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I am‘Had a restorative holiday in sun-soaked Crete, staying at Asterion Suites & Spa. Located along the sandy strip of Maleme Beach, the quiet hotel is centered on an expansive pool lined with plump sun loungers and curtained cabanas.
Here, I enjoyed an invigorating morning of yoga and a revitalizing massage using locally sourced olive oil and aromatic herbs. Colorful, plant-packed food was another highlight. I had to refrain from ordering a tzatziki and Dakos salad – with juicy tomatoes and crumbled feta – at every meal.
The Mediterranean lifestyle is widely recognized as lending itself to a long, healthy life – and it’s easy to see why. As our lives get busier and it becomes more and more difficult to “switch off”, the slower pace, access to the sun and sea, and tasty but highly nutritious food become somewhat unconscious.
I left that postcard-perfect slice of paradise feeling rejuvenated and wondering if its abundant wellness benefits could be experienced at home? According to experts, the answer is yes. They offer the following tips for embracing a Mediterranean mood even in a dreary UK.
Benefits backed by science
I visited the progressive wellness clinic, the Galen Clinic, named after the famous Greek physician. Here, co-founder and medical director Dr. Andreas Androlakakis confirmed that the Mediterranean lifestyle has many science-backed benefits.
“The diet’s emphasis on healthy fats, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It has been shown to reduce rates of type 2 diabetes and cancer,” he says. “Mediterranean people tend to live longer, experience less depression and anxiety, thanks to this balanced diet along with their active lifestyle, stress-reduction habits and prioritization of strong social connections.”
eat the rainbow
Avoid processed foods and instead opt for seasonal ingredients and home cooking whenever possible. Celine Ivari, founder of WholeyMe, a wellness brand that provides natural solutions to maintain muscle and joint health, explains the foundations of a good Mediterranean diet.
She says, “It’s based on whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fish, and olive oil. These provide essential nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds that help you live longer. Reduce stress and improve mental health.” Lifestyle promotes mindful eating that enhances and fosters social connections, taking time to eat and enjoy being with others.
Keep moving
Whether it’s swimming in the sea or walking to work, exercise is an essential part of every day for many people in Mediterranean countries.
According to Popi Makri, co-founder and creative director of the Galen Clinic, for those looking to improve their health, “start by making movement a priority. This does not mean hitting the gym. It’s more about integrating gentle activities into everyday life, such as walking, yoga, gardening, or working around the house. Emphasis is placed on avoiding prolonged sitting. ”
If you work at a sitting desk, make sure to get up from time to time throughout the day.
Fix your sun exposure
While the sun shines regularly in Mediterranean countries, it’s hard to come by in the UK. Try using a “SAD lamp” in the fall and winter. This bright light replicates the sun, helping to increase alertness levels and promote better synchronization of your biological clock. Also, consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement.
“Poor diet and limited sun exposure have resulted in large numbers of the UK population being deficient in vitamin D,” explains Shabir Daya, home pharmacist at wellness e-retailer Victoria Health. “We’ve seen an increase in studies showing that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a variety of chronic health problems, so it’s a good idea to get your vitamin D levels checked at least once a year and supplement as needed.”
Prioritize me-time
Makri also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. She concludes: “Make time for your hobbies and spend time outside every day, getting sunshine and fresh air. Prioritize relaxation and mindfulness strategies to manage stress.
This can be like treating yourself to a regular massage or spending five minutes before bed doing guided meditation through an app like Headspace or Calm.
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