes of information daily—equivalent to what a highly educated individual would have absorbed in a lifetime 500 years ago 2. This cognitive overload has led many to seek refuge in analog alternatives.
What is Analog Wellness?
Unlike traditional digital detoxes, Analog Wellness goes beyond merely reducing screen time. It emphasizes replacing digital habits with meaningful, offline activities—such as reading physical books, journaling by hand, gardening, or engaging in face-to-face conversations 14. The movement also champions the revival of retro technologies like vinyl records, film cameras, and even flip phones, which have seen a surprising resurgence among Gen Z 27.
Wellness retreats and businesses are capitalizing on this trend by offering phone-free experiences. Six Senses Hotels, for example, partners with YONDR to create Faraday-lined pouches that block phone signals, encouraging guests to fully immerse themselves in nature and community 7. Similarly, social bathhouses like Othership in New York and Toronto combine sauna sessions with ice baths and group mindfulness exercises—all without digital distractions 6.
The Benefits of Unplugging
Research underscores the advantages of analog practices: reduced blue light exposure improves sleep, handwriting enhances memory retention, and in-person socialization strengthens emotional resilience 15. Offline hobbies—such as pottery, chess, or blacksmithing—have also surged in popularity, with Yelp reporting a 516% increase in searches for blacksmithing classes 2. These activities provide a sense of accomplishment and presence that scrolling through social media cannot replicate.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the benefits are clear, adopting an analog lifestyle in a digitally dependent world isn’t easy. Experts recommend gradual steps, such as setting screen-time limits, designating tech-free zones at home, or joining offline clubs like the Amsterdam-based Offline Club, which hosts phone-free social events 26. Governments are also stepping in; Australia recently passed laws granting workers the “right to disconnect” from after-hours work communications 2.
A Balanced Future
Analog Wellness isn’t about rejecting technology entirely but about finding equilibrium. As Beth McGroarty of the Global Wellness Institute notes, it’s a “retro-futuristic” approach—harnessing the benefits of tech while reclaiming the humanity it often erodes 8. In 2025, this movement is poised to reshape industries, from travel to workplace design, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to step back—and log off.
By
