There’s no denying that the European way of living is certainly special. There is something about the interactions at the shops, the coffees and the food that makes life so pure and enjoyable. Don’t get us wrong, we all have our days, but try follow these 10 Italian Habits that we are about to share with you, and it might just make you feel like you are in Positano drinking an Aperol Spritz..
1. Coffee
Coffee is an iconic necessity for Italians. It’s like a pick-me-up and a quick caffeine kick. Something about a short epresso, the taste, habit, relaxation, it is an important ritual to some. The beauty of it is that it can be a quick small drink in the morning to kick start the day, or it can be enjoyed whilst socialising with friends and family.
2. Listening to music
Italian music has been one of the supreme expressions of art in Europe. The history of music is massive in Italy, and to this day holds an important position in Italian society. The different genres, timelines and lyrics.. it is extremely diverse and fun. With all the different towns and dialect in Italy, each have different styles as well. During sad and happy times, music is enriched in Italian culture. The passion of dancing, embracing and interacting with one another.. is all brought together through music. Incorporating any type of music in your daily routine is essential, makes life less serious and is guaranteed to cheer you up!
3. Have a siesta!
This is probably a bit hard to incorporate in your life. In Italy, shops are closed at midday for three hours or so, that way people can go home, rest and be with family. Enjoying a home cooked meal, spending time with family, having an espresso and nap. It doesn’t mean you have to leave work during the day and have a siesta, but the same concept can be incorporated at different times. For example, after work and before dinner. It is the same idea, just a different time – who cares!
4. Slow down – stop rushing!
Have you ever gone to a place during its peak hours, like a train station, and just sat there and observed. Probably not, because you would typically be in the middle of the chaos rushing like everyone else. We get it, life is busy. There are bills to pay, work to be done and people to see. But we should all just slow down. Try it some time! If you know you must be at work by 9, leave earlier than you would. Less time to rush, more time slowing down, grabbing a coffee, walking slowly and peacefully to where you need to be. Appreciate the time you are given, enjoy it. Brainstorm ways to incorporate slowing down in your daily life, it works wonders!
5. Appreciate your family
Italians respect their family, older or younger. We respect our elders and spoil our children and treat them as the most precious things. Family can be big or small, blood-related or friends, it all means the same. Appreciate those around you, support, love, cherish and respect them. Life is special, make sure you enjoy it with the special people around you.
6. Eat a light dinner
There is a famous saying for eating a healthy, Mediterranean style diet: “Eat like a King in the morning, a prince for lunch, and a pauper at dinnertime”. Italians have rich, sweet pastries for breakfast, eat a large meal for lunch, and eat lightly for dinner. Try to incorporate this in your daily routine!
7. Try growing your own food!
We all know Italians love growing their own fresh produce. I am sure we have all had Nonni who treat their garden like royalty and are so proud to show it off to anyone who visits! No matter how small a plot of land you have – even a balcony or patio, try growing your own herbs and tomatoes. It’s very gratifying to prepare food that you’ve grown from seed to plate.
8. Take an evening walk
Each night in every town in Italy, Italians get out after dinner to walk to the piazza or around the streets they live in. Known as a passeggiata, it is a time to relax and digest… to meet up with neighbours or friends. It is very common for most to turn on the TV and binge watch their favourite shows, but try swap out MAFS for a passeggiata with your family.. it will work wonders! Communicating, exercising, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors certainly sounds a lot better than sitting on the couch and not interacting!
9. Eat meals together
For Italians, eating meals and spending time with family is a pivotal part of their day. Something about coming home from work or school and having a meal with your family, debriefing about the day, arguing over who must take the bins out, sharing a meal… it is extremely special. There is no denying a lot of people in this world don’t have that, but if you do, cherish it. A lot of people would do anything to have a meal with their family and socialise together. Whilst it seems like such a normal habit for some households, turn it into an exciting and special one! No TV, no phones, just a table, food and family… it will make such a difference.
10. Find passion in things you enjoy
Italians are very passionate people. Hard working, family orientated and loving. It is not easy finding a passion in life, but people tend to forget that it doesn’t always have to be a massive, important hobby. Finding passion in cooking, seeing family, building a car, the list goes on. Anything where you find yourself at peace, happy and content.. consider it a passion. Finding passion in things you enjoy is extremely beneficial, enjoy those moments because life is short!
Whilst some of these daily Italian habits seem difficult to incorporate, try to simplify and tweak them so they can work for your lifestyle! Italians are all for the basics, walking, eating, talking and dancing to music.. just to name a few. It is important to remember to slow down, embrace what is around us and make memories that last forever!