5 Cheat Codes From The 2000s That Give You An Unfair Advantage Today

2000s nostalgia is running high right now: “Y2K”-inspired hashtags are exploding with over 7 million posts on Instagram and over 2 million on TikTok, while Google searches for “Y2K trends” have jumped 51% this month alone.

Here are 5 retro cheat codes from the early 2000s that will give you an unfair advantage today:

1. Be a conscious consumer

In the early 2000s, choices were more limited and shopping habits favored quality over quantity. Today’s fast-paced, throwaway culture is a stark contrast to this mindset. Try conscious consumption by making intentional choices that prioritize timeless style and longevity over quantity. Ditch the mass-market sandals and faux leather jackets. Instead, upgrade your wardrobe with a few well-made pieces, like a well-tailored coat or a pair of reliable leather boots.

2. Cook at home more often

In the early 2000s, eating out was less common than it is today. Home-cooked meals were the norm. Cooking at home gives you more control over flavors, quantities, and ingredients, which makes for healthier, more satisfying meals. Weekly meal plans can help reduce food waste and streamline grocery shopping. To spice up your cooking, try new foods from different cuisines.

woman with a bowl of pasta Sarah Chai | Pexels

3. Practice digital detox

In the early 2000s, people were more present in their daily interactions and spent the majority of their time offline. Set boundaries around your digital use to practice mindful disconnection. Create tech-free zones in your home and specific offline times, like before bed or during meals, to encourage real face-to-face interaction and relaxation. Use this time to dive into a good book, play board games, or even redecorate a room.

An interesting survey conducted by Harvard shows that most Gen Zers feel that life was better before social media. Other research suggests that constant social media use may be linked to anxiety and depression, disorders that Gen Zers are particularly prone to.

4. Return to logging

Remember the days of Blogger and WordPress, where people shared their thoughts and feelings online? With the evolution of social media, it is now flooded with commercial posts and embarrassing thoughts, without real people or real thoughts behind them.

But you can still make journaling your thing. Start writing down your thoughts regularly, just to yourself or even on social media instead of just posting funny TikToks. Challenge yourself to write about something cool, weird, or important that happened to you each month. It’s a great way to reflect and witness change.

young woman holding a diary in a notebook Vlada Karpovich | Pexels

5. Create memories, not photos

In the early 2000s, without a smartphone glued to our hands, we didn’t have the ability to capture an unlimited amount of photos and videos that allow us to relive our most memorable memories. When was the last time you didn’t film a concert you attended? Or simply enjoyed a fantastic view without taking photos?

Try replacing your phone with a Polaroid camera. A limited number of shots makes the process more intentional and forces you to put your phone away. Not to mention, you’ll have tangible photos to hang in your room or keep in your wallet.

6. Rediscover tangible media

Host a movie marathon with friends using DVDs or Blu-rays to revive the art of intentional viewing. Instead of streaming movies without a specific goal, choose classic films or works by cult directors for a more meaningful and shared experience, free from digital distractions.

Break out of Spotify’s music recommendation bubble by exploring CDs and vinyl. This will help you discover new music from different genres and understand what you like and don’t like. The process of choosing a physical copy of an album keeps your curiosity alive.

Avery Morgan is a productivity expert and Director of Communications at EduBirdie. She has deep expertise in the field of education and its intersection with the internet and student issues. Her articles have appeared in the New York Post, Fast Company, Forbes, and more.