How the Europeans do it.
Relaxing in Nice, France.
A few weeks ago our family set off on an opportunity of a life time and landed in Europe, where we will be based for the next few months… tough times I know :) I always find it so interesting seeing how other cultures live, and with mental wellbeing being something I love to blog about, I’ve been interested to notice how Europeans go about life on this front. There have been a few things that have stood out which I think we can learn from.
Life is Slow
I’m not sure about you, but I often feel that life is running at a pace far greater than what we were built for. So many times I’ve noticed Europeans, the French in particular, stopping and taking in the world around them. They focus their attention on the simple things around them. You commonly see Europeans flaking on a beach, relaxing on a park bench while taking in the sun (see inset picture) or people sitting on a bench doing a sudoku or crossword. Takeaway is a rarity and a cup of coffee is almost always had sitting down, not while on the run. They tackle their work days differently too, many places closing for a few hours in the afternoon for a longer break. It’s simple stuff that slows down the pace of life and gives their mind a healthy break from the rush of the digital age.
Life is Social
They know how to enjoy life. Whether its enjoying a wine or beer, or chatting over local cuisine with friends, they love to chat, and can’t get enough of it. It’s part of who they are, embedded deeply into their European Culture. I’ve seen them playing cards at restaurants, Dads exercising with their kids and families sitting together and enjoying each other’s company innumerable times. They genuinely prioritise people. They also seem to spend less time on tech and more time chatting. I’d say maybe 20-30% of people can be seen on their phones at any given time - that means the other 70-80% are either connecting with each or possibly even themselves. It’s refreshing to see.
Life is Playful
It was several years ago when I came to the realisation that I had dropped all of my hobbies - sport, music, and whatever else gave me a zest for life. I think it’s typical of many, especially in their 30’s and 40’s, where our interests tend to subside as we raise kids. But Europeans do it differently. I’ve noticed they join in. I’ve seen them playing table tennis against their kids, bike riding with toddlers alongside them or enjoying watching them at the park. They sing, dance, whistle, or just do whatever seems enjoyable at the time. I saw one fella dancing away in the street beside a busker - sure he’d had a few, but he was loving it, as too was the busker. When I see this, it’s given me a lift - it’s like a playful and happy mood is contagious, and the Europeans do it well.
What this Lifestyle Does?
Having the ever-analytical mind that I do, I can’t help but analyse the why behind the what… why is it that slowing down, socialising, and playing feel so good for a culture? I think there are lots of reasons, and as I think back to some of the the mental health experts/advocates that have especially been influential in the space, it makes sense. Here are a few things that come to mind:
Slowing down:
They’re present and make time to notice, prompting contentment and gratitude
They’re not overloaded - hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are kept in check
They’re undistracted. They’re not pulled in multiple directions at once. This allows them to focus and reflect
They give their minds and bodies a break by being mindful
They often slow down outdoors, giving them calmness and happiness through increased levels of serotonin.
Socialising:
They are connected, giving their lives value and contentment
They make space to share life’s load and do life together
Good food and beverages give them plenty of general satisfaction through a good old dopamine hit (associated with reward/motivation).
Being Playful
They laugh and bond (great for oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the cuddle chemical)
They exercise, getting endorphins pumping (neurochemicals so crucial for feeling good about life).
They get a break from life’s stresses. We all need this right, but it’s often not portrayed as an important thing.
Of course, all of this is seen through the lens of a foreigner, and I’m sure like Australia, Europe has it’s deeply embedded issues in mental health. It’s not to say that Europe has it right or Australia has it wrong… I prefer to notice things with curiosity, learning from other cultures where we can, and trying things differently if life isn’t working as we had hoped. But what I can say, is that the way of life in Europe is pretty basic really, and I think there’s plenty that we can learn from one of oldest cultures on the planet. Slow down world. Socialise with those you love. Keep on Playing.