When I was in my 20s I was fortunate enough to travel to Europe with a friend of mine. For a girl living in Michigan all her life this was a huge step out of my comfort zone. I knew if I went away and traveled overseas I would come back an entirely different person. A whole new perspective about how other people lived was eye opening.
The things that left an indelible mark were some of things I try to incorporate into my lifestyle changes now. By striving to add these things into my everyday life I hope I’m that much closer to taking life a little less seriously, slowing down and enjoying what I have.
Here are 8 European Tricks and Lifestyle Changes you can make today:
Smaller portions
Meals are not delivered in troughs like they are here in America. Well, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration but it feels like it anyway. Breakfast was sometimes an assortment of breads and cheeses and fruit, sometimes oatmeal, hard boiled eggs and juice. Lunches consisted of small sandwiches and fruit while dinner was fish, salads and soups. Meals lasted at least a couple of hours and people ate small amounts.
Walking and biking everywhere
I had never walked so much in my entire life. If you wanted food you walked to a local market. You went site seeing you walked or biked to your destination. The exercise and fresh air were exhilarating and wonderful. The exercise was beneficial to my heart.
Afternoon coffee chats and relaxation
Afternoons were hard to adjust too. Everything seemed to shut down from boutiques to restaurants. Our fast pace and filling every second of the day with something was almost non-existent in Europe. Watching the Europeans conversing and having coffee or tea in the middle of the afternoon was refreshing. The atmosphere was one of relaxation and very little stress. A time to regroup, just be and live in the moment was a lesson to be learned.
Tea time
In England they loved their tea. So many teas are healthy for you. A cup of green or black tea is a family staple in our house. Tea has numerous health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. But, a recent study from the Tea Advisory Council found that drinking at least three cups of tea a day can lower the risk of heart attack by up to 70 percent. Other studies have shown that drinking tea can help reduce the incidence of stroke, cancer, and promote blood flow around the brain.
Family and friendships very important
Making time to chat with family and friends was evident everywhere you went. Extending a helping hand and generous hospitality without even thinking twice was everywhere. Light conversation as well as intellectual talks broadened your mind and fed your soul. Moral support and a strong support network of friends have been shown to lower blood pressure, slow the heart rate, and lower stress levels. Friends help us relax, take a deep breath and remember what is most important. All of these things add to less illness.
Fresh not prepackaged
Walking the streets of Paris in the morning offered a plethora of fresh foods like cheese, breads and wine. People shopped for each meal taking home foods from local farms and wineries. The frenzied pace of walking a grocery store aisle was something I didn’t miss. To wake up in the morning to the beautiful colors of the fruits and vegetables and the smells of fresh baked bread is something I wish we could experience more often in our own home. I think that’s why I love walking my local fruit market and I search out Farmer’s Markets whenever I can.
Europeans love yogurt
So do I! Greek Strained yogurt is my favorite and low in sugar. Yogurt contains healthy probiotics that aid in digestion, boost your immune system, and stave off infection. And, because it’s loaded with protein and vitamins, it’s nutritious and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
No television at dinner
Meals were meant for conversation and camaraderie. Listening and taking time for a very long meal rather hearing the noise from a television was completely non-existent. This is a tough one. Although I rarely have the television on, getting my family to make it to the table is another job in itself. When we do get together it is my favorite time.
