Friction maxxing is pushing back against one-tap living

Your groceries arrive in minutes, and your phone finishes your sentences. Dinner, directions, and reminders are handled with a tap. Yet, despite all this ease, many people say life feels strangely disconnected. This unease is fuelling a quiet lifestyle shift called friction maxxing. Supporters say the added effort helps them feel more present and engaged in everyday life.Mumbai-based Amit Jadhav says friction maxxing is about avoiding digital shortcuts and taking the slower route. “I’ve started preferring slower options, like cooking from scratch or actually walking to the market,” he says. “I don’t mind if a recipe doesn’t turn out perfect every time. I’d rather figure it out myself than rely on a screen for every step.”Experts say the practice is sustainable because it does not rely on constant motivation. Life coach Jayshree Nagvekar explains that once put in place, it works quietly in the background. “It supports identity and values rather than discipline. Over time, it reduces decision fatigue and helps prevent burnout and overwhelm,” she says.Why friction maxxing is trendingThe concept is gaining attention as more people question whether constant convenience is making life easier, but not necessarily happier. Experts say heavy reliance on food delivery apps or AI tools can reduce feelings of achievement and satisfaction.Those practising friction maxxing say hands-on tasks make daily life feel more meaningful. Cooking from scratch, writing by hand, reading physical books and walking short distances instead of booking rides are common examples. “I was missing simple, sensory experiences like the smell of fresh herbs or picking out my own vegetables,” says Jadhav, who now prefers shopping for his produce himself rather than filling instant home-delivery carts online.An effective tool for financial self-controlNagvekar describes friction maxxing as one of the most effective tools for improving financial self-control. “Removing saved payment methods, delaying purchases by 24 hours, and avoiding one-click buying adds just enough resistance for emotional urges to pass. Most impulse purchases do not survive friction, and that pause often leads to decisions aligned with personal values,” she explains.She adds that friction maxxing is often misunderstood. “It is not about restriction. It is about self-respect and creating a life where your environment supports your growth instead of sabotaging it,” Nagvekar says.A pause that prevents burnoutAnother expert says friction maxxing can help prevent burnout by gently pushing personal limits. Martin Peters, a mental health expert, says it helps people realise they are more capable than they think. “This isn’t just about reducing screen time,” he explains. “It’s about building perseverance and resilience, something an app or chatbot can’t provide,” Peters adds that slowing down encourages more thoughtful decisions, rather than reacting to the quick-fix instincts promoted by the online world."In a convenience-led society, people are pushing back against the ‘must-have-now’ culture driven by technology. Friction maxxing is a form of mindfulness, where working through a process engages our senses, builds focus and brings a deeper sense of achievement, instead of constantly jumping to the next thing" - Martin Peters, a mental health expert."I felt uncomfortable at first. When everything is instant, doing things manually feels slow. But over time, that discomfort turned into calm. Choosing experience over convenience helped me stop defaulting to the easy way and live more thoughtfully" - Mumbai-based Amit Jadhav.How to practise friction maxxing- Pause for a moment before acting on an impulse- Keep distractions out of sight and out of reach- Remove habits that make you say “yes” automatically- Make healthy and thoughtful choices easy to reach(as suggested by Jayshree Nagvekar, a life coach)