(AboutLife /Shutterstock.com)
While every culture is unique in their own way, there’s plenty of inspiration to go around when it comes to healthy habits. It may make sense to implement some of these habits once in awhile (any Turkish baths around here??), but many of these can be effortlessly woven into your routine. These tried and true practices will certainly make a meaningful, positive difference in your day to day. Take a look at some of the healthiest habits from around the world.
1. AUSTRALIANS ARE FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH
More and more Aussie women are seeking well-rounded lives by making an effort to create a balance of social activities and mental wellness practices such as taking regular vacations. Australians are focusing on living fulfilling, healthy lives, recharging their batteries, and prioritizing their mental and physical health.
2. THE UNITED STATES LOVES THE FARM TO TABLE CULTURE
One city in particular that’s nailing the whole healthy eating routine is San Francisco. The Bay Area residents love their locally grown food culture. The fruits and vegetables travel shorter distances, contain more nutrients, and also have fewer pesticides.
3. GREEKS EAT THEIR VEGGIES
Greeks consume the highest amounts of vegetables worldwide, and it’s all part of their nutritious Mediterranean diet, which includes pairing healthy fats with and plenty of veggies and protein. Thanks to their daily eating habits, Greeks enjoy a diet filled with vitamins such as magnesium, Vitamin K, and potassium, keeping your body functioning efficiently as you age.
4. THAILAND KNOWS THE VALUE OF A REGULAR MASSAGE
For many people around the world, a massage is a special occasion treat. In Thailand, the treatment is part of their healthy routine to de-stress, loosen their muscles, heal injuries, and aid digestion.
5. THE DUTCH GET THEIR EXERCISE
The biking culture is prominent in the Netherlands. The Dutch regularly use bicycles as their main method of transportation, whether they’re cycling to work or hitting the grocery store. Cities like Amsterdam make biking easy, safe, and accessible with biking lanes, parking spaces, and bike racks.
6. JAPAN PRACTICES PORTION CONTROL
The Japanese value meal presentation; dishes are colorful, include a variety of vegetables, and come in small portions, so they’re not going overboard with calories. The small portions prevent overeating and provide many essential nutrients and minerals.
7. SWEDES STICK TO MAINTAINING A BALANCE
In Sweden, employees work six-hour days, which is partially responsible for enabling the Scandinavians to live healthier, more productive lives. Here, the focus is on family, friends, and achieving a work life balance that leads to an overall increase in their happiness.
8. IN FRANCE, IT’S ABOUT TREATING YOURSELF
The French have mastered the art of indulging without going overboard. Instead of buying low fat versions of their favorite dessert (and not enjoying the treat as much), it’s much more common in France to eat a small portion of something and savor the experience.
9. TURKEY LOVES A GOOD BATH
A relaxing bath at the end of the day certainly has its benefits, and although many people love their tub ritual, Turkey is one of the true masters of using bathing as a way to experience serenity (along with cleanliness). The habit helps soothe, energize, and de-stress bathers.
10. SINGAPORE HAS EXCELLENT CLEANLINESS STANDARDS
Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world. Littering comes with a hefty fine, as does forgetting to flush a public toilet, and putting chewing gum where it doesn’t belong. The city also boasts a highly functioning public transportation system that helps keep the air clean.
11. INDIA’S LOVE OF SPICES HAS SEVERAL BENEFITS
In India, there’s no need to shy away from using spices in their cooking. Aside from making the meals more flavorful, using spices like ginger or turmeric can aid with digestion and keep inflammation at bay.
