I'm a millennial who adopted these 8 boomer habits—and my friends think I've lost my mind

They say millennials are ruining the status quo, but sometimes, the "old school" way isn't a bad idea.

Baffling some, I, a millennial, took the road less traveled and integrated eight boomer habits into my daily routine.

Sure, my friends think I've gone a little off track and often ask if I've lost my mind. But these habits are the little secrets to a more organized, productive, and happy life, and hey, they've been around a lot longer than we millennials have.

Join me in exploring these eight boomer habits that have made me the "odd one out" in my group, yet made my life exceptionally extraordinary.

1) Waking up early

There's a popular saying in the boomer generation: "The early bird catches the worm".

Contrary to the late rising habits of many millennials, I've embraced the classic boomer practice of waking up early.

Initially, my friends found this habit eccentric. They'd often ask, "Why are you disturbing your beauty sleep?" or "Are you going to start drinking prune juice next?" But let's get real, there's definitely something magical and refreshing to beginning your day while everyone else is still snoring.

The quiet, coupled with the sense of extra time, creates an ideal zone for planning out my day, picking up a hobby, or even taking time to savour my morning coffee. Believe me, once you get past the initial struggle of adjusting your sleep schedule, the rewards are worth every yawning moment.

Although it might sound outdated, getting an early start to the day has significantly improved my productivity and proactivity, even if my friends can't wrap their heads around it.

2) Handwritten letters

Remember when we used to exchange handwritten notes in school? Those tiny slips of paper that held secrets, apologies, and even declarations of young love? Well, forget Snapchat or instant messaging apps, I've decided to bring back the charm of handwritten letters.

Yes, my friends laughed. They thought I'd lost it when I pulled out stamps and envelopes instead of just texting. "Who even uses snail mail anymore?" they'd tease, but there's just something about a handwritten letter that feels special.

Let me paint a picture. For my best friend's birthday, instead of dropping a text or posting a birthday wish on social media, I sent her a handwritten letter. I went on pages about our shared memories, my wishes for her, and sealed it with a stamp of her favorite cartoon character.

Seeing her open it and read it, seeing the surprise and delight on her face, was priceless. I could tell it meant more than any text message would have. That realization? Worth every single smirk from my friends when I head to the post office.

3) Reading print newspapers

Remember the crinkle of newsprint? The rustle of pages being flipped? The smudge of ink on fingers? Well, in an era of digital information, I've gone retro and embraced print newspapers.

My friends tease me, asking why I don't just download a news app or catch updates through social media like any millennial worth their salt. But little do they realize that starting my day with a cup of coffee and a physical paper has its benefits beyond nostalgia.

Research shows that reading from paper formats can improve comprehension, attention, and memory compared to digital reading. You're less likely to multi-task with paper, thus, leading to less distraction and deeper engagement with the content. It's not just about harnessing the boomer habits; it's about improving my reading and focus. And the smell of fresh newsprint doesn't hurt either.

4) Cooking at home

While many millennials are ardent supporters of Uber Eats and fancy dining experiences, I took a giant leap backwards and started cooking at home, the way our parents and grandparents did.

My friends were shocked when I traded my usual Friday night out for a date with the kitchen. "Are you okay?" and "We could just order pizza, you know", became a common chorus. Yet, there's something about the process of transforming raw ingredients into a homemade meal that's incredibly fulfilling.

Sure, I've had my shares of kitchen disasters and my first pancakes were more like burnt blobs. But with time, I've learned to craft meals that not only satisfy my taste buds but also make me swell with pride. Not every millennial might understand, but there's a unique joy in serving up a dish you made yourself, even if your friends think you've traded fun for being overly practical.

5) Sending holiday cards

Here's the one that really baffled my inner circle: sending holiday cards. In a time when most of us just send holiday wishes through text or a social media post, I've embraced the boomer tradition of sending physical holiday cards.

The reactions were amusing, from "Why the extra effort?" to "You're too sentimental". But to me, it's not about the extra effort or time it takes to write and mail them out. It's about the sentiment and warmth that a card represents.

There's a personal touch to a handwritten note inside a card that no text message can rival. When I write a holiday card, I'm not just sending a quick 'Happy Holidays'. I'm sending my love, my thoughts, and my best wishes in a little paper package.

Sure, it might be old-fashioned and out of sync with today’s fast-paced digital communication, but the genuine joy it brings to people's faces makes it worth it for me. The value of the heartfelt message within the card? Priceless.

6) Listening to vinyl records

In a world where Spotify offers any song at your fingertips, I made the choice to go back to vinyl records, just like the good old days.

My friends were genuinely puzzled when they first saw my vinyl record player. "Why not just stream music?" they'd quip. But honestly, nothing compares to the sound quality of a vinyl record. The little imperfections and the unique warmth you can't digitally recreate.

And yes, my records collection started with my dad's old Beatles vinyl. It was the same record he played to soothe me when I was a baby, the same one we danced to on my 10th birthday, and the same one he gifted me when I moved away for college. Every time I put it on, it's like a comforting echo of my past. Somehow, the sentiment wrapped up in those fading covers and scuffed records make the music sound even better.

7) Gardening

Among the viral Tiktok dances and Netflix binges of my social circle, I discovered a new passion — gardening.

My friends incredulously asked, "Are you seriously spending your weekend playing in the dirt?" But I just smiled, gloved hands busy nurturing the plants I'd started to love.

There's an incomparable satisfaction in planting a tiny seed, watching it sprout, and then bloom into a beautiful flower. Not to mention the fact that green thumb skills have led to my very own supply of fresh herbs and vegetables that even my skeptical friends admire.

Gardening connects me to nature in a primal way that can't be matched by any modern millennial trend. More than a gesture towards the past, it's a step towards a healthier, happier lifestyle that just happens to be a boomer habit.

8) Making a budget

Last, but certainly not least, is the practice of making a physical, write-it-down-with-a-pen budget.

Shaking their heads, my friends say, "There are apps for that, you know!" But to me, there's no app that can replace the clarity that comes with writing down your expenses and income in good ol' fashioned pen and paper.

In an age where credit card swipes and online purchases can swiftly mar our financial perception, keeping track of my spending in a tangible manner has given me a reign on my finances like never before.

Not only have I been able to save more, but financial discipline has led to less stress and a healthier relationship with money. In the end, going old school on finance might make me the oddball among millennials, but it sure does pave the way for a secure future.