10 Ways You Can Enjoy European-style Living Right Now
We’ve had the good fortune of living in and traveling around Europe for some time. And what we’ve consistently noticed is that Europeans really know how to live; this stands in such contrast to what we experienced and saw firsthand in the States: drinking coffee on-the-go, eating while working, or dining on fast food.
For so many Americans (us included when we lived there), reaching for those conveniences can feel like a necessary safety net when in the throws of life’s chaos. But what J and I realized upon moving here is how unconsciously we were living back in the States.
We both worked endlessly, often ate dinner separately like ships passing through the night, and then would veg out in front of the TV – phones in hand – doom scrolling. Deep down, we knew that something had to give (more on that here).
Since moving to Europe, we see people savor the simplest of pleasures: they sit down at their local cafe to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning; they leisurely stroll through the park during their lunch break (never eating on the job); or they bask in the ritual of cooking a traditional meal.
There’s something about these things that has felt so… luxurious to us. In turn, we’ve been inspired to slow down. To saunter. To bask in life’s little luxuries.
The truth is, luxury isn’t about Mercedes, mansions, and yachts. It’s about the little things that bring us joy but above all, make us feel present; that make us feel in the moment.
The beauty in all of this is that you don’t need to live in Europe to cultivate a sense of luxury or mirror their style of living; you can do it right now, wherever you may be. Because it really boils down to living consciously and finding beauty in the mundane. Some might call it “romanticizing your life.” Whatever your preferred mode of branding, I’ve compiled a list of ways you can add more softness and ease to your life today.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
10 Ways to Enjoy European-style Living Right Now
1. Enjoy fresh air
Europeans often walk or bike to their destinations; while that may not be possible for everyone everywhere, you can do as the Europeans do and enjoy a walk around your block or a bike ride through your local park. Whatever may be available to you, relish in the fun of movement.
2. Shop locally
We love grabbing produce from the municipal market in town; it’s packed with local farmers, bakers, and everyone else in between selling their freshest goods. The market is always buzzing with folks chatting with their favorite vendors, buying the ripest, sweetest, best tasting fruits and veggies available (I just picked up the creamiest avocados and made a delicious avocado toast). Test out your own local market vs. grocery chain to pick up produce that is bound to delight you.
3. Sit a cafe
As we mentioned above, coffee to-go is almost unheard of here. Take a page of the European playbook and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at your nearby coffee joint, slowly sipping every drop.
4. Schedule a siesta
When I was in Spain recently, many businesses closed during lunchtime for their daily two hour siesta. I respect the need to protect that restorative period because otherwise you’ll run yourself ragged! When I was in the corporate world, meetings were constantly scheduled during lunch, leaving no time for me to have a moment of peace (or morsel of food). When that time rolls around, do yourself a favor – block off your calendar (ideally, daily for at least 30 minutes), step away from your desk, and take a moment to yourself.
5. Buy fresh flowers
I love the look of fresh flowers in our home; this simple gesture feels like the epitome of luxury. Here in Braga – and every city we visit, from London to Lisbon – we always notice people often carrying bouquets of fresh flowers, which we always imagine is to help bring luxury to their own homes.
6. Indulge
While I always make a point to feed my body the highest quality foods available, sometimes I have a hankering for something sweet. So I allow myself to indulge, just like Europeans do, and I get a serving of whatever melts my butter from the best shops in town (it might be gelato one day or pastel de nata another). Patron your own local spot and savor a beautiful handmade sweet; what’s more joyful than that?
7. Simplify your home
In renting a furnished apartment here in Portugal, we’ve learned to appreciate a more pared down way of living; we’ve grown to love European minimalism. If you think about it, “less is more” is kind of the epitome of luxury. Why? Because it infers purposeful curation, and that’s exactly what this new chapter of our lives is all about.
8. Take a vacation
It’s August here in Portugal, which means everyone is on vacation. In fact, our favorite cafe down the street is closed all month! While we complain in gest, we appreciate the European approach to intentional rest. Each year, they take several weeks off to travel, enjoy family, and bask in the art of doing nothing. Follow their lead and make sure you’re prioritizing your own rest (we Americans are notorious for not taking vacation time); don’t fall into that trap.
9. Seek out joy
Every Wednesday, I go to the gym early and there’s the tiniest woman there, always mopping the floors; usually she’s whistling or listening to music. She’s taking a mundane chore and seemingly finding joy in the moment. She’s inspired me to do the same in my life; these days I listen to music, an audiobook, or podcast whenever I am cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry. I light candles at dinnertime, and always play music in the background. I appreciate turning the everyday into the exalted.
10. Use the “good” stuff
This isn’t something I’ve adopted since moving to Europe; rather it’s something I’ve embraced since becoming an adult. Growing up, my parents’ house always had a formal living room and dining room; the “good china” was inherently meant for “special occasions” only. But the kicker is, we never used those spaces. We never used those dishes. Not even during holidays. The room and the accoutrement that accompanied it belonged in a museum, not a home. These days, I pride myself in using our “good” things all the time – because life is meant to be lived. I’ve learned that everyday is a special occasion worth celebrating.
And there you have it!
I hope there’s a thing or two on this list that resonates with you and inspires you to incorporate into your life today.
xoxo
