Gen Z’s pretty great at calling out what’s broken, whether it’s toxic work culture, unfair systems, or pointless traditions.
However, not everything from “the old days” is useless. Some of the stuff that gets written off as outdated might actually make life better, not worse. That’s not to say we should bring back landlines or low-rise jeans (please don’t), but a few of these so-called outdated habits are actually kind of underrated. Here are some things Gen Z tends to side-eye that might deserve a second chance.
1. Actually picking up the phone sometimes
Look, no one’s saying calls have to replace texts. However, sometimes, talking it out just works better. You can say more in two minutes than you can in 47 back-and-forth messages where tone keeps getting lost. That’s especially true when things feel tense or emotional, hearing someone’s voice can cut through a lot of misreading. Calls aren’t about being formal; they’re about getting clarity and connection without five different emojis trying to carry the mood.
2. Writing stuff down with a pen
Source: Unsplash Digital notes are convenient until they’re a black hole you never look at again. But writing things out with actual ink? It sticks. Your brain slows down just enough to help you focus, and that mental clutter suddenly feels way more manageable. It’s a great way to process pretty much everything. Whether it’s a to-do list, your feelings, or random thoughts you don’t want to forget, putting pen to paper is surprisingly grounding, and it doesn’t come with push notifications.
3. Carrying cash—like, actual money
Most things are tap-to-pay now, sure, but when your phone dies or a shop’s card machine crashes, being the person with a tenner suddenly makes you a legend. Having cash doesn’t mean you’re ancient; it means you’re prepared. Plus, cash can help you spend more mindfully. Watching money physically leave your hand hits different from swiping a card. No one’s saying you should ditch digital—you just don’t want to end up in a bad spot if it fails you.
4. Sending proper thank-you notes (or just full sentences)
Source: Unsplash “Thx :)” works in a pinch, but an actual thank-you message—one that took more than three seconds—is rare these days. Which makes it kind of powerful. People remember when you take the time to say more than just the bare minimum. Whether it’s after an interview, a gift, or a favour, a decent thank-you doesn’t just show manners—it shows you actually cared. It’s not cringey. It’s just solid communication with a little respect on top.
5. Reading physical books again
Scrolling is fun until your brain feels fried. There’s something about holding a real book that hits differently—no pings, no pop-ups, just actual focus. It’s not just about being off-screen—it’s about being fully present for once. Also, books don’t glitch. They don’t need Wi-Fi, and they don’t try to sell you something while you’re halfway through a sentence. You can actually get lost in a story without ten distractions dragging you out of it.
6. Dressing like you mean it
Comfort is king, and nobody’s saying give up hoodies. But every now and then, putting in a little effort can do something for your brain. When you look put together, you kinda start to feel it, even if it’s just for yourself. You don’t have to go full formal, but dressing with intention changes how you show up. Whether it’s a first date, a job thing, or just trying to change your energy, what you wear can help you take yourself more seriously without trying too hard.
7. Doing absolutely nothing on purpose
Productivity culture makes you feel guilty for blinking without monetising it. Of course, boredom isn’t the enemy—it’s where creativity and clarity sneak in. Letting yourself stare at the ceiling for a bit? That’s underrated therapy right there. You don’t need to meditate or schedule rest like a goal. Just be. Let your brain float around without forcing it to solve or scroll. It’s quiet, sure, but it might be exactly what your nervous system needs.
8. Talking to strangers (in a normal way)
We’ve all been trained to stare at our phones in public, but real-life small talk still has a place. It’s not weird to chat with someone in line or compliment a stranger’s outfit. It’s human, and it builds a kind of social ease that texting can’t teach. Even quick conversations with randoms can give you a little mood boost or fresh perspective. You don’t need to be overly friendly, but it’s nice to connected to the world outside your own head.
9. Actually waiting for stuff
Everything’s on-demand now, and honestly, it’s exhausting. Waiting—whether it’s for a reply, a package, or something you really want—builds patience, which sounds boring but is actually kind of powerful. Delays can teach you stuff about yourself. And half the time, by the time the thing arrives or happens, it hits harder because you didn’t get it instantly. Not every inconvenience is a disaster. Some are a vibe reset.
10. Learning from older people instead of roasting them
Boomers catch a lot of heat online, and not always unfairly, but some of them actually know stuff. Asking questions and listening to someone who’s been through things? That’s wisdom you can’t always Google. You don’t have to agree with their opinions or copy their choices. But hearing what they’ve learned, what they regret, what worked and what didn’t—it gives you perspective you don’t get scrolling through people your own age.
11. Taking care of what you already own
Source: Unsplash When it’s easy to replace stuff, it’s easy not to care about it. But fixing things, maintaining them, actually cleaning your shoes before they fall apart—it’s not just responsible. It builds a weird kind of pride. Plus, it slows you down. Instead of chasing the next thing, you make what you have last. That mindset change can carry over into how you treat time, people, and your own energy.
12. Feeling your feelings without needing a distraction
Every uncomfortable emotion doesn’t need a TikTok scroll or a treat to make it go away. Sitting with stuff, especially when it’s annoying or heavy, teaches you that you won’t break just because something feels bad. It’s not about suffering for the plot. It’s about building tolerance for the in-between. If you can handle discomfort without numbing it, you’re not behind—you’re actually ahead of a lot of people still trying to outrun their own minds.
