1. News
  2. News for You

5 ways to disconnect and unplug

Put some analog charm in your life

family building puzzle
Photo (c) fotostorm - Getty

Americans have more virtual obligations than ever. After a day of calendar notifications, email alerts and Zoom meetings, it’s nice to sit back and unplug. Check out our fun ideas for busy professionals who have a hard time disconnecting.

1. Spin a record

Record players turn listening to your favorite albums into a special ritual. There are a ton of advantages to vinyl, including superior sound and a neat hobby to pursue. Plus, a turntable looks pretty cool in a living room or bedroom.

sony turntable
Photo (c) Amazon
  • Fully automatic and wireless
  • Bluetooth and USB output

Buy on Amazon

2. Do a puzzle with more than your thumbs

Mobile puzzle games are fun, but they add hours of extra screen time to your day without giving you much to show for it. Analog puzzles have been increasingly popular since March because they are great for relieving stress during isolation. Also, jigsaw puzzles can improve your visual-spatial reasoning and short-term memory, according to some studies.

Amsterdam Canal Jigsaw Puzzle

amsterdam puzzle
Photo (c) Amazon
  • 136 pieces
  • Appropriate for ages 13+

Buy on Amazon

Trickly Logic Puzzles for Adults

logic puzzles
Photo (c) Amazon
  • 180 pages
  • 130+ puzzles

Buy on Amazon

3D Wooden Train Puzzle

wood train puzzle
Photo (c) Amazon
  • 308 pieces
  • Appropriate for ages 14+

Buy on Amazon

3. Go back in time

Digital clocks and smartphones expose you to blue light, which can damage retina cells and make falling asleep more difficult. Analog clocks are great because they don’t put off blue light, and you don’t have to worry about losing track of time during a power outage. These retro clocks also add a chic, vintage flair to your home.

modern silent wall clock
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

bulova wooden clock
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

peakeep retro alarm clock
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

4. Plan for the future while remembering the past

Crossing something off a paper to-do list with a pen can be much more satisfying than using an app. If you're obsessed with productivity, give bullet journaling a whirl. It’s an efficient way to log your daily activities and keep track of personal or professional goals.

You can also save your memories in something more tactile than another Facebook photo album. Scrapbooking is a fun and crafty way to preserve your favorite recollections. If you have kids, it’s also something you can do together!

Bullet Journal Kit

bullet journal kit
Photo (c) Amazon
  • 224-page dotted journal
  • Includes stickers, ribbons and journaling supplies

Buy on Amazon

D.I.Y. Vintage Scrapbook Kit

vintage scrapbook starter
Photo (c) Amazon
  • Hardcover scrapbook album
  • Includes embossed stickers, decorative ribbons and journaling supplies

Buy on Amazon

5. Read a book for inspiration

Instead of scrolling endlessly through Instagram, consider investing in a few quality art books for your coffee table.

vanity fair book
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

metropolitan book
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

art the definitive visual guide
Photo (c) Amazon

Buy on Amazon

Take a Home Warranty Quiz. Get matched with an Authorized Partner.