Many valuable practices from the past have been overshadowed by new routines and advancements. Revisiting the traditions our grandparents followed can bring simplicity, wisdom, and connection back into our lives. Here are 19 things our grandparents did that deserve a comeback.
Writing Handwritten Letters
There’s nothing more personal than a handwritten letter! They’re a joy to write, as well as read, as they force you to slow down and express your thoughts carefully. The Guardian reminds us that handwritten “letters – more careful, more permanent – last longer,” so maybe we should start writing them again.
Growing Your Own Vegetables
Growing your own vegetables has various health benefits. The produce is good for your body, and the act of growing them is good for your mind—it teaches you lessons in patience and responsibility. Let’s put our green thumbs to use once more!
Cooking from Scratch
Remember the glorious smells when you used to walk into your grandparent’s kitchen? Homemade meals cooked from scratch are nutritious and comforting. Rediscover your old family recipes and traditions and use them to bond with your new family in the kitchen!
Regular Family Meals
Sitting around the dining table with your whole family is a distant memory to some people these days. Eating together, talking about your day, and sharing experiences and lessons was a staple for our grandparent’s generation. You could establish this routine with your children and strengthen your family bond.
Using Cash
Using cash has become pretty rare, especially since the pandemic, with people preferring to use credit cards. However, spending physical money can make you think twice about certain purchases. This could help you manage your budget better, reducing personal debt and financial stress.
Fixing Things Instead of Replacing Them
The BBC says that “with many of us having to cut back on our spending […], there has been an increase in the number of people repairing goods.” Repairing goods can help us gain different skills and lessen our impact on the planet by reducing waste.
Listening to The Radio
The radio is underappreciated, and it is now even missing from our cars as we plug in our phones and stream music instead. However, listening to the radio has many benefits, like encouraging imagination and improving our listening and concentration skills, so next time you get in your car, give it a go!
Reading Physical Books
The feeling of the pages of a book between your fingers is the best, but the convenience of ebooks and television has taken over! We need to live like our grandparents did and read physical books to reduce our screen time and digital fatigue and improve our concentration and comprehension skills.
Walking or Cycling Places
You don’t have to walk or cycle everywhere (that would take a lot of time and effort), but you could walk or cycle to nearby places to reduce your car use. According to the WHO, “cycling and walking can help reduce physical inactivity and air pollution, save lives, and mitigate climate change.”
Playing Board Games
Give your (and your children’s) eyes a well-deserved rest from screens and enjoy some old-fashioned board game fun instead! Board games are great for children’s development, as they encourage social interaction without digital distractions and can help develop strategic thinking and patience.
Practicing Manners
It’s just as important to practice manners now as it has ever been! Being polite and having good manners positively affects personal and professional relationships. Carrying this practice on and teaching your children respect and consideration is key to keeping manners alive!
Writing a Diary
You probably kept a diary for a little while when you were a kid, but people rarely stick with it into adulthood. Writing a diary can help you save memories and enhance self-expression and introspection. Journaling also has great mental health benefits.
Having Community Gatherings
Communities tend to be a bit disjointed these days, with everyone minding their own business and keeping their heads down. Why not get to know your neighbors and host a community gathering? These events can strengthen communities and create a sense of belonging and safety.
Enjoying Outdoor Activities
Venturing outside and engaging in outdoor activities have many physical and mental health benefits. Connecting with nature relieves stress and encourages exploration. The Mayo Clinic points out that “nature exposure is also associated with better cognitive function—like memory, attention, creativity, and sleep quality.”
Learning to Sew, Knit, or Crochet
Sewing, knitting, and crocheting are often seen as outdated practices, but they are great relaxing and therapeutic ways to spend your free time! There’s also the satisfaction of creating something by hand. We should revive these traditional crafts and pass them on.
Voting in Local Elections
It’s easy to ignore and overlook local elections, but it’s important to get involved. You have a responsibility to engage in activities to better your community, such as local elections, and you can have an impact on local policies and community development if you do.
Going for Sunday Drives
Escape the four walls of your house and rediscover the joy of exploration. Breaking your routine can relieve stress, so take a relaxing Sunday drive like our grandparents used to, and just go where the road takes you. Who doesn’t love a spontaneous adventure?
Visiting Libraries
Rather than just looking things up online, why not go to your local library? Libraries have access to a wide range of resources and knowledge, and visiting them can help encourage lifelong learning and literacy. You can have a nice chat with the librarian while you’re there, too!
Volunteering for Charities
Do your bit and volunteer for charity to make your grandparents proud! Experience the joy of helping others and the pride of actively participating in improving society. You could even take your children along to encourage them to build empathy and understanding.
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