13 Morning Routines from the ’50s That Sound Exhausting Today
Mornings in the 1950s were a far cry from the snooze-button-hitting, grab-and-go coffee culture of today.
Back then, people embraced a structured, sometimes grueling routine filled with meticulous grooming, home-cooked breakfasts, and even time for morning chores.
From setting hair in rollers to polishing shoes before heading out, these daily rituals were standard practice—but looking back, they sound downright exhausting.
1. Heating Up the House Before Getting Dressed
Before central heating was standard, chilly mornings meant lighting a fire or turning on a bulky space heater to take the edge off. If you were the first one up, your morning started with the not-so-cozy job of warming the house for everyone else. This task was essential during cold months.
The warmth had to spread before anyone could comfortably get dressed. It was a responsibility often shared, ensuring the household started the day on a warm note.
2. Waking Up Without an Alarm Clock
No blaring phone alarms or customizable wake-up tones—just the crack of dawn and an unshakable sense of duty. Many people relied on their internal body clocks, the sunrise, or even a family member yelling “Time to get up!” to start the day. This method required discipline and a strong sense of time.
With natural light as their cue, they rose early to tackle the day’s demands, which often included morning chores before breakfast. It was a time when punctuality was paramount.
3. Brewing Coffee Without the Push of a Button
There were no automatic coffee makers or single-serve pods—brewing a morning cup required boiling water on the stove, percolating coffee grounds, and sometimes even cracking an egg into the pot to reduce bitterness. (Yes, that was a thing.)
The process was time-consuming, demanding patience and careful attention. For many, this ritual was a cherished start to the day, offering a quiet moment before the hustle began.
4. Setting Hair in Rollers—Every. Single. Morning.
For women, the perfect ’50s hairstyle required commitment. Whether it was pin curls, sponge rollers, or setting lotion, the process was time-consuming and had to be done before applying a full face of makeup. It was not just about appearance; it was a social expectation.
These morning hair rituals were vital for maintaining the era’s iconic styles, demanding both time and skill. Women often got up earlier to ensure their look was impeccable before stepping out.
5. Pressing Clothes for the Day
Wrinkle-free fashion wasn’t an option yet, so most people started their day by ironing their outfits. Even school kids were expected to have crisply pressed shirts, which meant extra time spent with a hot iron before breakfast.
Ironing was about presenting oneself well, reflecting personal pride and care. It was a daily task that emphasized neatness, adding another layer to the already busy morning routine.
6. Cooking a Full Breakfast—No Quick Cereal Here
Cold cereal was around, but most families expected a real breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast, and maybe even pancakes or biscuits. If you were the one cooking, that meant getting up even earlier to make sure everything was ready before school or work.
This hearty breakfast was a staple, offering energy for the busy day ahead. Cooking from scratch was a norm, highlighting the importance of family meals. It was a time for everyone to gather before parting ways.
7. Shining Shoes Before Heading Out
Scuffed shoes were a sign of carelessness, so polishing them regularly was a must. Many people had a dedicated shoe-shining kit and took a few minutes every morning to buff their shoes to perfection. This routine was ingrained in the daily schedule.
Shining shoes was about presenting a polished image to the world. It was a meticulous task that reflected personal discipline and attention to detail. Clean shoes were as much about respect as they were about style.
8. Packing a Home-Cooked Lunch
There were no convenient pre-packaged lunch kits or quick drive-thru stops—packing a lunch meant wrapping up a sandwich in wax paper, cutting up fresh fruit, and maybe pouring milk into a Thermos that hopefully wouldn’t leak.
Lunch preparation was a thoughtful process, ensuring everyone had a nutritious meal for the day. It required planning and care, often seen as an extension of the morning routine.
9. Checking the Newspaper for Daily Updates
Before smartphones, checking the weather or reading the news meant flipping through an actual newspaper. If you wanted to know if you needed an umbrella, you had to scan the tiny weather section buried in the back pages.
This was a daily ritual that connected people to the world beyond their doorstep. It was a quiet moment of information gathering, shaping one’s perspective on daily events. The newspaper was a trusted companion each morning.
10. Helping with Chores Before School or Work
Kids weren’t exempt from morning responsibilities—before heading out, they were often expected to make their beds, feed the family pet, or even help hang laundry outside to dry. Complaining? Not an option.
These chores taught responsibility and the value of contributing to the household. It was a family effort, instilling discipline and teamwork among members.
11. Wearing Stockings (and Hoping They Didn’t Snag)
For women, wearing stockings was practically mandatory, and getting them on without a run or tear was a daily struggle. If one did snag, you either had to start over with a fresh pair or dab on clear nail polish to stop it from getting worse.
Stockings were part of the polished look expected of women, adding an extra layer to the morning routine. It was a delicate process, requiring patience and care to avoid mishaps.
12. Making the Bed Perfectly
Throwing the blanket over and calling it a day wouldn’t cut it in the ’50s. Beds had to be made just right, with hospital corners tucked in tight and pillows fluffed to perfection—because a messy bed was simply unacceptable.
This task was about discipline and setting the tone for the day. A well-made bed symbolized order and care, reflecting on the individual’s character. It was the first accomplishment before stepping out.
13. Walking or Biking to School or Work
Many kids and workers commuted the old-fashioned way—on foot or by bicycle—rain, shine, or snow. If you were lucky, you had a bus stop nearby, but most people had to trek a fair distance to start their day.
This daily journey was part of the routine, fostering resilience and independence. It was a time to gather thoughts, prepare mentally for the day, and build physical endurance.