I Ate Like They Do in a “Blue Zone” for 30 Days. My Energy Was Through the Roof.
The Secrets of the World’s Longest-Lived People
I was fascinated by the “Blue Zones”—the five places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. For 30 days, I tried to eat like they do in Ikaria, Greece. My diet wasn’t restrictive; it was just different. I ate tons of beans, greens, potatoes, and a lot of olive oil. I ate very little meat and almost no processed food. After a month, I hadn’t lost much weight, but my energy levels were through the roof, and my chronic acid reflux had disappeared. It was a powerful lesson in how a simple, plant-forward diet can transform your vitality.
The 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine: A Breakdown for a Busy Person
It’s a Ritual, Not a Chore
I was intimidated by the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine. It seemed so complicated. A Korean friend broke it down for me. She said it’s not about using 10 products every single night. It’s about having a “wardrobe” of products and layering them based on your skin’s needs. The core steps are always the same: a double cleanse, a toner, a moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning. The other “steps”—like essences, serums, and masks—are things you add in a few times a week as needed. It’s not a chore; it’s a mindful, customizable self-care ritual.
The Japanese “Ikigai” Philosophy: The Secret to a Long and Purposeful Life
Your Reason for Getting Out of Bed in the Morning
In Okinawa, a Blue Zone, they have a concept called “ikigai.” It’s often translated as “a reason for being.” It’s the intersection of four things: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. It’s your reason for getting out of bed in the morning. My 70-year-old neighbor’s ikigai is his community garden. It’s something he loves, he’s good at it, it provides food for his neighbors, and he sells some produce. Finding your ikigai is considered a key ingredient to a long and happy life.
The French Pharmacy Skincare Products That French Women Swear By
Simple, Scientific, and Chic
I was curious about the “French girl” approach to skincare. My friend who lives in Paris told me their secret is the pharmacy. French women don’t buy super-expensive, trendy products. They buy simple, effective, and scientifically-backed products from brands like La Roche-Posay, Nuxe, and Caudalie. They focus on a gentle cleanser, a good moisturizer, and, most importantly, a high-quality sunscreen. Their approach isn’t about a 12-step routine; it’s about using a few high-quality, trusted basics consistently. It’s an ethos of simple, effective maintenance.
“Hygge”: The Danish Secret to a Cozy, Stress-Free Life
The Art of Cultivating Contentment
During a long, dark winter, I was feeling depressed and stressed. I decided to try to incorporate the Danish concept of “hygge” into my life. Hygge isn’t something you can buy; it’s a feeling of coziness, contentment, and connection. I started by lighting candles at dinner. I invested in a soft, wool blanket. I made a point to have a weekly, low-key dinner with friends. Cultivating hygge is about creating a warm, safe, and comforting environment. It’s a powerful, cultural antidote to the stress and burnout of modern life.
I Tried an Ayurvedic “Dinacharya” (Daily Routine). It Reset My Body Clock.
Syncing My Life With the Rhythms of Nature
I was feeling completely out of sync—tired in the morning, wired at night. I tried following a simple “dinacharya,” the daily routine from Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. It involved waking up with the sun, scraping my tongue, doing a short self-massage with warm oil before my shower, and eating my biggest meal at midday when my digestion is strongest. Following this simple, nature-aligned routine for a week completely reset my body clock. I felt more energized in the morning and was able to fall asleep more easily at night.
The Mediterranean Diet: It’s More Than Olive Oil. A Deep Dive into the Lifestyle.
The “Diet” Is Actually a Way of Life
I thought the Mediterranean diet was just about eating more olive oil and fish. I was wrong. I did a deep dive and learned it’s a whole lifestyle. Yes, the food is key—lots of plants, healthy fats, and lean proteins. But the “diet” also includes daily, gentle movement (like a post-dinner walk), strong social connections, and a low-stress approach to life. It’s not a restrictive “diet” at all; it’s a holistic blueprint for a long, healthy, and joyful life, built around food, movement, and community.
