14 Things You Did in the 70s That Prove You Were a Hippie at Heart

Friends dancing and enjoying themselves.

The 70s were a wild ride—tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and a whole lot of “peace, love, and harmony.” Whether you embraced the counterculture fully or just dipped your toes into the groovy vibes, certain habits scream, “Yeah, I had a little hippie in me.” Let’s revisit those carefree days with 14 things you probably did that prove you were living the flower child dream—even if just a little.

1. Bell-Bottoms Were Your Go-To Look

Friends dancing and enjoying themselves.

Bell-bottoms weren’t just pants—they were a personality trait. The wider the flare, the better. If yours had patches, embroidery, or some fraying from dragging on the ground, even better. Forget the skinny jeans of today, you needed room to groove. And if someone dared to call them impractical? Clearly, they didn’t understand your free spirit.

2. Tie-Dye Everything

Lifestyle portrait of a fashionable, young millennials in Brooklyn, Park Slope district of NYC. They’re wearing trendy tie dye clothing, posing with an attitude.

If it wasn’t tie-dyed, were you even living? From shirts to socks to bedspreads, everything was fair game for those psychedelic swirls. You might’ve even hosted a tie-dye party with friends, turning plain white tees into wearable rainbows. Bonus points if you rocked your creations at a festival and got compliments from strangers who “totally felt your energy.”

3. Barefoot Was the Best Way to Be

Dirty bare feet in bed.

Shoes were optional, and honestly, kind of overrated. You wanted to feel the earth under your feet, whether you were at a music festival or just walking to the corner store. Sure, your soles might have looked like you’d walked through a coal mine, but that was just part of the vibe. Nothing said “I’m one with nature” like ditching your sneakers.

4. Jewelry Had to Be Handmade

Chunky beaded necklaces, leather bracelets, and anything you could weave, knot, or string together—your jewelry wasn’t just an accessory, it was an expression of who you were. Extra points if it came from a craft fair or was gifted by a friend who made it “with love.” Store-bought jewelry? Too mainstream for your taste.

5. Patchouli Was Your Signature Scent

Woman applying perfume.

Love it or hate it, patchouli oil was practically a rite of passage. You dabbed it on your wrists, burned it as incense, or wafted it through your space to set the mood. Sure, not everyone appreciated the smell (your parents definitely had opinions), but to you, it was earthy, grounding, and totally “you.”

6. You Spent Hours Making the Perfect Mix Tape

Playing music on a cassette tape.

Creating a mix tape wasn’t just a hobby—it was an art form. You agonized over the song order, making sure it told a story or matched a vibe. Whether it was a love letter in cassette form or the soundtrack to your road trip, mix tapes were how you shared a piece of your soul. And yes, there was always at least one Grateful Dead or Joni Mitchell track.

7. Your Walls Were a Psychedelic Wonderland

Your room wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was a sanctuary. Blacklight posters, mandalas, and trippy album covers turned your walls into a kaleidoscope of colors. If you had a lava lamp, you probably spent way too much time staring at it, letting your mind wander. It wasn’t just decor—it was a vibe.

8. Long Hair, Don’t Care

A young hippie.

Your hair was more than just hair—it was a statement. You let it grow wild and free, rejecting the rigid styles of the “establishment.” Whether it was flowing down your back or paired with a headband, your locks symbolized freedom and you wouldn’t have dared to trim it.

9. Festivals Were Your Happy Place

Woman at an outdoor concert.

Music, dancing, camping under the stars—you lived for festivals. Whether it was Woodstock-level legendary or just a local weekend gathering, festivals were where you felt most alive. You bonded with strangers, shared snacks, and danced like no one was watching (even though everyone definitely was). It wasn’t just an event, it was a way of life.

10. You Gave Yoga a Try

Fit young woman smiling at the camera while sitting in a yoga studio with her class in the background. Happy young woman having a workout session with her class in a fitness studio.

Even if you didn’t totally get it, you rolled out a mat (or just found a patch of grass) and gave yoga a shot. Maybe you couldn’t touch your toes or hold a pose for long, but it wasn’t about perfection. It was about tuning into your body and finding a little inner peace—well, that and looking cool at the park.

11. You Took a Stand for Something

Young activists at a march.

Whether you marched against war, fought for civil rights, or stood up for the planet, activism was a big part of your life. Carrying a sign, chanting for change, or just being there to show support—you knew that peace and love weren’t just words. They were a movement, and you were proud to be part of it.

12. Natural Foods Were Your Jam

Dinner dishes on a table.

Long before Whole Foods and farmer’s markets were trendy, you were all about organic eats. You probably had a garden (or wanted one), bought grains in bulk, and could whip up a mean lentil stew. Processed foods have no place in your pantry. You believed in eating close to the earth, even if it meant explaining what tofu was to confuse friends.

13. Meditation Was Your Chill Time

A beautiful woman meditates on a poppy field at sunset. Wellness well-being happiness concept.

Sitting cross-legged, closing your eyes, and chanting “om”—you gave it a shot, even if your mind wandered to what you were having for dinner. Meditation was about slowing down and connecting with your inner self, and you were all in on the idea. Even if it didn’t always work, the effort alone made you feel more grounded.

14. You Dreamed About Living Off the Grid

traits of an intimidating woman

A cabin in the woods, a farm with chickens, or a commune with your closest friends—you fantasized about escaping society and living the simple life. No bills, no bosses, just nature and community. Maybe it never happened, but the dream itself was enough to prove your hippie soul was alive and well.

This content was created by a real person with the assistance of AI.