Photo by Valna Studio on Unsplash
Mediterranean living is upheld as one of the healthiest lifestyles in the world. Centred around the rhythm of nature and celebrating the small moments rather than always chasing productivity, it’s said to help lower stress levels and make days feel fuller. Discover the core aspects of this way of life and how to transfer them into your own routine, for full-body nourishment from the inside out.
1. Slow living as a daily ritual
Mindfulness might be a relatively new buzzword in the UK, but it’s driven the pace in the Mediterranean for years. These countries value presence in simple pleasures, encouraging time for connection and restoration with slow-paced activities. This includes allowing customers to linger at cafés and restaurants and evening strolls (passeggiata) as a social ritual. This stimulates mind and body relaxation and makes you more aware of the little things that bring you the most happiness.
Incorporate moments of peace into your routine like scheduled activities, giving yourself permission to take time for you when you need it. Be strict with taking daily lunchbreaks, especially during working days, indulging in a few pages of a book or meeting a friend for a catch up rather than watching TV or scrolling on your phone. Only when you stop trying to multitask will you feel the benefits of switching off. Starting or ending the day with a walk is a great way to maintain perspective as well as getting exercise.
2. Food that feels and does good
Thousands of studies back the health benefits of Mediterranean food which is rich in vegetables, pulses and olive oil. Fish and lean meat and light dairy like soft cheese supplements this foundation, and vitamin-packed fresh fruit is in abundance. Dishes are typically cooked from scratch at home, and even restaurant menus involve minimal processing and feature next-to-no chemicals.
The culture around dining is celebrated too, with food used to bring family and wider communities together, not only for special occasions but also every day. Seasonal produce is celebrated, helping to promote a sustainable way of living.
It’s easy to take these values and incorporate them into your own eating habits. Try to buy local as much as possible, visiting farmers’ markets for your fresh produce, and batch cook meals each weekend rather than relying on eating out during the week. Aim for a balanced diet rich in different types of plants rather than one that’s heavy on meat and sugar. Making meals a social occasion, whether daily or just at the weekends, will help you savour this nourishment.
3. Sunshine, sea air & outdoor adventure
Regular sunny days and mild winters encourage time outside, and the Mediterranean coastline offers a wealth of options for adventure. This includes cultural walks in historic capitals, countryside exploration on two feet (or two wheels) and exhilarating water sports and relaxation by the beautiful beaches. Most destinations offer it all in close proximity. Take Greece holidays in the larger islands like Corfu and Crete where mountain hikes offer sea views, easily accessible from the UNESCO-listed centres.
Embrace fresh air as much as possible every week, even when our climate makes it less appealing to be outside. Small changes can have significant benefits. Spending just 120 minutes a week in nature is strongly linked to better mental and physical wellbeing, improving your mood and making you feel more connected to yourself and the wider world. Combine that with gentle exercise like walking, jogging or cycling, or sailing and stand-up paddleboarding on the water, and you’ll reap physical rewards too.
