What is slowmaxxing
Slowmaxxing is a lifestyle trend that has been gaining traction on TikTok this year. It’s especially popular among younger generations looking to take a step back from the digital world and reconnect with something more grounded. In contrast to hustle culture, which pushes constant productivity, slowmaxxing encourages the opposite: slowing down, living more mindfully, and finding joy in the everyday.
While the terminology might be new, the concept is timeless. And, with its shortening days and cosy nights, autumn provides the perfect invitation to ease into the lifestyle.
Tips for slowmaxxing
Here are a few simple ways to slow down and savour the season this autumn.
Forage for seasonal fruits
Foraging is a wonderful way to make the most of the outdoors and enjoy the seasonal bounty. In the UK, autumn is the perfect time for finding wild fruits in hedgerows, woodlands, and even our gardens.
Keep an eye out for:
- Damsons, bullaces, and sloes — these grow in hedgerows, and can be turned into jams and chutneys, or infused into gin to make a delicious liqueur.
- Wild apples and pears — Often smaller and more tart than their supermarket cousins, but still excellent when cooked down with some sugar and spices, or baked into a crumble
- Rosehips — You might have these in your back garden. They’re naturally high in antioxidants and vitamin C, and can be dried and used to make a fragrant, nourishing tea. Add lemon and honey for an immune-boosting autumn brew.
A word of caution: Make sure you only pick plants you are sure you can identify, and never take more than you need. The FSA’s safe foraging guidance is a great place to start.
Seasonal recipes
Autumn is the perfect time for warming, one-pot meals that make the most of the season’s natural abundance. Hearty, savoury dishes take centre stage at this time of year. Fragrant soups brimming with root vegetables, meaty stews simmering away on the stove, or spiced curries that fill the house with warmth. Roasted autumn vegetables, like honey-glazed carrots, herby butternut squash wedges, or golden parsnips, bring a little colour and sweetness to the table.
And don’t forget dessert. Comforting classics like bread and butter pudding or sticky toffee pudding never disappoint. Crumbles and pies made from apples and seasonal berries, or poached pears with warming spices, are perfect for slow Sunday afternoons.
When planning your meals, think seasonal. It’s good for the environment, supports local growers, and helps us stay in tune with nature’s rhythm. Serve your creations family style in rustic serving bowls, or straight from the oven in your favourite roasting tray or a pretty oven dish — a relaxed way to enjoy a meal together.
Create an autumnal scent-scape
As evenings grow darker, how your home feels becomes more important. Start by softening the lighting. Switch off the big light and opt for lamps, string lights, or candles to create a warm, ambient glow.
Scent is just as powerful. Choose scented candles or diffusers with comforting seasonal fragrances. Woody and spicy notes work well at this time of year — think clove, ginger, vanilla, or patchouli. Essential oils are another way to uplift your space and mood. A few drops added to a warm bath is a great way to wind down and ease into your evening.
Bring nature indoors
It’s easy to feel a little low as the days get shorter and colder, but bringing the outdoors in can really lift the spirits.
Look for seasonal flowers. Chrysanthemums, dahlias, or late-blooming asters are all available at this time of year. Arrange them in vases on side tables, or place a bunch in the centre of your dining table for an uplifting focal point. You could also dry sprigs of lavender, eucalyptus, or even colourful leaves, tying them with twine and popping them into a milk jug to create a rustic arrangement.
Alternatively, a bowl of vibrant seasonal fruits can make a beautiful centrepiece. Try pomegranates, oranges, and persimmons in a decorative bowl or platter. Dotting a few colourful mini pumpkins and gourds around the house creates an instant autumnal feel.
“Whether it’s preparing a home-cooked meal, decorating our spaces with care, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a favourite mug in hand, there’s a beauty in taking things slowly. Autumn is always a good time to slow down, ground ourselves in nature, and find joy in everyday living.
“Slowmaxxing isn’t about doing less, but doing things with greater intention and presence. In a world that so often feels fast-paced and overwhelming, this approach offers a welcome pause, inviting us to reconnect with what truly matters.”
- Zoe Turner, Head of Brand Development at Denby
