We’ve all heard the phrase “everything old is new again,” haven’t we? It’s funny how trends from decades past tend to cycle back into mainstream popularity.
Lately, I’ve been noticing a surge in certain skills that my mom and her friends considered second nature back in the ’60s—skills that, for a while, seemed outdated.
But guess what? They’re making a comeback in a big way.
I’m not just talking about fashion or music trends, but real, practical abilities that tap into living more simply, creatively, and mindfully. Whether it’s sewing our own clothes or hand-writing letters (yes, snail mail!), these old-school habits are feeling surprisingly fresh right now.
I’ve personally embraced several of these practices over the past few years, especially after noticing how they help me be more resourceful and present in my day-to-day life.
And as a single mom with a busy schedule, simplicity is something I can always get behind.
So, if you’re curious about which ’60s-inspired life skills are having a modern renaissance—and how you can pick them up—read on. I’ve narrowed it down to eight.
1. Sewing and mending
Ever sat down in front of a sewing machine?
If you have, you know it’s an experience that requires focus and patience—two things we don’t always give ourselves much of these days.
Sewing and mending clothes used to be a staple skill. My mom, for instance, never thought twice about patching a hole or altering a hem.
But for a long time, many of us got used to tossing out torn jeans or buying new clothes instead of fixing what we had.
Lately, though, there’s a noticeable shift toward repairing instead of replacing. Part of that push comes from a growing environmental consciousness—fast fashion is expensive in the long run, both financially and for our planet.
Another big draw is the sense of pride and creative expression you get from wearing something you’ve breathed new life into.
I remember when I first started learning how to sew: I was watching online tutorials late at night while my son slept, determined to patch up his favorite superhero pajamas.
The next day, I handed him those “good as new” pajamas, and the look on his face was worth every stitch. Sewing connects us to a more mindful and resourceful way of living—much like it did in the ’60s.
2. Home cooking from scratch
“Why buy it if you can make it at home?” That was pretty much the motto in my grandmother’s kitchen.
In a world filled with meal delivery apps and microwave dinners, cooking from scratch has become a lost art for many. But it’s staging a comeback, and I’m thrilled to see it.
From homemade bread to slow-simmered soups, people are rediscovering the satisfaction of preparing meals the old-fashioned way. This ties in nicely with health consciousness.
Studies show that cooking at home is linked to better overall nutrition.
I have a love-hate relationship with cooking myself—I love the idea of it but hate how messy my kitchen can get when I’m trying a new recipe. Still, there’s something undeniably comforting about kneading dough by hand or experimenting with family recipes that have been passed down.
If you want a good place to start, try a simple pasta sauce or a loaf of bread. You’ll not only taste the difference but also feel a sense of accomplishment that’s missing from a store-bought meal.
3. Handwritten letters
“When was the last time I actually wrote someone a letter?” I asked myself that question a few months ago and couldn’t even remember.
Email, texting, and social media have made communication instantaneous, which is wonderful in many ways—but it also means we rarely take the time to craft a thoughtful, handwritten note.
There’s a certain magic in sitting down with pen and paper, choosing your words carefully, and adding personal touches. I still keep a few treasured letters from my teenage years in a small box.
Rereading them gives me a sense of nostalgia that a digital message can’t match.
Don’t get me wrong, I love technology. But there’s something about snail mail that feels more genuine and meaningful. It’s a skill from the ’60s that’s being revived by anyone craving a deeper, more tangible form of connection.
As Sheryl Sandberg once said, “Communication starts with the understanding that there is my point of view and someone else’s point of view.”
A handwritten letter offers a chance to slow down, really consider what we want to say, and bridge the gap between those points of view more intimately.
4. Growing your own produce
If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh tomato you grew yourself.
Back in the ’60s, having a home vegetable garden wasn’t some quirky hobby—it was a practical way to ensure fresh food on the table. Nowadays, with concerns about pesticide use, food miles, and our carbon footprint, more people are turning their backyards, balconies, and even windowsills into mini gardens.
I started small with a pot of basil (mainly because I love pesto). Then I expanded to tomatoes, and now my son and I are experimenting with strawberries.
Tending a garden teaches patience and nurtures a sense of responsibility. It’s also a way to reconnect with nature in our mostly digital world. Don’t worry if you don’t have a big yard—container gardening is totally a thing.
Trust me, once you’ve tasted your own freshly plucked herbs and veggies, you’ll never look at grocery store produce the same way again.
