Early to bed, early to rise, no more takeout: Nonnamaxxing grandma slow-living philosophy proves that growing “old” early isn’t so bad

Nonnamaxxing, which has recently gone viral among Gen Z in Europe and the U.S., is a slow-living philosophy inspired by Italian grandmothers. Young people are actively giving up social media-centered lifestyles and takeout in favor of traditional everyday activities such as cooking and gardening, using seven rituals to bring a little grandma energy into their lives and restore a sense of calm for body and mind. Who would have thought that Gen Z in Europe and the U.S. would turn away from social media and embrace this warm, Italian grandmother-inspired approach to slow living?

• Related reading: Tired of working yourself to the bone? “Micro-retirement” is on the rise: a lifestyle that lets you hit pause anytime!

What Is Nonnamaxxing, the Trend Taking Europe and the U.S. by Storm?

The term “Nonnamaxxing” combines “Nonna,” meaning Italian grandmother, with “Maxxing,” meaning to maximize a practice. Unlike the Soft Life trend that has been popular over the past few years, this new approach to living is more grounded and real. It stems from young people’s shared fatigue with overconsumption and fast-paced urban life.

They’re no longer chasing the glossy images on their screens, instead turning to traditional, slower activities that require working with their hands. It’s a conscious effort to shut out digital distractions. When delivery apps and short-form videos make everything so easily accessible, spending an entire afternoon proofing dough becomes a luxurious form of emotional healing.

7 Daily Rituals to Bring Grandma Energy Into Your Life

You don’t need to move to the countryside to embrace this lifestyle; it starts with small changes to your everyday routine. These seven core rituals are at the heart of Nonnamaxxing. First, avoid screens in the morning and start the day with a cup of pour-over coffee and the view outside your window. Next, rely less on takeout and return to the kitchen to prepare food yourself, enjoying the process of chopping and simmering. The third ritual is bringing plants into your living space, even if it’s only a small pot of rosemary on the balcony.

The remaining rituals place greater emphasis on connecting with others and yourself. They include mending old clothes instead of frequently buying fast fashion; inviting a few friends over for a cozy home-cooked meal on the weekend rather than always meeting at noisy restaurants; putting down your phone an hour before bed and picking up a physical book; and, most importantly, establishing a regular habit of going to bed early. These seemingly old-fashioned practices have unexpectedly become one of the best ways for modern people to restore order to their lives.

How to Practice This Slow-Living Philosophy

In high-density cities such as Hong Kong and Taiwan, we may not have the spacious kitchens and large gardens of the Italian countryside. Yet adopting this state of mind is easier than you might think. Make your weekly grocery trip a ritual, choosing seasonal ingredients instead of hurriedly ordering grocery delivery on the subway ride home from work.

We can also grow mint and basil on a small apartment balcony or a sunny windowsill. Watching plants change little by little each day brings a sense of solidity that scrolling on your phone can never provide. This lifestyle isn’t about the size of your space, but how much attention you’re willing to return to the real world.

This Nonnamaxxing trend resonates so deeply with women ages 20 to 35 because we’re all exhausted. We’re used to being online 24/7 and getting our three daily meals sorted out as quickly as possible, yet we’ve forgotten the depth that life should have.

At its core, this “grandma-fied” philosophy is a gentle form of rebellion. It reminds us that we don’t need to take the perfect photo at every gathering for Instagram, nor do we need to pack our schedules full to feel fulfilled. Sometimes, quietly spending two hours making a pot of tomato meat sauce and listening to it bubble on the stove is the most effective way to soothe modern anxiety.

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