The Skincare Secrets of “Mochi Skin” in Japan
Plump, Bouncy, and Hydrated, Like a Rice Cake
While Korean beauty is known for “glass skin,” the Japanese ideal is “mochi skin.” Think of a mochi rice cake: it’s plump, bouncy, and has a soft, velvety texture. The focus is less on a reflective shine and more on deep, internal hydration and elasticity. The key to mochi skin is a routine focused on gentle cleansing, multiple layers of a hydrating “lotion” (which is more like a watery essence), and protecting the skin barrier with a simple, effective moisturizer. It’s all about achieving a healthy, supple plumpness from within.
I Tried a Russian “Banya” (Sauna) Ritual. It Was Intense and Invigorating.
Getting Whipped With a Bundle of Leaves Has Never Felt So Good
On a trip, I went to a traditional Russian “banya.” It was far more intense than a regular sauna. The experience involves cycles of sitting in the incredibly hot, steamy room, followed by a plunge into an ice-cold pool. The most unique part is the “venik” treatment, where you are gently (and sometimes not-so-gently) whipped with a bundle of birch or oak leaves to improve circulation. The entire ritual was a powerful, invigorating shock to the system that left me feeling incredibly clean, relaxed, and energized.
The Indian Tradition of “Hair Oiling” for Long, Strong Hair
My Grandmother’s Secret to Great Hair
My Indian grandmother has had thick, lustrous, beautiful hair her entire life. Her secret is the ancient tradition of “hair oiling.” Once a week, she performs a simple ritual. She gently warms up a small amount of coconut or amla oil and meticulously massages it into her scalp and through the lengths of her hair. She lets it sit for at least an hour before she washes it. This pre-shampoo treatment protects the hair from the harshness of shampoo, nourishes the scalp, and deeply conditions the strands. It’s a simple, time-tested secret to strong, healthy hair.
The Nordic Secret: Why Cold Plunges and Saunas Are a Way of Life
From Extreme Heat to Extreme Cold for Extreme Health
In Nordic countries like Finland and Sweden, the combination of a hot sauna followed by a plunge into an icy lake or a roll in the snow is a cultural institution. It’s not just a dare; it’s a wellness practice. The science behind it is called “hormesis.” The extreme heat and extreme cold are controlled stressors that activate your body’s powerful survival and repair pathways. This practice has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and build resilience. It’s a bracing, invigorating ritual for a long and healthy life.
The “Glass Skin” Trend from Korea: How to Actually Achieve It
So Shiny, You Can Almost See Your Reflection
The Korean “glass skin” trend is not about one product; it’s about achieving skin that is so healthy and hydrated that it looks like a smooth, reflective piece of glass. The key is multiple, lightweight layers of hydration. The routine involves a gentle cleanse, an exfoliating toner to create a smooth surface, and then patting in multiple layers of a watery, hydrating essence or serum. The final step is a light moisturizer to seal it all in. It’s not about a heavy, greasy shine; it’s about a deep, luminous, “lit-from-within” glow.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach to Aging and Vitality
Balancing Your “Qi” for a Long Life
I consulted a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner about aging. She didn’t talk about wrinkles or collagen. She talked about “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), our vital life force energy. From a TCM perspective, aging is a result of a decline or a blockage in our Qi. The goal of a healthy lifestyle is to preserve and balance our Qi. This is done through a diet of whole, warming foods, gentle exercises like Tai Chi to promote energy flow, and herbs that support our “Jing,” or our deep, constitutional essence.
I Drank Matcha Like a Japanese Monk for a Month. The Mental Clarity Was Real.
The “Calm Alertness” I Was Missing
I swapped my morning coffee for a traditional bowl of matcha for 30 days. Matcha is a powdered green tea used by Japanese Zen monks to aid in meditation. The experience was different from coffee. Instead of a jittery jolt of energy, matcha provided a feeling of “calm alertness.” This is due to an amino acid called L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. I felt focused and productive, but without the anxiety and the afternoon crash that I often get from coffee. The mental clarity was real and profound.
