From siestas to saunas: the 10 European wellbeing traditions everyone should try – The Guardian
Posted: March 2, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Taking a siesta has been shown to improve the brains ability to learn. Photograph: Adie Bush/Getty Images/Cultura RF
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?
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.
Iceland consistently ranks highly in metrics such as life expectancy and blood pressure, placing third in Bloombergs 2019 healthiest country index, behind Spain and Italy.
The Nordic diet shares some similarities with the life-extending Mediterranean diet, although it is lower in fruit and vegetables, advocating moderate consumption of fat and protein along with canola oil (a type of rapeseed oil), wild berries and root vegetables.
A diet high in fresh fish, and therefore omega-3 fatty acids, is considered key to a healthy diet in Iceland. Haddock, herring and cod including the cheeks and tongues, the most prized parts are all dietary staples. Fermented shark is a national dish.
It is also common for Icelanders to take a daily supplement of cod-liver oil during the winter months, when it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone. The benefits of fish oil and omega-3 are contested, but their proponents say they relieve joint stiffness associated with arthritis and improve the condition of teeth, nails, hair and skin.
Although the use of mud as a beauty treatment was documented in ancient Egypt, with clay from the banks of the Nile being applied to the face and skin to improve appearance and texture, it was popularised in Italy during Roman times fango is Italian for mud.
From there, fangotherapy spread with the Roman empire; mud treatments and wraps remain a common spa treatment across Europe and further afield.
While different types of mud (mixed with mineral or thermal water) are said to have different properties, fangotherapy is most effective as a gentle cleansing treatment and has relaxing, anti-stress effects. These should not be sniffed at: chronic stress affects the immune system and causes high blood pressure, fatigue, poor mental health and even heart disease.
Is there anything the Mediterranean diet cant do? It draws together common food types and healthy habits from several southern European countries, including Greece, Spain, southern France, Portugal and Italy. As such, there is no single definition, but it is typically high in fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, olive oil and unsaturated fats, with moderate dairy intake.
Its benefits have been found to be remarkably wide-ranging: it has been associated with longer life expectancy, a healthier gut, better heart health, protection from disease, lower risk of depression, diabetes prevention and alleviation and even improved athletic performance.
Sauna culture exists across Europe, but it is deeply ingrained in Finland, where there is one facility for about every two people, the Finnish Sauna Society says. The traditional experience is to push yourself to your limit in a communal sauna with a very high temperature, then to immerse yourself in cold water or snow and repeat.
The cold experience is crucial, says McGroarty, with the contrast between hot and cold thought to bring health benefits. She says: It seems to have a strong impact on cardiovascular health.
This is Europe is a new stream of Guardian journalism that investigates the big challenges that transcend national boundaries, and seeks out the solutions that could benefit us all. These are testing times, and crises are not limited by national borders. But then neither are we.
Photograph: Guardian Design
Thank you for your feedback.
Scientific studies have found that the effectiveness of this contrast therapy (such as for treating athletes injuries) is questionable, but the physiological effects are such that it persists regardless. As no one knows better than the Finns, it feels good to be really hot, then really cold. As such, icy plunge pools and snow rooms are popular as a chaser to heated or humid experiences at spas worldwide.
Sophrology, a practice of dynamic relaxation, was developed by a Colombian neuropsychiatrist in the 60s, but it took root in France and Switzerland, where it remains wildly popular.
It combines eastern and western influences, meditation, breathing techniques, gentle movement, positive psychology and visualisation to give a sense of being calm and in control.
Although the practice is said to be more dynamic than mindfulness, it has similar benefits, and is said to be helpful in stress management, self-development, preparing for public speaking or even childbirth. French studies have recorded positive effects in helping cancer patients to manage their anxiety, stress and fear.
In the UK, sophrology is taught at clinics in London for about 100 an hour. In France and Switzerland, it is widely covered by health insurance, used by corporate high-flyers and professional athletes (including, reportedly, the French national rugby team) and taught in schools and hospitals.
It is gemtlich in German and gezelligheid in Dutch; in English, you might say smelly candles. But it was the parallel Danish concept of hygge that launched a global lifestyle phenomenon in 2016, with concerted cosiness the suggested solution to a turbulent year of Brexit and Donald Trump.
Hygge relates to a level of cosiness and conviviality that incites a feeling of wellbeing, says Joseph. The core of the practice is to live in the everyday moment and appreciate everything around you streaming the ideas of eastern mindfulness.
There is no easy English translation, but the Dutch word uitwaaien refers to spending time in wild, windy weather usually by going for a walk or a bike ride. By replacing bad air with good air, it is believed to leave you feeling clear-headed and refreshed.
It feels exhilarating wind is distracting, so its sort of meditative, in the sense you cannot think about anything else, says McGroarty.
