Self-Care in the 1950s- What We Need to Bring Back

Self-care in the 1950s may not be something we think about often but it was happening. Some of the methods were very effective and should make a comeback. Coupons.com also believes self-care is important and they are sponsoring this post.

We watch shows from the 1950s or see the images from advertisements and you’d like the 1950s were blissful. You may have even ended up on my blog because you long for the simpler times of the 1950s.

I long for some of that myself but it was far from the perfect era. There were many issues plaguing the 1950s and people suffered from depression then as well. It was usually labeled as anxiety which was a blanket term used for all kinds of mental health problems.

It was important that 1950s housewives practiced self-care and it’s still important. A perfect housewife doesn’t exist and we all need to take care of ourselves. 

The ways people practiced self-care in the 1950s was somewhat different than what we do now. Many of the things they did are great ideas for things to bring back now.

Self-Care in the 1950s

Getting Your Hair Done

We may not have the high-maintenance hairstyles that require weekly hair salon trips anymore but it can still be a fun way to take care of ourselves from time to time.

This form of self-care does seem to be making a comeback with blow-dry bars popping up everywhere. Some of them even offer memberships.

You could also go get your hair done for a special event or date night. It’s always nice to do something that makes you feel more beautiful.

Take a Sunday Drive

Leisurely drives were once a popular way to spend a day relaxing. Parkways and scenic roads started because of this enjoyable activity. 

Rising gas prices and increased traffic and largely stopped this practice and for the environment’s sake we don’t want to drive too much but the occasional leisurely drive can still be a nice way to relax.

Develop a Skin Care Routine

Women in the 1950s had pretty major beauty routines and skincare was no different. Having a good routine will not only help your skin and hopefully slow signs of aging but it can also be relaxing.

If you do your skincare routine right before bed each night it can also help tell your body and mind that it’s time to wind down. Don’t just rush through it and just use a makeup removing wipe. 

Find a few products that are good for your skin type and develop a routine you can stick with and that works for you. Some nights you may have to pull out the makeup removing wipes but try and do a more relaxing routine most nights.

Find a Creative Hobby

Many nights were spent knitting, crocheting, and other crafts in the 1950s. People weren’t glued to electronics so they made more time for creative hobbies.

We are seeing a comeback in these hobbies and that’s a good thing. Turn on some music or even your favorite tv show and work on some craft that you enjoy or learn a new one.

Have a Friend Over

Dinner parties, having a neighbor over for a cup of tea, or playing cards with friends seem to be less and less common these days. It can be a great way to unwind.

If you are a full-time homemaker it can get very lonely. Invite a friend or even a neighbor over sometime for just a simple cup of tea and a chat. It’s a great way to boost your mood.

You could also throw a little dinner party or invite some friends over for a game of cards. My husband and I have a couple that we enjoy hanging out with and we often will play spades together. We joke that we are old but it’s a really nice relaxing time.

If these tips seem like too much right now or you need more ideas, be sure to check out 10 Simple Ways to Be Happier. They are all very easy tips you can do now to practice a little self-care.

Remember next time you are wishing you could be like the TV perfect 1950s housewife, they were stressed as well and still needed to take care of themselves. You are important and need to take time out for you.

Get a Free Printable Checklist!

These ideas will only help you if you actually put them into practice. To help you do that you can download a free 1950s self-care checklist with all of these ideas plus a couple of spaces for you to add your own.

Try them out and check them off. You can also add notes if they are things you want to do more often in the future.

More Self-Care Resources