“Fika”: The Swedish Coffee Break That’s Actually a Mindfulness Practice
A Mandatory Pause in the Day
My friend who works for a Swedish company told me about “fika.” It’s a mandatory, twice-daily coffee and pastry break. But it’s more than that. It’s a cultural institution. During fika, you are not allowed to talk about work. You are supposed to stop, socialize with your colleagues, and just be present. It’s a built-in, national mindfulness practice. It forces a pause, encourages social connection, and ultimately leads to a less stressful and more productive workday. It’s a brilliant anti-aging habit disguised as a simple coffee break.
The Amazonian Superfoods with Potent Anti-Aging Properties
The Pharmacy in the Rainforest
I went down a rabbit hole researching the traditional foods of the Amazon rainforest. I was amazed by the concentration of potent, anti-aging compounds found in their native fruits and plants. Açaí berries, for example, have an incredibly high antioxidant content. Camu camu berries are one of the most potent natural sources of Vitamin C on the planet, which is essential for collagen production. And cat’s claw is an herb that has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The rainforest is a living pharmacy of longevity.
The Fermented Foods of the World: From Kimchi to Kefir for Gut Health
Feeding My “Inner Garden” With Global Flavors
I learned that a healthy gut microbiome is key to healthy aging. So I decided to go on a global tour of fermented foods to feed my “inner garden.” From Korea, I incorporated spicy, probiotic-rich kimchi. From Eastern Europe, I started drinking kefir, a fermented milk drink. From Germany, I added sauerkraut to my meals. And from Japan, I started using miso, a fermented soybean paste. Eating a diverse range of these traditional, fermented foods has introduced a wide variety of beneficial bacteria to my gut, improving my digestion and my overall health.
I Tried the “Siesta” Lifestyle for a Week. My Productivity and Mood Improved.
The Power of a Mid-Day Reset
Feeling burnt out, I decided to adopt the Spanish “siesta” lifestyle for one week. After a light lunch, instead of powering through the afternoon slump with more coffee, I took a 20-minute nap. The effect was incredible. I woke up feeling refreshed, and my productivity and focus in the late afternoon were dramatically higher than usual. That short, intentional, mid-day reset was far more effective than any stimulant. It’s a cultural habit designed to work with our body’s natural energy rhythms, not against them.
The Skincare Ingredients and Techniques Passed Down Through Generations in Africa
The Ancient Wisdom of Shea Butter and Baobab Oil
I started exploring traditional African beauty rituals. I was struck by the focus on rich, nourishing, natural ingredients. Generations of women have used shea butter to deeply moisturize and protect the skin. They’ve used baobab oil, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, to improve skin elasticity. And they’ve used black soap, made from plantain skins and cocoa pods, as a gentle, clarifying cleanser. These are time-tested, effective ingredients that have been passed down through generations, long before the advent of modern cosmetic labs.
I Learned About “Wabi-Sabi” (The Art of Imperfection). It Healed My View of Aging.
Finding Beauty in the Cracks and Crevices
I was struggling with the “imperfections” of my aging face and body. Then I learned about the Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi.” It’s a worldview that is centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It’s about finding the beauty in things that are flawed, weathered, and incomplete. Like a cracked piece of pottery that is more beautiful for its history. Applying this philosophy to my own aging process was profoundly healing. My wrinkles and scars were not flaws; they were the beautiful, wabi-sabi evidence of a life fully lived.
The Herbal Teas and Tisanes Used for Longevity Around the World
My Global Tea Cabinet for Health
I created a “longevity tea cabinet” inspired by traditions from around the world. From India, I have turmeric-ginger tea for its anti-inflammatory properties. From China, I have green tea, which is packed with antioxidants. From South America, I have yerba mate for a gentle energy boost. And from Egypt, I have hibiscus tea, which has been shown to help with blood pressure. My daily tea ritual is now a simple and enjoyable way to incorporate a little piece of global wellness wisdom into my day.
