The practice of ‘Nonnamaxxing’ encourages living less for better mental health
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The key to feeling better in a fast-paced, over-stimulated world can be surprisingly simple: Live a little like your grandparents.
A growing social media trend, called “nonnamaxxing,” finds inspiration in the slow rhythms associated with Italian grandmothers.
Lifestyle is often associated with activities such as preparing home-cooked meals, spending time outdoors and making meaningful connections.
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“Nonnamaxxing is a 2026 trend that embodies the slower, more intentional life of an Italian grandmother (Nonna). Think cooking from scratch, long family meals, daily walks, gardening and less screen time,” Erin Palinski-Wade, a registered dietitian based in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.
Nonnamaxxing, derived from the name of an Italian grandmother, is a practice that incorporates lifestyle habits that have been practiced for centuries. (Stock)
Moving away from screens and into interacting with the real world can have measurable benefits, according to California-based psychiatrist Laurie Singer.
“We know that connecting with other people in person, rather than spending time on screens, significantly improves mental health,” he told Fox News Digital, adding that social media often fuels comparisons and lowers self-esteem.
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Living more like previous generations is not just driven by aspiration. Cooking food from scratch, for example, has been linked to better eating habits and more mindful eating habits.
Adopting traditional mealtime practices can improve food quality and support both physical and mental health, especially when meals are regularly shared with others, notes Palinski-Wade.
One longevity expert emphasizes that staying healthy isn’t just about food – it’s also about happiness and community. (Stock)
There is also a psychological benefit to slowing down and focusing on one task at a time. Anxiety often comes from unfinished or avoided tasks, noted Singer, and engaging in hands-on activities can counteract that.
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“Nonnamaxxing encourages us to be present at work, like gardening, baking or knitting, or taking a meaningful trip, which brings something ‘real,'” she said.
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Palinski-Wade warns against turning the trend into another source of stress, noting that the traditional “nonna” lifestyle often takes a different pace of life.
The key, he said, is to adjust the way of thinking, not to repeat it completely.
Nonnamaxxing, derived from the name of an Italian grandmother, is a practice that incorporates lifestyle habits that have been practiced for centuries. (Stock)
The goal is to reintroduce small, intentional moments that make you feel better.
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That might mean prioritizing a few shared meals each week, taking a trip without your phone or setting aside time for simple hobbies, recommends an expert.
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The singer added, “Having a great place to escape to, with whatever things speak to us and make us happy, is not a product – it’s a person.”
