Imagine ditching your endless scroll on social media for simple, soul-soothing activities that actually rebuild your resilience—now, doesn't that sound like a breath of fresh air in our frantic world? In an era where "wellness" gets twisted into flashy trends and quick fixes, it's fascinating to look back at the 1970s, when true wellness emerged as a genuine way to navigate life's relentless demands. Back then, as highlighted in a BBC Culture piece from 2024, people turned inward for coping mechanisms, focusing on mindfulness, personal fulfillment, and inner growth to handle a rapidly changing world, rather than trying to control everything around them.
Fast-forward to today, and the story flips: We're often trapped in a cycle of instant escapes and dodging our feelings, especially in our productivity-obsessed society. Instead of pausing to face stress head-on, we chase distractions, piling on more pressure and burnout. But here's where it gets controversial—some argue that these old-school methods were just ways to ignore bigger societal issues, while modern escapism might actually empower us to demand change. What do you think: Are we trading depth for distraction?
Here are 10 clever stress-busting strategies from the 1970s that today's crowds might overlook, each designed to foster calm through intentional living.
- Tackling crossword puzzles
Science backs this up, with studies like one in NEJM Evidence showing that regular puzzling can sharpen cognitive skills and even protect against mental decline as we age. On the surface, it's a gentle way to unplug from screens and embrace the present moment, but deeper down, it builds critical thinking, emotional balance, and the ability to bounce back from life's curveballs. That's why it stands out as one of those overlooked 1970s stress relievers—folks back then grabbed a physical newspaper, while now, many opt for speedy phone apps that skip the mental workout. If you're new to this, start with a simple puzzle; it's like a mini-meditation that trains your brain without the pressure.
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- Wandering on purposeless strolls
A Frontiers in Psychology study reveals that even a short jaunt in nature can melt away stress hormones, and that's precisely why aimless outdoor walks were a go-to in the 1970s for unwinding—people today, however, often cling to phones for entertainment, even when their bodies crave the real outdoors. Sure, "hot girl walks" and jogs are making a comeback, but many modern outings have a goal, like hitting a cafe or logging miles on apps such as Strava. The magic of a 1970s-style wander? No map, no end point—just pure, ethereal freedom. And this is the part most people miss: That unstructured time lets your mind wander creatively, sparking ideas you might never find in a structured routine.
- Catching up on sleep
In our non-stop grind culture, napping or hitting the sack early can trigger guilt, as if rest undermines our "always-on" vibe. Yet, research from U.S. News shows poor sleep tanks productivity, leading to more fatigue. Back in the 1970s, folks guiltlessly napped or turned in early after tough days, honoring their need for downtime without societal judgment. Our brains are wired for rest, as BBC Health notes, so resisting it only worsens burnout. For beginners, think of it as recharging your battery—try a 20-minute power nap to reset your energy levels.
- Allowing feelings to fade
Finding the sweet spot between bottling up emotions and overanalyzing them means simply noticing and releasing them. In the 1970s, this was intuitive, before therapy buzzwords dominated chats, and people valued emotions' temporary nature. Today, we might treat feelings as permanent truths, deepening stress through rumination. Letting them pass fosters relief—imagine watching a storm cloud drift away instead of chasing it. If this feels tricky, start by journaling briefly to acknowledge emotions, then set them aside.
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- Calling in sick
Modern sick day stigma, often self-inflicted or worsened by unsupportive workplaces, makes taking time off a hurdle—companies sometimes bury approval processes or demand constant contact. That's why claiming a sick day was a straightforward stress breaker in the 1970s, detached from today's income-driven anxieties that make rest feel risky. Ironically, reclaiming this could boost overall well-being, but does it empower us or just postpone problems? Discuss in the comments: Is refusing to rest a sign of strength or stubbornness?
- Diving into newspapers
A 2022 study in the Journal of American College Health found that leisurely reading slashes psychological strain, especially for those bogged down by work-related texts. Picking up a physical paper or book offers mindful immersion, making it a classic 1970s de-stressor. Younger folks today read less, per Forbes, favoring AI shortcuts and screens, missing the tactile calm of pages. To try it, grab a newspaper and savor an article—it's like a mental vacation that builds focus.
- Cherishing family gatherings
Family time hasn't vanished, but its vibe shifted post-1970s, with some modern youth avoiding it for solo coping. A simple dinner together, as per a PMC study, eases stress, strengthens bonds, and lifts mental health for all. Back then, it was everyday magic—now, amid busy lives, it's a reminder that connection can be restorative. For example, sharing stories over a meal can turn a rough day around, fostering empathy and support.
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- Playing full albums start to finish
With today's shuffle-happy music apps, the 1970s ritual of listening to a complete record or tape without skips provided steady, stress-free grounding—no quest for the "perfect" track. It was about embracing the flow, which oddly reduced anxiety. Some might say it's outdated in a customized world, but could it teach us patience? Give it a go next time you drive; notice how the narrative arc of a full album mimics life's ups and downs.
More for You:
- Embracing downtime
Though boredom gets a bad rap now, leaning into it was a key 1970s stress tactic, free from screens or side gigs. Harvard Business Review emphasizes that boredom sparks creativity and renewal. Unlike today's packed schedules, they sought out empty moments for true recharge. Controversially, is our fear of boredom driving us to overwork, or is it a necessary evil for progress? Reflect: Does filling every minute make you happier?
- Cruising without a plan
Mindfulness might be a buzzword today, but 1970s aimless drives mirrored it by letting the mind unwind amid motion. They kept busy outside while calming inside, acknowledging feelings without agenda. In our fast-paced era, slowing down feels foreign, yet it's crucial for breaking stress loops. Try a leisurely drive sometime—think of it as a mobile meditation, inviting thoughts to surface and release.
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Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor's degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
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So, are these 1970s habits relics we should revive, or do they overlook modern realities like financial pressures and digital distractions? Do you agree that instant gratification is ruining our ability to cope, or is it just evolution? Share your thoughts below—let's debate!
