Mediterranean Lifestyle/Life tips

[Camomila]

I'm in Italy visiting relatives atm (go back to the UK in a few days) and am so much happier and relaxed than I am in the UK.

I know part of it is just because I am on holiday, but all my cousins seem pretty relaxed too and they have jobs and DC.

Do any Italian/Spanish/French etc. mumsnetters have any life tips I can bring back with me?

Mine are pretty boring but I am going to try to do them anyway -

More housework everyday! My DM/nonna are constantly pottering and tidying so it never gets too messy and it's not embarrassing if people just "pop in"

Get dressed first thing even if am just staying in so it's easier if you want to go out/someone pops in.

The things you have mentioned are things I do already.

I was thinking more shop at the local market and have an afternoon siesta type thing.

I felt like that on our holiday in France this summer OP. It's such a different lace of life isn't it.

I've tried to continue some things since I got home but the timings are just completely different. In France we were up early and out while it was cool. We would have a leisurely lunch at around 2pm and stay inside/in the shade while it was hot. Then a later dinner with the kids, starting with apero at 7pm ish.

I just haven't been able to stick to this at home, mostly because work doesn't allow for a long lunch and the kids are starving by 6pm. Shops etc aren't open until late and the weather doesn't often allow for just wandering around in the evening.

I have managed to keep a more Mediterranean diet and small things like popping out for fresh bread. I'm also still working my way through the wine stash we brought home

The things you have mentioned are things I do already.

IRL outside of work I am pretty disorganised sadly, I'm 50% distracted daydreaming, 50% doing everything last minute.

I think I was thinking more of those "why are French women so stylish?" threads we get sometimes - Iike a list of everyday little things /"rules" to do so everything runs more smoothly.

We live on the Med (although not the European bit) and one key thing is making family time sacrosanct, Sundays especially. That's your day to chill out, go to the beach, BBQ. Family commitments come before friends.

Another thing is hardly any processed food but cooking is quite simple so you don't spend hours. Shopping frequently for small amounts of food, especially fruit.

I’m one of the nationalities you mention.

Air the whole house first thing in the morning. Doesn’t matter how cold it is in the winter. I now live in a Nordic country and I still air the house when it’s winter and -10 outside.

Meal times are to be enjoyed, it’s a chance to relax and recharge. Especially lunch, it’s when you reset your energy for the afternoon.

Lots of fresh food. Salad - just simple lettuce, cucumber and tomato, no dressings - with every meal. Fruit after each meal. I don’t regularly buy butter, cream, mayo or cook with cheese (I do eat cheese separately), just use a sprinkle of olive oil and avoid other fats.

Spend time outside and walk as much as you can. At the weekends spend an hour tidying the house then get out and about.

I’d sum it up as fresh air, fresh food, keep socialising low key but an important part of each day and week. No need to dress up or make it into elaborate outings, just spending time with other people regularly, simple events, are very important for one’s health and mindset.

Lived in the med and unfortunately there is a lot of work for women - constant housework, cooking, and 'looking after the men'.
Things that help are having a simple home, clutter free so it's easy to clean/tidy. Simple food ideas, large table where everyone can sit around with ease. Changing your attitude towards cooking/cleaning, it should be a joy/done with pride rather than a chore. Plenty of time allocated for meals. Oh and olive oil as the solution for all problems in life!

Oh and I forgot to add, don’t try to run two separate lifestyles - one for the children and one for the adults. Same meals, same bedtimes (approx), same outings and activities for everyone. It will simplify your life. Kiddie menus are not a thing in other countries for example - everyone eats the same when going to a restaurant. Children are just part and parcel of life and families do everything together regardless of ages.

Eat olives and salads