+ Slow living
When thinking about Italy with its vibrant cities, crowds of people mingling at bars in the afternoon hours to enjoy the Apperitivo, the sometimes loud and gesture-filled conversations, slow living might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. It’s not necessarily about doing things at a slower pace, it’s about taking life easy. Italy is the country where the whole “slow movement” started. It celebrates local culinary traditions and food and was founded by the Italian activist Carlo Petrini. Slow food promotes small, organic farming, and encourages people to buy ethically, locally, and practice slow eating – that is enjoy the food in the company of others. In my many times to Italy, one of the things I have noticed is that I rarely see anyone stressed out. The secret to a stress-free “slow” life is living in the moment and taking it all in. Just go for a walk to go for a walk sometimes. You don’t always need to get something done. It might be hard to 100% copy the Italian lifestyle, but there are ways to learn and adapt your daily routines to ease your days a little. Go to a park nearby to eat your lunch, instead of having that quick sandwich at your desk. Once in a while, walk home from work, or ride your bike, and enjoy the sunset in nature. Treat yourself to a fancy glass of Apperitivo before dinner. It’s all about enjoying what you’re doing when you’re doing it. Embrace the moment, the circumstances, and the people that are in your life in those very specific moments.
+ Be stylish
Ever noticed that in Italy you barely see anyone underdressed? People like to be stylish, dress up, match up, look nice, even if it’s just to go to the grocery store next door. I can relate to this, and I just love the amount of self-love and self-respect the Italian lifestyle offers. It’s not about wearing the latest trends, being brand plastered from head to toe, or beautiful and slim. It’s about taking care of yourself. Looking good will automatically boost your self-esteem and will make you feel good. When you feel good, you feel healthy and energized. It is all connected, and little things like picking a good-looking outfit, putting on make-up, brushing your hair, and contributing to your daily hygiene are all methods that can build up your emotional immunity. Emotional immunity through self-care can directly impact your physical immune system, and make you less vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
+ Food is simple and taken seriously
I love cooking and experimenting with food. It’s always interesting to get to know different cuisines, using spices and fancy ways to prepare and present the food. The thing I love about the Italian food culture is the simplicity. They celebrate local, fresh, seasonal ingredients, and traditional cooking styles. Eating seasonal and local foods might sound like a sacrifice, but it’s a sacrifice that’s worth it. Seasonal food is a lot healthier and tastier, plus you get the thrill of finally eating something again after waiting for a whole year. Food quality is another thing that is really important in Italy. From Pomodoro S. Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese-Nocerino, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prociutto di Parma to the olio extra vergine di oliva from the many regions of Italy. Unfortunately, mass production has made it hard for everyone to distinguish between high, and low quality. The best way to get the good food is to go to the farmers yourself and buy on site. When you wanna go to a restaurant, avoid the crowded tourist areas, and ask the locals about places to eat. The Italians know their cities and know exactly where to send you if you wish to get some authentic local food. Also ask the waiter what is fresh and new in the kitchen, instead of just relying on the menu. This way your food experience can be maximized.
+ Eating is a social activity ! and taken seriously!
It’s about taking your time to eat. I many western countries, people don’t know anymore what it means to sit down and have a meal. It’s “to-go” here, “fast-food” there, and all eaten while doing something else. Life, for many of us, is a constant rush through “to do’s” where we don’t take time for what really matters. I sometimes belong to this category myself, and I am so thankful that I had just recently had the opportunity to go to Italy again, and remind myself of the beauty of things, when you actually take your time and pay attention to them. In Italy people takes their time to enjoy their food in the company of family and friends. Well, you can already tell an Italian dinner will take a little bit longer just by looking at the menu. They have antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti, side dishes, dolci, café…. Let’s just say, you’re not hungry after an Italian dinner.
+ Family over anything
Every time I went to Italy and interacted with Italians, I have experienced that they have very close relationships with their family. Family and food are inseparable, and for the Sunday get-together’s, there’s literally no excuse to miss it. But they actually any occasion as an opportunity to get together and eat. They cook together, arrange the table together, eat, and talk. It’s the place of unconditional love and unconditional arguments and fights. I always loved that about the Italians, because I can totally relate to it. My family is the same way, and that’s portably one of the reasons we feel like Italy is our second home.