Healthy Habits I Learned Abroad

Did you know that Spain is considered the healthiest country in the world?

After spending three months abroad, the healthiest country holds a piece of my heart. This summer, I had the opportunity to explore several countries in Europe and spent my last six weeks in Spain.

Being thousands of miles away from home made me feel like I was living in a whole new world at times. I knew that in order to feel settled, I needed to adapt to the Spanish lifestyle. Along the way, I picked up on a few wellness habits that can be applied right here in Auburn, Alabama, or wherever you may be! Here’s what I learned from spending summer in the healthiest country in the world.

Feel Good Alone, Feel Good Anywhere

One of the ways I learned about the Spanish lifestyle was by people-watching as I walked through the cities. No matter which city I was in, I noticed people of all ages sitting by themselves in the park, outside of cafes, or in restaurants. Sometimes they would be reading a newspaper or listening to music, but most often people just sat and observed their surroundings.

In America, especially living on a college campus, I think there is an uncomfortable stigma around sitting or eating alone in public. It’s fun to go out and enjoy time with friends, but remember to take time to be alone too. It doesn’t have to be a long, everyday event, but being comfortable by yourself will teach you to be comfortable anywhere. One way I have been incorporating alone time since returning home is taking time to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, while listening to a podcast.

Take the Walk

Upon my arrival in Spain, I was immediately amazed by how many locals I saw walking everywhere. Having to walk to get to most of my daily destinations not only allowed me to see more of the cities, but also taught me what it means to truly have an active lifestyle. I enjoyed walking before my trip, but making it a staple in my daily routine made me feel good mentally and physically. Auburn is definitely a walkable campus, so take time during your week to walk to a coffee shop or enjoy an evening stroll with friends to dinner. You might be surprised by how relaxed it makes you feel.

Make Your Meal an Event

A big part of Spanish culture is savoring food and spending many hours at the table enjoying the atmosphere. Breakfast typically consists of a petite pastry or piece of fruit from a local market, but lunch and dinner include full spreads of tapas and good company. Living in the fast-paced environment of college, it can be easy to forget that food is meant to be savored. In Spain, restaurants do not rush customers out by bringing the check, they instead wait for the customer to ask for it.

When I first arrived, this confused me a lot. I thought that the waiters were forgetting about us or trying to avoid talking to Americans in their restaurant! In reality, they were giving my table time to enjoy the meal that had been prepared. At your next meal, try to sit back and slowly enjoy it. It takes time to develop this habit. I am still trying to fit it into my lifestyle at home, but I have found that having at least one slow meal a day is enjoyable and makes it easier to be grateful for the food in front of me.

Siesta to Fiesta

After a morning of working hard in class, my friends and I would often be excited to go out and explore after lunch. However, we quickly picked up on the fact that life stops in Spain between the hours of 2-6 p.m. for something I had only seen in movies… siestas! With all the walking around and long meals, naps are a must in Spain, and something I think would be beneficial for all.

I think, as busy college students, we forget to give our bodies and minds a break. In Spain, rest is non-negotiable, and I believe this contributes to their reputation for having such happy, healthy citizens! I have never been a napper, but after making them a part of my daily routine abroad, I can’t imagine life without my siestas. I have found that when I take an afternoon nap, I can be more productive and have more fun later in the day. So, cut out time during your week to siesta, so you have the energy to fiesta!

Overall… Enjoy Life

If there is one thing I took away from learning about the people in Spain, it’s that they enjoy life really, really well. The biggest wellness tip that I learned and can offer you is to slow down and soak in the joys of everyday life. This is the habit that I believe sets Spain apart and what makes it the healthiest country.They have a passion for their lives and put a lot of emphasis on enjoying both alone time and the company of others.

The Spanish have a happy, relationship-focused culture that I admire and aspire to develop in my own life. Auburn’s environment has made bringing some of these new habits home easy! Remember to slow down, stay active, eat good food, and enjoy life.

Be well, Auburn.