Mindy Peterson, NCTM

Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash

In an increasingly digital world, something unexpected is happening: people of all ages are going analog. Discover the trend sweeping generations – and why making music might be one of the most rewarding ways to join in.

I’m Mindy Peterson, host of Enhance Life with Music podcast, where we explore all the ways music can make our lives better. And this is Microhance, a micro-dose of musical enhancement.

I recently heard a new term that caught my attention, and now I’m seeing it everywhere. It seems to be a new trend among all age groups, and I absolutely love it! I’m talking about analog hobbies.

Think knitting, biking, watercolor painting, board games, gardening, puzzles – or, yes, playing a musical instrument. It’s a screen-free, IRL activity that is tactile and hands-on; it involves a slower-paced focus on a single activity without multi-tasking.

And as I mentioned, hunger for these experiences has exploded across age groups. An app-blocking device called the Brick was developed by two Gen Zers for the purpose of blocking constant distractions from what really matters. Millennial Phoebe Bridgers banned phones from her recent tour performances so attendees could be fully present in the moment.

During this AI age, when technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated (and ubiquitous), people are recognizing its limits – and the toll it can take. Most of us are not anti-technology, but we’re realizing the importance of stepping away from our screens, engaging our hands and minds, and experiencing the benefits of doing something in the physical world, at our own pace. Analog hobbies provide a mental reset.

We’re also realizing that having instant access to everything doesn’t necessarily make us feel more connected to anything. Technology can give us the illusion of intimacy without the depth that comes from spending time with someone. As I discussed on last week’s episode of my other podcast, Lagom Life, real friendships develop gradually. Meaningful relationships require attention. They’re not efficient. And sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves is turn away from screens and rediscover the pleasures of being physically present. And when your hands are busy and your attention is focused in that physical-world activity, that time that seemed to be whizzing by, out of control, suddenly seems to s l o w   d o w n.

Important Note: You don’t have to be good at what you’re doing for it to be worthwhile. You don’t have to be trying to monetize it, build a following, or turn it into a side hustle. You have permission to do things just because they’re fun.

Which brings me to music. Making music – whether it’s playing a musical instrument or singing (or both) – is one of THE OG analog hobbies. And while hobbies don’t HAVE to be done for any reason other than you enjoy them (as I just mentioned), the efficiency geek in me does need to point out that making music is not only fun – it is SO much more! It is therapy. It keeps your brain sharp. When done with others, it promotes social bonding. It expands your attention span. It can ease pain, boost your mood, and even make you better at your job! (I’’ll put a link in the show notes to that one!) That’s what this podcast is all about, of course – spotlighting all the ways music can make our lives better.

All you need is an instrument (which could be the human instrument, your voice), your hands, your ears, a little time. You don’t need to post your performance online. You don’t need to record it, share it, or prove that you’re improving. You can simply play.

Maybe you dust off the piano you haven’t touched in years. You don’t have to start with scales, lessons, or a practice schedule. Start with a song you love – or just noodle. Maybe you pull out a guitar or ukulele and learn three chords. Maybe you sing along to your favorite songs while making dinner.

And if you make music with other people, you get the added benefits of human connection. You listen to one another, respond to one another, and create something together that wouldn’t exist in quite the same way otherwise.

Music offers something that can be difficult to find in our increasingly digital lives: an experience that unfolds in real time, inviting us to slow down, pay attention, and be fully present.

Even listening to music (as opposed to making it) can become an analog experience when we give it our full attention instead of treating it as background noise. Attend a concert or put a record on the turntable and listen to an entire album without checking your phone halfway through. Notice the instruments, the lyrics, the emotions and memories the music brings up. Let yourself enjoy the experience without multitasking. Just music.

So here’s your Microhance challenge: Spend just five minutes this week enjoying an analog musical experience. Choose something you love, not something you think you should do. Notice how you feel afterward. And if you’re already making music, keep it up(!) and expand your awareness of all you’re gaining from this process. It’s not just playing the piano or attending choir rehearsal – it’s meaningful connection, a mental reset, and an opportunity to be fully present.

You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my occasional e-Newsletter.

I’m Mindy Peterson, and I hope this inspires you to enhance your life with music.

In-Episode Promo

JAMBAR: In addition to music, I am passionate about health & well-being. For me, a healthy lifestyle includes eating a diet that is mostly whole, unprocessed foods. This is pretty easy when I’m close to home, but living a full life often takes us away from a convenient refrigerator and a predictable schedule. Enter my favorite whole food energy bar. JAMBAR is a Certified Organic whole food bar, non-GMO and gluten-free. Created by a food science and nutrition expert, athlete, and musician, JAMBAR is packed with protein and fiber, and minimally sweetened with only all-natural sweeteners. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and has a one-year shelf life. These bars don’t melt, freeze, or crumble – which means they can go from a day of ice skating in Minneapolis to a trip to the beach when I’m visiting my daughter in Florida. (The only problem with the beach trips is keeping my kids from eating all my bars because they love them, too!)

Fuel your full life and healthy lifestyle with JAMBARs. Available at Amazon, select retailers, and jambar.com. For more info, you can also visit Episode 160. Links are in the show notes.

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