Many northern European countries have an equivalent of the Japanese term shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), which refers to the restorative effects of spending time in woodland or parks.
Time spent outdoors in any capacity has recorded benefits, such as increasing vitamin D levels, improving mood and focus, encouraging incidental exercise and possibly reducing pain. A 2018 study found that exposure to green space can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, pre-term birth, stress and high blood pressure. Even as little as two hours a week may have an effect.
Comparable to the western coffee break, fika is another simple Scandinavian wellness philosophy that involves slowing down to prioritise social interaction. It is a meal or a meeting allowing for social interaction and stronger relationship bonds, increasing feelings of positivity, calm and creativity, says Joseph.
The meeting can happen at any time of day and preferably several times a day, advises the Swedish government. Although baked goods or sweets are often served, the key purpose is the social interaction.
This factors into other areas of life in Sweden. Herman Rutgers, a co-founder of the nonprofit organisation EuropeActive, notes that group exercise is popular in the country: They like to do things in groups, to be social and to drink coffee afterwards. The country has one of the highest rates of gym membership in the world 21% of the population are signed up to a fitness club.
Building a social component into exercise, by taking a fitness class or working out with a friend, has been shown to increase motivation and accountability and even improve performance. A University of Aberdeen study in 2016 found that people exercised more when they did so with a friend, due to the emotional support.
The concept of wellness tourism, valued by Bloomberg at $639bn, began in Europe centuries ago, says McGroarty. She points to the 200-year-old German tradition of the kur: a commitment to taking a longer break for the purpose of wellness.
From the late 18th century until the second world war, it was common to retire to a sanatorium or a spa for a weeks- or months-long programme of rest, fresh air, bathing and steam. McGroarty likens the best-known of these destinations Baden-Baden and Bad Ems in Germany, Bad Gastein and Bad Ischl in Austria, Bath in the UK to our Las Vegas of health: the places to be and to be seen. Composers and authors would go there to work, while others would go to recover from or avoid illness.
Even today, a two- or three-week-long kur can be prescribed and even paid for through the German (and Austrian) healthcare system, in recognition of the fact that healthy, rested workers are more productive.
The idea of taking a longer break just to be well is at odds with the modern fashion for shorter, high-impact holidays but the pendulum will need to swing back, says McGroarty. She predicts a trend for wellness sabbaticals, as people retreat for longer to recover from the busy world.
Read more:
From siestas to saunas: the 10 European wellbeing traditions everyone should try - The Guardian
- LIVESTRONG.COM - Lose Weight & Get Fit with Diet ... [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Diet (nutrition) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Diet and Weight Loss [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Dr. Oz - Diet and Exercise Plans for Your Body Type [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2015]
- Diet and Exercise Tips | American Academy of ... [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2015]
- Diet and Exercise Wellness Center - Walmart.com [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2015]
- Questions About My Diet And Exercise - YouTube [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2015]
- Diet, Exercise, and Sleep - National Sleep Foundation [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Diet. Exercise. Calcium : Menopause Matters [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2016]
- Diet & Exercise | CarolWrightGifts.com [Last Updated On: April 6th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 6th, 2016]
- Menopause Diet, Nutritional Facts [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2016]
- Exercise Videos - Expert Diet Plan Reviews [Last Updated On: May 1st, 2016] [Originally Added On: May 1st, 2016]
- Diet and Fitness Tips & Articles | Health Info | Walgreens [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2016]
- Tai Chi for people with dementia - European Pharmaceutical Review [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2017]
- The secret to weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise is this true? - Star2.com [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- This expert says you need to let go of your 'all or nothing approach' - Body and Soul [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Choose a better diet and exercise regimen for health - Sarasota Herald-Tribune [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Doc: Choose better diet, exercise regimen for health - The Detroit News [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Universal Fitness: Putting the social in working out - Arizona Daily Sun [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Exercise, diet change and more: The best ways to get rid of backache - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Diet (nutrition) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2017]
- Miranda Kerr's personal trainer reveals the one diet that made his models gain weight - The Independent [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Stay active to BEAT dementia: Exercise and diet will stave off condition in later life - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Another View: Choosing the right diet to combat diabetes - Auburn Journal [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Does exercise really cause weight loss? This MD doesn't believe so - Metro US [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Tom Brady reveals exactly when he decided to change his diet and exercise habits - CBSSports.com [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Weight loss: Woman lost over five stone in a year and THIS is how she did it - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- How to Balance Diet and Exercise: 8 Steps (with Pictures) [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2017]
- Exercising is good, but calories are what count for losing weight - The Denver Post [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2017]
- Quality of life increases with diet & exercise - The Coastal Journal [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2017]
- The Secret Behind Demi Lovato's Confidence and Happiness? This Routine - POPSUGAR [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2017]
