While people may differ by nationality, language, culture, and ethnicity, the one thing we all have in common is a desire to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Below are some examples of healthy living from around the world, which will both inform and inspire.
The Importance of Lifelong Friendship in Okinawa
Friendship is important in most countries, but carries special significance in Okinawa, Japan. Here the very culture is centered on social support, which is referred to locally as “moai.” The tradition started centuries ago when farmers would work together and help one another, even during crop failure, and today it refers to support which could be emotional, financial or social. In Okinawa everyone has someone to turn to for help when they need it. Okinawans also enjoy a very healthy diet, rich in garlic, seaweed, and turmeric, which gives them some of the world’s longest lifespans.
The Italian Concept Of Having A Simple Life
One concept that is prized in Italy, particularly Sardinia, is that of a simple life. In fact, it is the foundation of their very society, and the people who live there seem to be far happier as a result. Most of the food is sourced locally and shepherding is a common trade. Typical ingredients you’ll find in Sardinian dishes include cheese or goat milk, with grains and dairy products comprising 75 percent of their diet. Sardinians are also known for eating Fennel, which is believed to have positive effects on digestion, and their diet is also distinct for being low in sugar.
The Importance Of Moving Daily In Costa Rica
Costa Ricans are known for their humility and strong work ethic, particularly near the Nicoya Peninsula. Unlike most industrialized countries in the north, where brief physical activity is incorporated into a lifestyle that is largely sedentary, here the culture prioritizes tough, physical labor for the majority of the day with sedentary moments being shorter by comparison. Costa Rican society therefore emphasizes movement and the importance of being active and enjoying the outdoors. The biggest lesson that can be learned from them is to not shun physical labor, and instead embrace it and use it as an opportunity for self-improvement.
The Danish Belief Of Seeking True Happiness
Although Denmark is one of Europe’s smallest countries, it is also one of the happiest. This is largely because Danish culture prioritizes seeking authentic happiness, which to them cannot be achieved by purchasing things. Instead, the Danes find happiness through building robust social ties, which become extremely important during times of difficulty, such as that experienced by the country during World War 2. Charitable giving is important in Denmark, and although they have winters which tend to be dark, short and cold, the locals approach it positively by enacting “hygge,” a term which means to prioritize friendship, closeness and love.