The Ancient Greek Philosophy of “Eudaimonia” (Human Flourishing)
A Better Goal Than “Happiness”
The ancient Greeks, particularly Aristotle, didn’t focus on “happiness,” which can be a fleeting emotion. They focused on “eudaimonia.” This is often translated as “human flourishing.” It’s not about feeling good; it’s about living well. It’s the state of excellence that comes from living a life of virtue, purpose, and meaning. It’s about realizing your full human potential. In my midlife, I’ve stopped chasing happiness and have started trying to cultivate eudaimonia. It’s a deeper, more stable, and more fulfilling goal.
I Tried Facial “Slapping” from Thailand. It’s a Thing.
A Wake-Up Call for My Face
While traveling in Thailand, I heard about a traditional beauty treatment that involves… slapping. It’s a technique where a trained therapist uses a series of quick, rhythmic slaps and taps on the face. The theory is that it increases circulation, stimulates collagen, and helps to “lift” the facial muscles. I tried it. It was bizarre and surprisingly not painful. My face was definitely rosy and felt more “awake” afterwards. While I’m not sure about the long-term benefits, it was certainly an invigorating and memorable experience.
The Low-Glycemic Diet of the Australian Outback
The Ancient Diet That Fights Modern Disease
I learned about the traditional diet of the Aboriginal people of the Australian Outback. Before the introduction of processed Western foods, their diet was incredibly healthy. It was naturally low-glycemic, based on lean meats (like kangaroo), tubers, seeds, and berries. This type of diet is now being studied for its ability to prevent modern lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes. It’s a powerful reminder that some of the most effective “anti-aging” diets are not new fads, but ancient ways of eating that are aligned with our own evolutionary biology.
The Community and Social Connection Secrets of the Italian “Passeggiata”
The Daily Ritual of a Walk and a Talk
In Italy, there is a beloved evening ritual called the “passeggiata.” After work, the whole town seems to come out for a leisurely stroll. It’s not about exercise. It’s about seeing and being seen. It’s about stopping to chat with neighbors. It’s about social connection. This simple, daily ritual is a powerful habit that weaves a strong social fabric. It’s a cultural secret to combatting loneliness and fostering a sense of community, which we now know is a key ingredient for a long and healthy life.
I Incorporated Turmeric into My Diet Like an Indian Grandmother.
The Golden Spice That Fights Inflammation
I was inspired by the low rates of certain age-related diseases in India. A key factor is their diet, which is rich in anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric. The active compound in turmeric is curcumin. I started incorporating it into my diet like an Indian grandmother would. I add it to my curries, my soups, and even my morning smoothies. I always add a pinch of black pepper, which has been shown to dramatically increase the body’s absorption of curcumin. It’s a simple, delicious way to fight chronic inflammation.
The Skincare Power of Ginseng from Korea
The “Root of Immortality” for Your Face
Ginseng has been called the “root of immortality” in traditional Korean medicine for centuries. It’s also a powerhouse skincare ingredient. It is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect the skin from free radical damage. It also has been shown to have properties that can help to boost circulation and inhibit the production of melanin, which can help to fade hyperpigmentation. I’ve started using a serum with a high concentration of red ginseng extract, and I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my skin’s overall brightness and vitality.
How Brazilians Approach Body Care and Confidence
It’s About Celebration, Not Concealment
I’ve always admired the body confidence of Brazilian women on the beach. A Brazilian friend told me their secret. She said their approach to body care is less about “fixing flaws” and more about “celebrating” what they have. They focus on having smooth, glowing, hydrated skin. They use shimmering body oils to highlight their skin. Their focus is on making the body look and feel healthy and radiant, at any size or shape. It’s a mindset of joyful celebration, not of shame or concealment.
The “Forest Bathing” (Shinrin-yoku) Practice from Japan for Stress Reduction
My Prescription Was a Walk in the Woods
“Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” is a practice that was developed in Japan in the 1980s. It’s not about exercise; it’s about simply being in nature and connecting with it through your senses. The science is now showing that this practice can lower blood pressure, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and improve your immune function. My doctor literally prescribed it to me for my anxiety. A slow, mindful 30-minute walk in a forest is one of the most powerful and accessible wellness practices in the world.
