In a world that moves quickly and can often feel overwhelming, there’s something special about embracing the traditions of the past. Old-fashioned homemaking offers a sense of nostalgia and simplicity that can be hard to find in modern living. By learning these time-tested techniques, you can infuse your daily life with a sense of calm and efficiency while meaningfully connecting with the past.
As a homemaker in today’s world, I often feel the need to take extended breaks from social media and the daily hustle and bustle. I can quickly become overwhelmed, exhausted, and fed up with it all! If you can relate to this, these traditional homemaking tips may help you step back, take a deep breath, and remember that in a world that values productivity, we can still slow down and embrace a more relaxed lifestyle.
Here are some of my favourite ways to embrace old-fashioned homemaking in a modern world:
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1. Rise with the Sun
Just as the sun rises, there’s something truly special about starting your day early. In the past, people used to wake up with the first light, harnessing the quiet of the morning to get a head start on their daily tasks.
As a homemaker, waking up early and enjoying a peaceful morning routine can set the tone for the rest of your day. Whether you’re enjoying a cup of tea in silence or tending to your garden, beginning your day with the first light can help you feel more energised, focused, and motivated to tackle the tasks ahead.
2. Hand-Wash and Line-Dry Clothes
While modern appliances have made our lives more convenient, they have created a disconnect between us and the environment. Hand-washing and line-drying clothes is a simple yet powerful way to bridge that gap. It allows you to slow down and connect with the natural world while reducing your carbon footprint.
Getting outside in the fresh air and sunshine is a bonus when hanging out your washing. And let’s remember the benefits to your clothes and linens – hand washing is gentler on fabrics, which means they will last longer and retain quality. Plus, there’s something truly satisfying about the fresh scent of air-dried laundry.
3. Cooking From-Scratch
Learning to make food from scratch, like homemade sandwich bread, slow-cooked stews, and bone broths, brings a sense of accomplishment and a depth of flavour often missing from quick, processed foods. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you learn a few essential recipes, you’ll be surprised by how quickly your cooking skills improve.
Our health and well-being are declining due to our reliance on packaged and commercially produced foods. It’s healthier for you and your families because you control the quality of the ingredients. Nutrition plays a crucial role in our lives.
4. Live Seasonally
Embrace the natural rhythm of the seasons and live in harmony with the world around you. Let seasonal produce nourish your body, adjust your activities to the changing weather, and bring the beauty of nature into your home through thoughtful decorations.
5. Hand Write Letters to Loved Ones
In today’s digital age, where communication is instantaneous, the art of letter writing has become a lost treasure. But there is something truly special about receiving a handwritten letter. It’s a tangible expression of love and connection that can be cherished forever.
A handwritten letter can show the recipient how much you care. It will also allow you to slow down and reflect on your thoughts, and you may discover renewed gratitude and appreciation for the people in your life.
6. Learn DIY Skills
DIY activities such as basic carpentry, sewing, and knitting were once considered essential for a well-functioning household. They saved money and provided individuals with a sense of self-reliance and creativity.
By mastering these skills, people could fix and create things on their own without having to rely on outside help. This saved money and instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment. In today’s world, where everything is readily available at the click of a button, learning these old-fashioned skills can help people reconnect with their roots and appreciate the value of hard work and determination.
What can you do with these skills?
- Carpentry = cabinets, furniture, building sheds or a house.
- Sewing = mending clothing, sewing new clothing, making homewares like pillowcases, pot holders, and bowl covers.
- Knitting & crochet = sweaters, washcloths, blankets.
- Gardening = growing food, flowers, herbs, medicinal medicines.
- Preserving = canning homegrown food, reducing food waste.
7. Make Time for Family and Storytelling
In this age of technology, it’s easy to get lost in digital screens and lose touch with old-fashioned family time. Families can strengthen their bonds and enjoy quality time together by turning off the Xbox and PlayStation, putting phones away, and engaging in games and chats. Reviving the storytelling tradition, sharing family histories, and playing board games are excellent ways to keep oral traditions alive and create fond memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Embrace Natural Home Remedies
In the past, natural home remedies were the most popular choice for treating minor ailments. There is a renewed interest in using herbs and plants from our gardens to promote wellness and general health. Making natural remedies from these garden ingredients can be both effective and satisfying.
Additionally, you can make natural home cleaners and beauty products using many of the same ingredients. These homemade remedies and products are better for the environment and can be gentler on your body.
My favourite cleaning recipes:
- DIY Natural Shampoo with Castile Soap
- DIY Hand Soap with Castile Soap
- Homemade Shower Scrub Cleaner
- DIY Natural Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
9. Get Involved with your Community
Getting involved in your community and neighbourhood is essential to modern-day living. It’s not just about staying within the confines of your home but about being an active participant in your surroundings. Communicating effectively with your neighbours and keeping in touch with them can foster a sense of belongingness and create a supportive environment. Participating in local events and supporting neighbourhood businesses can also contribute to the growth and development of the community.
10. Embrace Mindful and Simple Living
Embracing simplicity can be a powerful way to cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By focusing on quality over quantity, we can learn to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary moments of our day-to-day routines. This can help us be more present and mindful, leading to greater peace and happiness.
So take a step back, breathe deeply, and remind yourself that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring the greatest joy.
Conclusion
Old-fashioned homemaking can help us live a more intentional and grounded life in the modern world. It reminds us of the beauty in simplicity and the importance of self-sufficiency. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can find balance and fulfilment beyond modern conveniences’ appeal.