There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn’t show up in your sleep tracker or weekly meal prep — it’s the constant use of electronics. Even with the presence of social media, there are expectations of presenting the “perfect life” and the grueling trap of FOMO. No longer wanting to feel like life is passing by, young adults are taking an impactful decision by logging off and attending sculpting classes.

The digital declutter movement has been simmering for years, but something has shifted in how it looks realistically. It’s no longer a wellness trend or a detox challenge designed for influencers to document. Now, it is designed as showing up to wheel-throwing workshops, hosting book club sessions and studying with friends at coffee shops. The craft revival isn’t aesthetic — it’s a revision of how we want to spend our time and fix our attention spans.

Why is everyone craving an offline hobby?

From the moment you wake up in the morning to the time that you lie down for the night, there’s a high chance that your phone is glued to you. Between remote work, streaming services and texting, it’s easy to spend hours glued to a screen and not doing anything with your hands other than typing or scrolling. As this routine goes on, the social isolation can become too much to bear, and once you decide to become more social, it can be hard to know where to start.

That’s why creative hobbies are becoming something that is much needed for the youth today — stepping away from the digital screen and using their imagination. Whether it’s a handmade mug or a knitted scarf, creating something physical with your hands can provide a sense of fulfillment that is long-lasting rather than an Instagram story. 

Social media is designed to keep us consuming — the more videos or trends we come across, the more our attention directs to the content. With crafting, it flips that narrative. Instead of mindlessly watching someone create online, you’re the one experimenting with the hobby in real time. The process demands focus, making it difficult to multitask or check notifications. 

There’s also something refreshing about having a hobby that doesn’t need a recording of it or quickly become TikTok tutorials. Many young adults are embracing the idea that some moments don’t have to be broadcasted for the world to see — it’s more intimate to keep most things private and are used for personal enjoyment. That’s a quiet but meaningful shift in an era where nearly everything is documented.

How to start your own digital declutter

Now, I’m not saying you have to delete every social media app on your phone — although you’re more than welcome to do so — but you can start small on venturing into your digital declutter journey. 

One of the things that I did in the past was block out three to four hours in my day to read books and write in my journal. Not only did this switch my mind to something more compelling, but I was able to return back to my childhood love of reading and writing. Being able to immerse in a world of relaxation while exploring my creative vision has been one of the most pivotal moments in my life.

If you want to do something similar, you can start small by eliminating all digital devices and replacing screen time with reading. To amp things up a bit, visit a local pottery shop or invite your friends over for a night of painting. You don’t have to be perfect in any of these, but it’s a great way to cater your attention to something that doesn’t involve being behind a screen.

What are some ways to do a digital declutter? Let us know in the comments!