15 mainstream things I haven’t done in years (+ what I do instead)
Everything you would basically unexpect
Those who have tuned into Altstreamer for a bit know I like to do things a little bit differently. So, I thought it would be interesting to share my alternate approaches over the years that juxtapose mainstream preferences.
Before getting into this, there is an important disclaimer I’d like to make. That being: I believe everyone is entitled to their individual preferences. I live the way I do because it brings fulfillment and freedom to my life, and most everything listed below are preferences I (mostly) find harmless if done in moderation. This article is intended to show different approaches I take to certain things for my own specific reasons, rather than judge others for how/why they do things a specific way.
With this established, here are 15 mainstream things I haven’t done in years and what I do instead.
Entertainment
1. Listening to pop music
This is likely an unpopular opinion (given that pop is short for “popular music), but it’s just personally not my thing. Though Altstreamer is short for “alternatives to the mainstream”, alternative is also low on my music preferences list. My top listens include hard rock, metal, and folk, and I also enjoy orchestral music, R&B soul, and a little reggae.
2. Paying for streaming service subscriptions
Subscription fees (for annual recurring revenue) is basically the business model of 2026, and no one is safe from these nowadays. As someone who really isn’t into movies and TV shows that much, streaming services did not make the cut for what I’m willing to pay for. When I do want to watch media, though, my husband and I will buy Blu-rays from V-Stock that we know we’ll watch many times over.
Consumerism
3. Shopping with the “rain forest” platform
This eCommerce site is extremely convenient to order from, but I decided to stop supporting it about six years ago. As I like to say, “that founder does not need my money!”
4. Shopping consistently in general
There was a period in my young adult life where I accumulated plenty of household items, hobby supplies, and office supplies. There are also many items I’ve held onto over the years as opposed to donating what I use less consistently. I had to start delineating between holding onto the specific items for utility versus hoarding, and I’ve continued opting to stock up as opposed to having to buy items again later (when there becomes an immediate need.) As of this point, I mostly shop my closet or cabinets if I need something. This will change a bit when I buy my first house, but as of now, I have everything I need.
Fashion + Style
5. Buying clothes first-hand from brands
As indicated above, I barely buy anything as it currently stands. When it comes to my clothes, though, I thrift garments such as t-shirts and jeans (very infrequently). There are many high-quality finds at thrift stores, but I usually cycle through the same apparel over and over when finding pieces that are comfortable and flattering.
6. Buying clothes for the season ahead
When buying clothes, I usually end up thrifting in bulk to avoid having to go to thrift store for another year. But I do knit for the season ahead! Most of my winter wear (such as sweaters, coats, cardigans, and warm accessories), however, I make myself. Read this article on why I’m (mostly) hand making my wardrobe vs. thrifting to learn my many reasons behind doing this.
7. Wearing (and buying) bras
This is somewhat of a taboo thing to outright share, but there’s one reason why I bring this up. I think it’s important for women to dress in ways they find comfortable, whether it involves bras or no bras. My preference is wearing darker colors and wearing tank top underlayers as needed. I don’t like to draw attention to myself, and the way I dress is reflective of that. But, I will continue dressing in ways that suit my own preferences.
8. Wearing (ang buying) makeup
I am happy with the way my face looks without makeup, so why spend time applying makeup in the morning when I could take care of a chore or two or spend that extra time sleeping?
Food + Beverage
9. Drinking caffeinated or and sugary drinks
I grew up only drinking water and milk. As funny as this may sound, flavored liquids (even in my adult years) sound like a foreign concept to me! So, I basically still only drink water and milk, along with some tea and kombucha.
10. Eating fast food (with two exceptions)
I have not eaten most fast food for more than 10 years at this point. There are just two occasional exceptions I make: orange chicken from Panda Express, and a number nine sandwich from Jimmy John’s. Periodically my husband and I go out to restaurants, but most everything else we scratch cook at home.
11. Buying bread from the store
I enjoy making my own bread at home, whether it’s in the bread maker machine or oven. There’s nothing like a fresh, homemade loaf of bread.
Lifestyle + Social
12. Working out at fitness facilities
Maintaining good health and well-being is important to me, but I have found that I can achieve that without a gym membership and having to drive somewhere to workout. My preferences include jump roping outside to get my heart rate up, where I can walk right back up the stairs once I’m done. I also enjoy taking walks around the neighborhood, lifting a 30lb kettle bell, and doing yoga at home.
13. Having accounts on social media
I had an on again, off again dynamic with social media over the years, until I quit using social media altogether around 2018. I currently do not have any other profiles aside from my Substack, and it is liberating to just live my life however I want instead of thinking about it as a post-worthy moment.
14. Consistently taking photos
I used to be really into photography and take a lot of photos for the social medias I had back then. When I got off social media and started becoming more immersed in my surroundings, I kind of just lost interest in taking photos. I do think it would be nice to take some more photos to have more to look back on, though. This is something I seldom concern myself with, however, since my husband actually has nice photography equipment and does that as a hobby.
Most Importantly
15. Using the current standard as what I should be doing
At this point, I just live however suits me best. It really is liberating to quit worrying about what everyone else thinks and instead do what’s best for myself. Everyone else is just chiefly concerned with themselves anyways.
Closing Thoughts
So that is my list of 15! Not all the alternate approaches I take are that deep, but they don’t have to be. If something works and supports an important aspect of your life, it is worth sticking with (regardless of whether it’s mainstream or not).
Now I want to open the floor to you. Which mainstream approaches have you become influenced to adapt without realizing you’ve become influenced? Are those worth continuing? Be sure to share with me what you think; I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this.