7 practices from the 70s that should resurface in 2025

In the bustling, fast-paced world we live in today, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But looking back at the 1970s, we can find a few habits that, if reintroduced, might help us find balance and well-being.

Back then, there was a culture of repair and maintenance that seems to be missing in our era of fast fashion and built-in obsolescence. Clothes were mended, appliances were fixed, and things weren't quickly discarded. This mindset of repair and maintenance could be beneficial in our current consumer-driven society.

Walking, a simple act, was associated with more creativity and could ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. In a world where digital distractions often rule, taking a walk could offer a refreshing change and a chance to clear the mind.

Handwritten letters, too, carried a bit of the writer's personality and forced the writer to clarify thoughts. Unlike today's impersonal digital messages, a handwritten letter was a personal touch that could strengthen connections.

The 1970s didn't necessarily prioritise slow living by design, but the absence of constant digital distractions allowed for a slower pace of life. Slowing down can lead to increased productivity and fulfillment. Eastern philosophy often emphasises slowing down and living with intention.

Reading books for fun was a common form of entertainment in the 1970s. A study found that reading for just 6 minutes can lower stress levels by 68%. In a world where screens dominate our leisure time, picking up a book could offer a chance to unwind and relax.

Research shows that strong social connections are one of the biggest predictors of well-being. Shared meals strengthen family bonds, improve mental health, and help kids do better academically. Casual get-togethers, without the need for impressing others, were common in the 1970s.

Dinner time was seen as a time for family connection, not just for food. In a world where busy schedules often make family time scarce, setting aside time for a shared meal could offer a chance to reconnect.

The trend of people writing slower, handcrafted letters in the 1970s wasn't attributed to a specific individual in the provided sources. However, handwritten letters were historically significant, with figures like Arthur Schnitzler known for extensive letter writing.

Life moved at a slower pace in the 1970s due to the absence of smartphones, allowing for more unstructured time, patience, and room to simply be. Reintroducing some of these habits could help us find more balance in our fast-paced world. The author suggests that reading for pleasure, repairing items, and slowing down could be a recipe for a more balanced life.