Living Like Grandma Could Boost Your Mental Health

Young people are finding an unexpected wellness solution by living like their grandparents did, and science backs up why it works.

The trend, called "nonnamaxxing," takes its name from the Italian word for grandmother and encourages a return to slower, more intentional daily habits. Think cooking meals from scratch, taking phone-free walks, gardening, and spending quality time with loved ones instead of scrolling through apps.

New Jersey registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade says the lifestyle shift addresses many modern health concerns. Preparing home-cooked meals has been linked to better nutrition and more mindful eating, especially when those meals are shared regularly with family or friends.

The mental health benefits might be even more significant. California psychotherapist Laurie Singer points out that in-person interactions improve wellbeing far more than screen time, which often fuels unhealthy comparison and lowers self-esteem.

Anxiety frequently stems from unfinished tasks and constant digital distraction, Singer explains. Hands-on activities like baking, knitting, or gardening counteract that by keeping you present and focused on one meaningful task at a time.

The trend also taps into something deeper than nostalgia. Previous generations naturally built their days around activities that modern research now confirms support mental wellness: daily movement, cooking nutritious food, and maintaining strong social bonds.

Why This Inspires

What makes nonnamaxxing different from other wellness trends is its accessibility. You don't need expensive equipment, special training, or a complete life overhaul to start.

Palinski-Wade cautions against turning the lifestyle into another source of pressure, noting that traditional grandmothers often had different daily demands. The goal isn't perfection but adaptation—finding small, intentional moments that genuinely make you feel better.

That might look like prioritizing a few shared dinners each week, leaving your phone behind on evening walks, or dedicating Sunday mornings to a simple hobby you enjoy. The specific activities matter less than the mindset shift toward presence and connection.

Singer captures the universal appeal: "Having a positive place to escape to, through whatever activities speak to us and make us happy, isn't generational—it's human."

In a world that feels increasingly fast and overwhelming, maybe the path forward looks a lot like the path back.