In honor of Spain’s recent nail-biting World Cup victory, we will focus this month on what wellness looks like in this southwestern European country famous for its art, food, and – of course – football.
The Unhurried Spanish Lifestyle
When most people think of Spanish lifestyles, they think of siestas – or naps. Which isn’t far off the mark! The Spanish people enjoy a markedly slower pace of life that focuses more on working to live rather than living to work. A few highlights of this unhurried lifestyle:
- Longer, communal lunches that are social occasions rather than hurried lunches eaten at a desk.
- A midday siesta is not uncommon!
Movement Woven Into Everyday Life
- “Paseo” – the tradition of taking leisurely walks in the evening. In the US, we’ve taken to calling this practice a “fart walk”. The Spanish term sounds better!
- Highly walkable urban planning and excellent public transportation allow Spaniards to easily incorporate movement into their daily schedules without logging hours at the gym.
- Outdoor running has become somewhat of a national social trend, with many active adults opting to join running clubs rather than train solo.
What do these habits mean for overall wellness, though? The relative lack of urgency combined with the emphasis on community and social connection are absolute boons for mental health, reduced stress, and overall longevity. To that point, life expectancy in Spain is relatively high compared to other Western countries – 81 to 86 years old (men and women respectively).
The Mediterranean Diet and Tapas Culture
Of course, it’s impossible to talk wellness without touching on diet. The Spanish diet places a heavy emphasis on traditional and regional ingredients, such as fresh seafood, vegetables, and legumes. In addition, heart- and brain-healthy olive oil is a central ingredient in many Spanish dishes. Traditional Spanish dishes include paella and gazpacho.
Not only are traditional Spanish dishes typically quite nutrient-dense, they are also frequently enjoyed tapas style. Tapas style dining is a social eating custom where meals are created by ordering multiple dishes to sample together rather than eating a single larger entrée. In this way, people tend to eat fewer calories overall while reaping the benefits of social mealtimes.
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