If you’re reading this blog, then it’s probably a pretty safe bet that you’re more interested in living a simple, old-fashioned lifestyle with less stress, clutter and more self-sufficiency. I personally feel like that’s something that our society needs a bit more of.
However, it seems like every time I say something like that, there is someone on the sidelines who quips about how most people tend to look at the past through a rosy glass, and that things weren’t really all that great. Women’s rights are a wonderful thing, and I love my smartphone, thank you very much. But, I would like to argue that there are ways to live an old fashioned life without taking too many steps backwards.
Here’s how:
1. Live simply
This is probably the most, well, simple thing on my list. I actually wrote an article with tips on how to live simply which you should definitely check out. Basically, it all comes down to being patient, thinking ahead and taking things one step at a time.
2. Practice old-fashioned values
This means something different to everyone, so I’m not going to give you a cut-and-dry list of what old-fashioned values and morals are. For some people, it’s things like holding doors for ladies and helping others. For some it’s spending more quality time with family. Others simply say it’s being respectful. Practicing these values and instilling them in your children is a great step to living a more old-fashioned lifestyle.
3. Be as self-sufficient as you can
Not everyone has the space for livestock, the ability to garden and can all summer long or the desire to make all your own clothes. The trick is to know what you can and are willing to do, and then do that. Even the little things will help, and you’ll be surprised how much better you feel (and how much money you’ll likely save) by being even a little self-sufficient. If nothing else, learn how to cook things from scratch for a bit more self-sufficient.
4. Give others your time
When you think about old fashioned livestyles, you probably picture large families and close-knit communities. This is because everyone had to rely on each other to make it through. Other people were extremely important to survival, but with all of the technological distractions it’s easy to forget about that. Start living more old-fashioned by shutting off those electronics and paying attention to the people around you to form bonds with neighbors and family.
5. Go outside
With all of the modern conveniences and luxuries like the Internet and air conditioning, it can be tempting to stay inside way more than you should. However, you’d be amazed how much better you’ll feel simply by spending a bit more time outside! Get away from all of those distractions and enjoy the great outdoors!
6. Work hard
I love technology just as much as anyone else, so when I say ‘work hard’ I am not saying that you need to use a scythe to mow your lawn instead of a lawnmower (unless that’s your thing). Instead, what I mean is to throw yourself wholeheartedly into everything you do and do it to the best of your ability. Not only will you feel better about yourself and your work, but you’ll finish faster and probably have better results. Always work hard and know when to relax.
7. Manage your time
This is the biggest thing for most people; time management. A lot of people trying to be ‘old fashioned’ will tell you that you should get rid of most of your technology. I argue, instead, that you simply need to limit your use of it. Find some non-technological hobbies or spend more time with friends.
Do you have any tips for living a more old-fashioned lifestyle? Share with me in the comments!
I just wanted to take a moment and say I absolutely love your site and facebook page. Thank you I look forward to your posts daily.
Aww, thanks Lois!
I agree that not all technology should be put aside when you work but sometimes listening to nature while you work helps relive stress and anxiety. For example, when I chop wood instead of using a noisy chainsaw I use an axe or a bow saw sow I can listen to the forest around me.
For me being old fashioned is the only way.
I’m really not interested in this crazy modern world at all.
I love to come home…close the front door, and enter my own little old fashioned world.
A place of home cooked meals, sewing my clothes, reading lovely books to the children.
Having a home that is warm and welcoming with cosy fires, big soft rugs, & cushions.
My home needs to be peaceful and quiet, no TVs, no radios no interruptions from that mad world out there.
You won’t hear any negativity from me… well said=) I completely agree that you don’t have to go too far backwards to live simply. I do have a love for the past, and am not ashamed to want to hold onto those things that I can from it. We can definitely all benefit from this advice. Fresh air and nature is free and wonderful for body and mind, and I’m a believer that good old fashioned values should NEVER have fallen out of style.
Good old fashioned simplicity gets me anyday. Sometimes I grow so weary of all these modern virtual distractions that have replaced realistic living.
I have had to decide that even no one else in my large household is as appreciative of oldfashioned living as I am, and criticize me for it, I can live my world in my mind and just have to tune out the rest.
Something I discovered recently when squeezing out time (in my hugely busy schedule with 8 children at home) to do a small crosstitch sampler, was how much joy I got out of creating something! It’s value is small and not practical, but it yielded so much peace in my spirit as I SLOWED down!
This is a subject I can talk forhours on, helps me to know I am not the only one.
I totally understand Leslie. I find it takes a very special person to really be able to understand the old fashioned life and why it’s so amazing. Don’t worry though–you’re definitely not alone! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Well, I do scythe my lawn. I shave with a double edged safety razor, wash clothes by hand and use a laundry line to dry. My water bill stays under $45 a month and my electric stays under $100 a month. I save tons of money cooking with old cast iron so I never have to replace flaked teflon. Best thing, disposable junk has been eliminated from my shopping and I am currently in the process of decluttering. More space in the house and it makes things so much easier to find.
Thank you for this blog.