Discover the differences between how the French approach health compared to people in the US from an expat editor.
Life here feels healthier… and not in the ways I wouldve expected.
But Paris is different.
This fundamentally comes down to lowered stress levels.
But in general, thestyle de viehere in Paris is very different from what many Americans are used to.
Everyone here has a different experience and perspective.
Clinical psychologist at One Medical
Im not French, Im not Parisian, and this is just my unique, individual account.
So I had some fellow North American expats weigh in, too.
In the workplace, at home, and in the gym.
Over time, this chronic stress can negatively impact our psychological and physical wellness.
This became especially apparent within my first month of living in France.
I remember asking my therapist: Is it okay to just… be?
Im more relaxed here.
And to boot, Im also significantly less stressed about health-care costs.
Stress is a fundamental factor in disease.
Clinical psychologist at One Medical
Maas tells me that by slowing my pace, Ive contributed to my overall well-being in a powerful way.
Learning to slow down is a way of showing the body that everythings okay, he says.
is synonymous with an increased daily step count.
Were walking everywhere, getting outside more.
Coming from California, getting out of the car and onto the sidewalks was a major shift.
I now walk every day, and not just a walk around the block with my dog.
We would literally have totake our carto go intentionally walk somewhere [laughs], she says.
Walking has been the bulk of my personal wellness routine since moving abroad.
I go to one, maybe two workouts a week.
Usually reformer Pilates (in French, which is fun!).
Sometimes ballet, sometimes yoga.
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Some of this comes down to a cultural shift, leaving North America and coming to Europe.
The gym was a huge part of my routine; I liked working out solo with my weights.
But I find that gym culture is quite the opposite in France.
People love group activities, especially ones that integrate working out in a natural way.
Bouldering has become huge here; Ive also seen a lot of jogging and outdoor workout groups.
Nyqvist adds that the French take a different approach to staying fit than we do in the States.
They integrate concepts offunctional trainingand working out into their daily lives.
Wellness culture is SO different here, she says.
Fitness is a bit more advanced, more current in North America, she says.
And trust me, I get it.
I still dont understand the whole cigarette thing (sorry, France), but as for the rest?
Ive beenintuitive eatingessentially eating whatever I want mindfully, with no category being off limits, ever.
Dairy isnt the devil, here, and youd be hard-pressed to find a gluten-free baguette.
I get so excited when I see cherries in season every year.
And as it pertains to her health?
And as for the desserts?
Its not an everyday thing… and theyrewayless processed.
I will say, though, both Goodbun and I enjoy a daily croissant.
As for habits, those are a bit different as wellspecifically around snacking, says Bicard.
But its very intentional.
Not snacking allows for more whole, enjoyable and decadent meals without as much guilt.
Bicard also adds that this applies to eating during the work day.
Forget the sad salad at your desk as you crank through your lunch hour, she says.
The midday lunch hour is meant for truly taking a break.
This has been a big help to my mental health and work/life balance.
But what does that mean?
Im not using the scientific method here (obviously!).
And I dont want to say Just trust me, either…
This is just an honest account from someone who feels better and wants to share it with the world.
I havent had treatment since April, and yet, my migraine frequency has waned.
Im also enjoying less painful periods, less anxiety, and better sleep.
Bicard also shares that this lifestyle has helped her lose weight with little effort.
Ive lost around 15 pounds without really trying, she tells me.
Just by adjusting my diet and eating to whats culturally more accepted here.
Rollins tells me that since living here, weight management has come much more easily.
I dontbinge, and I maintain a healthy weight easily.
The lifestyle has absolutely made me a healthier person.
Any of them can be integrated into your life, wherever you are.
How do we do that?
Funny you ask… it starts with the wordhow.
Many people reflect on the what of their day, says Maas.
Remember: the sympathetic nervous system is our friendits our body trying to help us.
We need to think about how to help it, and how we can help each other!
you might do this at home!
Focus on Prioritizing investment in areas of life that align with our values and setting boundaries, she says.
This can support increased balance.
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