- Diet Pills That Work Fast Without Exercise - Lose Weight ... [Last Updated On: August 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 20th, 2017]
- Kristina Dropped 102 Pounds by "Doing Zero Exercise" in the First Year - POPSUGAR [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- 25-year-old supermodel Kate Upton says weightlifting completely changed her body and outlook on fitness - INSIDER [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- Intensive lifestyle change: It works, and it's more than diet and exercise - Harvard Health (blog) [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2017]
- 83% of people lose weight on THIS diet without exercising - Daily Star [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- Bob Harper Shares All the Ways His Life Has Changed Following His Heart Attack - POPSUGAR [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- Report: Diet, Exercise Help Diabetics Maintain Normal Lifestyle - CBS Philly [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- Tia Mowry on her 5-second style and why she'll never give up comfort foods - Yahoo Food [Last Updated On: August 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 25th, 2017]
- Weight loss: Man loses over three stone by swapping fizzy drinks for THIS - Express.co.uk [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2017]
- Emilia Clarke's trainer reveals what she does to stay in such great shape - INSIDER [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2017]
- Nathalie Emmanuel's diet and exercise regime helps her on-set stamina - Belfast Telegraph [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2017]
- When diets fail, Rujuta Diwekar's exercise guide comes to the rescue - Economic Times [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2017]
- Diet and Exercise | County Health Rankings & Roadmaps [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2017]
- Benefit to improving diet and exercise at the same time ... [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2017]
- Exercise and Anti Inflammation Diet to Live Longer [Last Updated On: December 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 31st, 2017]
- Diet and exercise | Department of Food Science and Human ... [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2018]
- The relationship between diet and exercise Steven Low [Last Updated On: May 7th, 2018] [Originally Added On: May 7th, 2018]
- CRON-diet - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2018]
- Diet and Exercise for Heart Disease Prevention [Last Updated On: September 26th, 2018] [Originally Added On: September 26th, 2018]
- Simple and Affordable Self-Care Strategies for a Healthier Way of Life [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2019] [Originally Added On: June 4th, 2019]
- Ketogenic Diet 101: Working Out While on a Keto Diet [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2019]
- How To Create The Perfect Diet Plan For Your Workout Goal [Last Updated On: July 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: July 20th, 2019]
- Pre-Workout Diet: What You Should Eat Before An Intense ... [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2019]
- We did Gwyneth Paltrow's diet and exercise routine for a ... [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2019]
- Low energy level - It may be due to deficiencies - TheHealthSite [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2019]
- Heart attack: Taking this supplement could stave off the life-threatening condition - Express [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Keto weight loss: Man drops 15 stone in a year with a change in diet - what did he do? - Express [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Marathon Runner Diet: Your Guide to the Best Marathon Food - Better Homes and Gardens [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- How Swimming and HIIT Training Helped This Guy Lose 115 Pounds and Get Fit - menshealth.com [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- The dos and donts of weight loss from diet pills to calculators and keto - The Sun [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- The Type of Latest Fitness Products That Can Help You Stay Fit and Active - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- How to lose weight like this guy who lost 25 kgs on a pure vegetarian Indian diet plan - GQ India - What a man's got to do [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- How to have barley (Jau) water for weight loss - Times of India [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- How to get rid of visceral fat: Best diet plan to reduce the harmful belly fat - Express [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Sania Mirza Workout and Diet: How the Indian Tennis Star Lost 26kg in Four Months After Her Pregnancy - LatestLY [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- 5 ways to get rid of common back pain - prima.co.uk [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- High blood pressure affects young, healthy medical students - The Southern Maryland Chronicle [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Walk to End Alzheimer's Comes to Westchester on Sunday - The Examiner News [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Weight Loss: 4 ways to get a flat stomach without stepping foot in the gym - PINKVILLA [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Weight loss: Use this cooking oil to burn belly fat and lose fast - what is it? - Express [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Five ways to maintain healthy bowels - The Guardian [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Weight Loss: Woman drops 3st in a couple of months by following diet plan - what is it? - Express [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Hypertension: Can Yogurt Help You Control High Blood Pressure? The Best Time Have It And How Much - NDTV News [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- Heart disease and weight: A cardiologist shares 6 diet and exercise tips to maintain a healthy weight - Times Now [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2019]
- From binger to grazer, six different sleep diets and how you can improve your kip - The Sun [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Here is Omoni Obolis secret to staying fit and healthy in spite of a busy schedule - Pulse Nigeria [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Mandira Bedis Dussehra workout is all the fitness inspiration you need today - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- Heart disease: Best exercise to lower the risk of developing the deadly condition - Express [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]
- 9 Causes of Unintentional Weight Gain - Healthline [Last Updated On: October 9th, 2019] [Originally Added On: October 9th, 2019]