The Mediterranean at Home

If you’re anything like me, you’ve hit that time of the year where all you can think of is the summer ahead. Where will you go? What will you see? What will the UV index be? Whether you’re considering a Mediterranean escape or are simply nostalgic for a previous trip to the southern European lands, there are ways we can bring their rituals and traditions to our every day lives. Whilst these won’t kid us into thinking that we’re sprawled out on the coastlines of Italy and Spain or bottles deep among the fragrant vineyards of France or Greece, these little practices can have large effects. The feeling of enrichment, of health and of joy when visiting the Mediterranean is no happy accident and its worth exploring what can be done to capture some of those senses at home. Here is a list of common habits from the Mediterranean that you can start using to your full advantage whilst waiting for your next return.

Siesta
Studies have shown that a power nap throughout the day can help with cognitive function, reduce stress, increase energy and enhance focus. The power nap is also said to offer long term benefits like a reduced risk of heart problems, a boosted immune system, and better sleep quality at night. In Spain, the ‘siesta’ was born out of the post-war world where many labourers were working two jobs to earn enough keep. In between shifts, they would savour a dozy moment to refuel. Nowadays, many southern Europeans will continue this healthy habit especially in the height of summer when the heat and the post-lunch slump tempts them to their mattresses. The positive impact is immediate but be warned: it’s important not to abuse the power of the power nap. Take no more than 20 minutes or the opposite desired effect can occur.

Morning coffee
Enough with ordering the decaf Soy Latte with An Extra Shot And Cream or the pumpkin spiced iced mocha with an inch of non-fat milk. Let’s enjoy coffee in its purest form where it can actually be considered a health benefit and not a heartstopper. In Italy, the population wakes up with the moka pot and in France, a French press starts the day right. Aside from in the capital cities, it’s quite uncommon for the Italians and French to drink a coffee on the go. They want to savour this morning ritual, and making it at home is not only cheaper, better for the environment, and healthier but the coffee accessories are pretty charming too.

Aperitivo hour
In all fairness, happy hour exists universally but if you’ve ever made it to Italy, you know that their afternoon drinks are in a league of their own! At any bar in any town across the country, your ice-cold refreshing drink will be accompanied by an array of salty snacks. The word aperitivo or aperitif stems from the Latin ‘aperire’ meaning to open. The concept of this after-work ritual is to enjoy an alcoholic beverage that will open up the stomach for dinner slightly later on. Beyond the digestive elements, the concept of an aperitivo is also believed to aid in longevity by reducing stress levels and encouraging a period of socialisation and relaxation. Next time you come home from a long day of work, why not upgrade your well-deserved wine or cocktail with a small spread of tempting nibbles? Some prosciutto, olives, crisps and cheese are the perfect pairing.

Fresh produce
The Mediterranean countries are fierce advocates for seasonal diets. Their lands yield delicious produce in abundance with each month bringing different foods to the table. With a heavy focus on locally grown and sourced ingredients often obtained in farmer’s markets rather than supermarkets, its no wonder that the Mediterranean diet is among the healthiest in the world. Its worth adopting these seasonal shopping habits for more nutritious and in-tune diets which connect you closer to your community and often burn less of a hole in your pocket.

Laundry outside
In Italy, only 4% of households own a dryer. Instead, the majority of the country air dries their laundry. This not only creates charming sights of billowing clothes adorning the buildings of every street, but the benefits are tenfold: saving energy, reducing wrinkles, and preserving the quality of your linens are among them. The effort is great but the reward is greater. Time to purchase some long string and a multi-pack of clothes pegs…

Evening walks
The ‘passeggiata’ is an evening tradition throughout the Med. After a hearty dinner, many people will take to the streets and enjoy a leisurely stroll throughout their neighbourhood. It is supposed to help aid digestion and incorporates a final hit of activity ahead of bedtime. The passeggiata is also an opportunity to unwind and switch off and is a far healthier habit than spending the evening doom scrolling and flicking through the channels!  

Family timeAcross southern Europe, time spent with family is purposefully carved out on a weekly basis. Usually, families with gather for Sunday lunch at home or in the restaurant. Everyone will do their bit and it is not uncommon for these meals to stretch out well into the dusky hours. In our busy lives, precious moments of congregation are taken for granted and not enjoyed enough. What better way to connect with loved ones than around the dining table creating new memories and traditions that will last.