Nonnamaxxing: How To Do The Lifestyle Trend Right
You’ve probably seen “Nonnamaxxing” or “Nonnacore” trending on social media recently. If, like many people, you’re wondering what exactly it means, don’t panic – I’m here to break down the trend and explain how you can incorporate some of its principles into your own life.
What is Nonnamaxxing?
Nonnamaxxing or the “Italian grandma lifestyle,” is a social media trend centred around slow living, simple pleasures, and rituals influenced by traditional Italian ideals.
“Nonnacore” is a related aesthetic that takes these ideas into the fashion and interior parts of life.
Nonnamaxxing draws on the habits associated with the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle – regular movement, social connection, home cooked food and time spent outside in nature, and the idea that these habits can support long term wellbeing.
The trend takes inspiration from Italian grandmothers and their lifestyles; Italy consistently ranks amongst other European countries with high life expectancies, and the Mediterranean lifestyle has often attracted attention for its association with “healthy ageing.”
At its core, the trend is simple, slowing down, living in the moment, connecting with the earth and your community, but in true Gen Z style the trend has expanded to include fashion and beauty, turning this trend into a cultural way of living rather than a simple trend.
Many aspects of this trend involve traditional Italian ideals, daily walks, mindful eating, taking pride in your appearance, and maintaining close relationships with family and friends. Where the trend has evolved however, is the creation of an identity, a way and means of styling yourself and your home.
But to be clear, the trend isn’t an exact blueprint for Italian life or the idea of what an “Italian grandmother” should look like or act like; the trend is more so the internet’s interpretation of it, a modern take on the lifestyle and aesthetic.
How can I achieve Nonnamaxxing?
There are many ways to take part in this trend that range from lifestyle habits and changes to style and decor, all of which are simple, achievable and could potentially change your life.
FOOD
One of the most important aspects of this trend and lifestyle is the participation in mindful eating. Mindful eating isn’t something new, the importance of eating whole and nutrient dense food has been established for decades. Research is widely available that details the effects of a balanced and nutritious diet, particularly on life expectancy. In Italy food culture heavily revolves around aspects of the Mediterranean diet; seasonal vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruit, olive oil, nuts, fish, and moderate amounts of meat and dairy. Home cooking is a defining part of Italian culture and heritage, particularly cooking for large gatherings of friends and family, sharing the workload and experience with those you love. Of course there are exceptions, and it wouldn’t be a truly balanced diet without indulging in our favourite sweet treats and foods every now and again, but a strong foundational diet built around these foods is associated with a range of health benefits and is one reason the Mediterranean diet continues to attract attention for healthy ageing. Nonnamaxxing isn’t about restrictive “clean eating”; it’s about enjoying food.
Walking is an important aspect of life for many Italian residents. Whether people are heading to church, for lunch, to the market, most people are walking. Walking isn’t necessarily treated as a workout; it can simply be part of getting through the day — walking to the shops, meeting a friend, visiting the market and so on. The enjoyment of walking comes from the opportunity to be with their friends and family, spending time with loved ones and soaking up the sun and the nature around them. For the older generations walking long distances can be quite difficult, but it is important for them to at least experience fresh air once a day and enjoy a slow stroll.
Slowing down is another significant part of Nonnamaxxing, taking time to enjoy your life and surroundings. Slow lunches are huge within Italian culture, Italian grandmas are known for taking long lunches with family and friends, savouring food and the time spent with companions. This modern digital age has all of us working around the clock, always plugged in. Nonnamaxxing is about putting a stop to this, unplugging, taking a step back, putting your energy into what fuels your heart and soul, the people who fuel your heart and soul.
Examples of practicing Nonnamaxxing include; eating a meal without your phone, taking an evening walk, spending longer over dinner with friends, having a coffee without immediately checking emails, setting aside time for hobbies, and prioritising face-to-face socialising
FASHION AND DECOR
A huge reason for this trend exploding on social media is down to the aesthetics of Nonnamaxxing; cotton dresses, hand crafted and painted ceramics, embroidered tablecloths and so on. Many influencers have taken inspirations from Italian grandmothers and their homes and have used these inspirations to transform themselves and their own homes. It is believed that if your home is filled with beautiful things that bring you comfort, this extends to how you feel about yourself and in life.
Below is a list of recommendations from fashion, decor, books, and recipes that can help you achieve Nonnamaxxing yourself and a calmer, more fulfilling life.
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By Clarissa Straughn