Amanda Seyfried reveals why leaving Hollywood for farm life in upstate NY was her 'best decision'

CATSKILLS, NEW YORK: Amanda Seyfried revealed why she chose to leave the hustle and bustle of Hollywood behind for a quieter, more fulfilling life in upstate New York.

The 38-year-old actress shared her journey of finding solace on a farm in the Catskills, where she now lives with her husband, actor Thomas Sadoski, and their two children.

Amanda Seyfried says leaving Hollywood was needed for her mental health

Amanda Seyfried's decision to move upstate was born out of a desire for privacy and a more balanced lifestyle.

Reflecting on her search for a new home a decade ago, she recounted how she discovered the perfect spot on a farm away from the urban chaos while living in New York City.

“I moved upstate long before I had a family,” Seyfried said in her interview with Forbes.

“Staying here was the best decision for privacy, peace, and nature. It offers a more balanced life than the city does,” she shared.

The 'Gone' actress emphasized that the move was essential for her mental health.

“This place is a peaceful spot to call home, which makes acclimating to the faster lifestyle of the city much easier,” she said of her home in the serene Catskills.

Amanda Seyfried on adjusting to farm life

Amanda Seyfried admitted that adjusting to farm life came with a “learning curve,” particularly in caring for the various animals on her property.

“It’s exhilarating and gives me so much purpose,” she said, adding that her time spent feeding and caring for the animals brings her a sense of fulfillment.

The 'Mean Girls' star also explained how living on the farm has positively impacted her children, Nina, seven, and Thomas, four.

Seyfried explained that she is committed to teaching her kids the value of kindness towards animals, supporting local farms, and being mindful of the food they consume.

“I can see them learning what a responsibility and treat it is to care for pets, even at their young ages,” she shared.

Amanda Seyfried's joyful balance between stardom and simplicity

Despite living a quieter life, Amanda Seyfried shared that she still enjoys attending star-studded events and catching up with her celebrity friends.

However, she sees these outings as brief, enjoyable breaks from her everyday reality.

“The next day I’ll be home and even happier in my boots in the mud, feeding the animals,” she said, expressing her contentment in returning to her farm life after Hollywood events, according to The Independent.