From siestas to saunas: the 10 European wellbeing traditions everyone should try
The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are well known but have you considered fangotherapy, uitwaaien and fika?
Think of wellness and you may well think of Gwyneth Paltrows brand, Goop: modern, exclusive, quite possibly rubbish. But a lot of what would fall under that banner dates back centuries and has its roots in Europe, not California.
There is a unique wellness culture in Europe, says Beth McGroarty, the director of research at the Global Wellness Institute, a US nonprofit group. It dates as far back as Roman spas and the ancient Greek focus on preventing sickness, not merely treating it. Europe has its own ancient medical thinking and wellness traditions and we dont seem to pay any attention to them.
The continent is also home to some of the happiest, healthiest countries in the world, although the UK doesnt trouble the top 10. So, what can we learn from European wellness practices and traditions?
Spain: the siesta
The siesta, a short afternoon nap, is believed to have evolved in Spain to allow farmers time to rest during the hottest hours of the day. The tradition persists in the country, with work hours extending later to accommodate the break.
A large study in 2007 found that heart diseases were less prevalent among people who regularly took a 30-minute nap, while research in 2010 discovered that an afternoon snooze could improve the brains ability to learn.
Even just slowing down for a short period of time allows you to disconnect from the world and subsequently boost energy, focus and creativity, says Paul Joseph, the founder of the travel company Health and Fitness Travel.