As the year comes to an end, there’s one thing on all of our minds—The festive season! Although this year’s celebrations might feel a little different, the festive season is still a time for celebration. Studies have found that festive celebrations substantially boost happiness levels.
This year, why not make yours a ‘blue festive season’? No, we’re not talking about it in the same way that Elvis was. We’re talking about celebrating a blue zone festive season. So we’re taking inspiration from some of the happiest and healthiest places on the planet.
A Blue Zone Festive Season
Blue zoning is a practice inspired by the regions of the world. These regions have the highest life expectancies and are healthy in mind and body. The concept of ‘blue zoning’ is all about helping you realize your potential. It focuses on bettering your health, without making drastic changes to your life.
Tying this mentality into your festivities this year is sure to give you a real boost. People from the happiest places on the planet actively express their gratitude and always find ways to celebrate life.
Let’s explore why festive celebrations are so important within the blue zone ethos. We’re discussing how we can all celebrate a bluer festive season this year.
Happiness in the community
Around the world, celebrations have been tied to long-term happiness and contentment. Mexican columnist Armando Fuentes Aguirre believes that celebrations play a huge part in the high happiness rates of his country. He said: “[in Mexico] We celebrate everything. Mother’s Day. Father’s Day. Godfather’s Day…Something every week. We invent reasons together.”
Spending the festive season surrounded by our loved ones contributes to the positive impact of the festivities. In blue-zone communities, the emphasis is placed on communal living, friendship, and family values. It is thought that this tight-knit way of living helps residents to live longer and healthier lives!
During holiday seasons, positive feelings are extended and people tend to feel far more community-focused. A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that putting up festive season decorations signifies to neighbors that you are friendly, open to socializing, and accessible. Even the purely decorative element of the festive season can work wonders for bringing people together!
A festive blue zone lifestyle
The festive season is a great time to take a slower and more reflective approach to life. People who live in blue zone locations lead fulfilling, but not hectic and stressful lives. In these regions, moderate physical exercise is built into people’s daily lives.
Climbing stairs or going for a nice winter walk are proving to be more beneficial than hitting the gym and living life to the extreme. Blue zone populations show low rates of chronic disease. Following in their footsteps, regions that have emulated this blue zone lifestyle have seen drops in obesity, smoking, and BMI.
A (Blue) festive season sinner
In addition, you can also take a blue zone approach to your diet. Traditionally, we have seen the festive season as a time for indulgence. However, we could all fall into the trap of over-indulgence. This then calls for strict New Year’s resolutions and crash diets in January.
When we look for inspiration from blue zone diets, we don’t see any of these extremes. Instead, blue zone regions promote nutritious and filling foods that predominantly rely on plant-based ingredients. Regular healthy eating wins over sudden diets all the time. So why not take inspiration from some blue zone festive season recipes? Here are some of our top recommendations that are sure to spice up your festive season dinner:
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette
2. Pomegranate Sweet Potato Rice Bowls with Roasted Maple Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese
3. Maple Tempeh with Herbed Quinoa
5. Vegan Eggnog
Conclusion
The festive season is a time to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. Of course, after the year we’ve had in 2020, it may not feel exactly the same this year. You might not be able to see your extended family. You might not spend the festive season next to the pool in your designer swimwear. Regardless, this year will certainly be a bit more low-key! However, we should continue to look after our bodies and minds and take inspiration from the blue zone ethos. Doing so will allow us to feel happy and content this festive season.
Sources
- https://www.bluezones.com/2019/12/science-says-celebrating-holidays-could-make-you-happier/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494489800106
- https://www.bluezones.com/2018/07/why-are-mexicans-among-the-happiest-people-in-the-world/
- https://www.produceonparade.com/best-vegan-eggnog
- https://inspiralized.com/pomegranate-sweet-potato-rice-bowls-with-roasted-maple-butternut-squash-and-goat-cheese/
- http://www.seasonalandsavory.com/2011/12/vegetable-wellington-with-white-beans.html
- https://nutritionstripped.com/maple-tempeh-with-herbed-quinoa/#.Uq6wRRYfvFJ
- https://www.abeautifulplate.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts-squash-dried-cranberries-dijon-vinaigrette/
Who Is The Author?
Natasha Bougourd is a Copywriter at Mediaworks with over 7 years’ experience in online writing and a background in marketing. Natasha has written about a number of topic. Her interests include beauty, health and fitness, social media, football, and technology.