5. Thrift store shopping and upcycling
Have you noticed how “vintage” has become a buzzword? Back in the ’60s, people often shopped with frugality in mind—they’d buy quality items intended to last or find secondhand treasures when money was tight.
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and upcycling old furniture were par for the course.
Today, the popularity of platforms like Depop and the countless thrift haul videos on social media demonstrate a renewed love for secondhand finds.
I’m a big fan of turning preloved items into unique, statement pieces for my home. I once found an old wooden shelf that looked a bit beaten up, but with a fresh coat of paint and some new knobs, it’s become my favorite corner bookshelf.
Upcycling and thrift shopping let us transform something old into a kind of art that expresses our personality. It’s also a sustainable choice.
So if you haven’t ventured into your local thrift store in a while, consider giving it a go—you might just find a hidden gem waiting to be revived.
6. Face-to-face social gatherings
Phones away, eye contact on. That was pretty much the norm for socializing in the ’60s because, well, we didn’t have smartphones back then.
Ironically, we now live in a hyper-connected society where face-to-face connection can feel like a rare treat.
Lately, I’ve seen a resurgence in dinner parties, board game nights, and backyard barbecues where the main feature isn’t a TV or an elaborate Instagram-worthy setting, but people genuinely talking, sharing, and laughing.
If you read my post on building deeper friendships (you might have), you’ll know I’m a fan of creating spaces where people can interact more meaningfully.
The next time you’re hanging out with friends or family, consider having a device-free evening. I tried it with a few close friends recently, and the difference was striking.
We felt more engaged in conversation, told old stories, and ended up reminiscing about how our parents and grandparents used to entertain guests without relying on screens.
7. Fix-it-yourself mentality
Remember the days when we actually tried to fix a broken toaster before trashing it? Growing up, I vividly recall the tinkering sessions my dad would have.
He’d open up an appliance to see what was wrong, consult a manual, and often emerge victorious—no new purchase required.
That do-it-yourself spirit is slowly returning. From minor plumbing fixes to basic carpentry, the internet is loaded with tutorials to guide us in repairing items ourselves.
There’s also a huge online community of “fixers” who share tips and motivate each other to get hands-on. This is backed by experts like Stephen Covey, who famously stated: “Every human has four endowments—self-awareness, conscience, independent will, and creative imagination.”
Using these endowments to fix things fosters independence and resourcefulness.
I’m all for hiring a professional when the job calls for it, but there’s a lot of everyday stuff we can troubleshoot ourselves. A few months ago, I saved my washing machine from an early grave by replacing a simple part.
It was a messy experience, but every time I do my laundry now, I feel a small surge of pride.
8. Slowing down and practicing mindfulness
Perhaps most crucially, the ’60s were known for their countercultural movements that emphasized peace, love, and a slower, more mindful approach to life.
Fast-forward to now, and mindfulness has become a buzzword—from guided meditation apps to yoga retreats. While the ’60s didn’t have the same apps we do today, the essence of “being present” was a key part of that era’s mindset.
For me, mindfulness is a daily practice. I try to integrate it in simple ways—like paying full attention when I sip my morning tea or taking deep breaths before starting my workday.
When I first discovered mindfulness, it felt almost too simple to be true. But the more I do it, the more I notice how it grounds me, reduces stress, and makes me more patient with my son.
Mindfulness connects us with the moment instead of letting us spiral into worries about the future or regrets about the past.
It’s a practice that was nurtured by many of the ’60s spiritual and cultural movements, and it’s becoming more popular than ever in our perpetually busy, digital age.
Wrapping up
From sewing to mindfulness, these are more than just passing fads; they’re practical, rooted skills that enrich our lives.
By reviving what some might call “old-fashioned” habits, we’re finding contemporary solutions to modern challenges—reducing waste, nurturing creativity, and deepening our connections.
Here at DM News, we love seeing this renewed interest in self-reliance and mindful living.
And personally, I appreciate how each of these practices brings a sense of ease and intentionality to my hectic routine as a writer and mom.
The truth is, the ’60s might be decades behind us, but the simple wisdom of that era still holds its appeal.
So if you’re feeling inspired, why not pick one of these skills to explore for yourself? Maybe try sewing a patch on those jeans you’ve been meaning to fix, or plan a face-to-face gathering with friends.
If it spoke to your heart (and your schedule), keep it going and see how it changes your day-to-day life. And if you find yourself wanting more, well, don’t be surprised—these timeless skills have a way of drawing you in for good.
