These days, slowing down can almost feel like an act of rebellion. When the holidays come, life seems to speed up.
There are more plans, more expectations, more spending, and more pressure to make everything magical, meaningful, memorable, and Instagram-worthy all at once. If reading tires you, you are not alone.
This is where slowmaxxingโa deliberate practice of consciously slowing your pace and choosing where to spend your energyโcan help.
Slowmaxxing is not a rulebook or a lifestyle overhaul. It means consciously choosing to slow down, to stop pushing your limits, and to honor your needs.
For us, slowmaxxing is not about making everything slower, but about intentionally selecting what deserves our attention and energy.
What Slowmaxxing Means to Us
To us, slowmaxxing means making a conscious choice not to rush or overload ourselves when it is not needed. It is an ongoing awareness of our limits, energy, and priorities, and a quiet shift in our focus to what matters most.
It means asking yourself if something really needs to be done now, or even at all. It means picking fewer things to do and being more present for them. It also means believing that rest, quiet, and having space in your day are basic needs, not just rewards for productivity.
Slowmaxxing does not mean doing nothing. No hurkle durkle, folks! We still work, travel, create, and take part in life. We have just stopped believing that constant busyness gives life meaning.
This shift in mindset is especially pronounced during the holidays.
Why the Holidays Are the Hardest Time to Slow Down
The holidays bring a mix of feelings. Joy, grief, nostalgia, obligation, excitement, and stress can all come at once. There is often a silent pressure to keep up with traditions, attend every event, and make everything feel special.
But being busy does not always make things meaningful.
We have learned that if everything is treated as necessary, nothing feels steady. Slowmaxxing during the holidays means choosing what feels right for you now, instead of forcing yourself into traditions that no longer fit.
Some years are full of parties and gatherings. In other years, itโs quieter and more self-focused. Both are okay.
Simple Ways We Slowmaxx During the Holiday Season
We begin by cutting back, not adding more.
Instead of filling our schedule, we leave space between plans. We choose one or two traditions that matter most and let the rest go without guilt. We say no without giving long explanations.
We try to keep our mornings and evenings calm whenever we can. Even during busy weeks, we make sure at least one part of the day is slow and predictable, like a quiet morning routine or an early night with nothing on the schedule.
We stop aiming for perfection. The house need not look perfect. Meals can be simple. Watching the same cozy movie over and over can be a tradition, not a sign of a lack of creativity.
Slowmaxxing at Home During the Holidays
At home, slowmaxxing means choosing comfort over chaos.
We use soft lighting instead of turning on every bright light. We make simple meals instead of spending hours in the kitchen. We let the house look lived in, because it is.
It also means letting yourself rest without needing a reason. You can sit on the couch in the middle of the day, read instead of multitasking, and let quiet fill the room without feeling the need to distract yourself.
We have noticed that the more we let ourselves slow down at home, the calmer everything else becomes.
Slowmaxxing While Traveling for the Holidays
Travel can be one of the most tiring parts of the season if we are not careful.
We try to pad travel days when we can. We plan to rest after arrival instead of jumping straight into activity. We do not attempt to squeeze every possible plan into a short visit.
Slowmaxxing while traveling means remembering that being present is more important than doing it all. It is okay to need downtime, to skip an event, or to move at a slower pace.
The Bigger Picture
Slowmaxxing is about trusting yourself to focus on what matters, especially when life gets busy.
It means choosing what feels supportive instead of what looks impressive. It is about letting go of comparisons and deciding that a good holiday is one that feels right, not one that meets every expectation.
We try to keep this mindset all year, but the holidays are often where it begins. When life feels loud and demanding, slowing down is a way to take care of yourself.
If the holidays feel overwhelming this year, it is okay to make them simpler. You can do less. You can choose a pace that lets you breathe.
That is what slowmaxxing means to us.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Slow living can feel like a whole lifestyle identity, while slowmaxxing feels more flexible. It is about choosing slower moments where you need them, not changing everything at once.
Yes. Slowmaxxing is less about how full your calendar is and more about how you move through it. Even small pockets of calm or fewer expectations can make a big difference.
No. It means saying yes more intentionally. Some seasons are complete and social, others are quiet. Slowmaxxing is about choosing what truly matters rather than doing everything out of obligation.