The Spices of the Silk Road and Their Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
My Spice Rack Is My Medicine Cabinet
I did a deep dive into the history of the Silk Road and the spices that were traded along it. I realized that my spice rack is a powerful medicine cabinet. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and turmeric, which were once more valuable than gold, are all packed with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. By being more liberal with my use of these spices in my daily cooking, I am essentially giving myself a small, consistent dose of anti-aging medicine with every meal.
I Tried a Traditional Balinese “Boreh” Body Scrub
An Ancient Recipe for Sore Muscles
On a trip to Bali, I tried a traditional “boreh” scrub at a spa. It’s an ancient recipe used by rice farmers to ease their sore muscles after a long day in the fields. The scrub is a thick paste made from a blend of warming spices like ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. The therapist scrubbed it all over my body, and the warming sensation was incredibly soothing for my tired muscles. It’s a perfect example of a traditional, folk remedy that uses the power of natural ingredients to create a potent therapeutic experience.
The Longevity Lessons from the Hunza Valley People
The Mountain People Who Forget to Die
I read about the Hunza people, who live in a remote valley in the mountains of Pakistan and are known for their remarkable health and longevity. Their secrets are not complicated. Their diet is almost entirely plant-based, rich in apricots, whole grains, and vegetables they grow themselves. They get a huge amount of daily physical activity from walking up and down the steep mountain terrain. And they live in a strong, close-knit community. It’s a powerful lesson in the foundational pillars of health: diet, movement, and community.
The Skincare Benefits of Dead Sea Mud and Salts from Israel
The Mineral-Rich Miracle from the Lowest Point on Earth
I was always curious about the hype around Dead Sea products. I learned that the Dead Sea has a unique, incredibly high concentration of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Dead Sea mud is amazing for detoxifying and clarifying the skin, while the salts are incredible for soothing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, as well as for easing muscle soreness. Using a simple Dead Sea salt soak or a mud mask is an easy way to tap into the therapeutic, mineral-rich benefits of this unique natural wonder.
I Adopted the “Simple Living” Philosophy of the Amish for a Weekend.
A Weekend of No Tech, All Connection
Feeling overwhelmed by modern life, my family and I tried an experiment. For one weekend, we adopted the principles of a “simple living” culture like the Amish. We had no screens—no TV, no phones, no computers. We cooked our meals together from scratch. We played board games. We went for a long walk. We talked. The initial boredom was quickly replaced by a profound sense of connection and calm. It was a powerful reminder that so much of our modern stress is self-inflicted, and that a simpler life is often a happier one.
The Use of Adaptogenic Herbs in Russian and Chinese Medicine
The Herbal “Thermostat” for Your Stress Levels
I learned about “adaptogens,” a class of herbs used for centuries in both Russian and Chinese medicine. These herbs, like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng, don’t have one specific action. Instead, they act like a thermostat for your body’s stress response. They help your body “adapt” to stress, either by calming you down when you’re anxious or giving you energy when you’re fatigued. Incorporating these herbs into my routine, under the guidance of a practitioner, has helped me become more resilient to the daily stresses of modern life.
I Compared a French, Korean, and American Skincare Routine.
Three Different Philosophies for the Same Goal
I did a comparison of three different global skincare philosophies. The American routine is often focused on “quick fixes” and powerful, sometimes harsh, active ingredients. The French routine is about gentle, consistent maintenance and protection, with a focus on pharmacy brands. The Korean routine is a multi-step ritual focused on deep hydration and layering lightweight products. Each has a different approach, but it was a great lesson in how you can create a routine that is tailored to your own personality, whether you’re a “quick fix” person or a “mindful ritual” person.
The “Food as Medicine” Philosophy from Ancient Greece
“Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food.”
This famous quote, attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, has become my guiding philosophy for health. It’s the idea that the food we eat is not just fuel; it is the most powerful information we give our bodies every day. The foods we choose can either promote inflammation and disease, or they can fight it. By focusing on a diet rich in whole, anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, I am practicing the most ancient and effective form of preventative medicine.
The Global “Hot Springs” Culture: From Iceland to Japan
Soaking in the Earth’s Natural Medicine
From the famous Blue Lagoon in Iceland to the traditional “onsens” of Japan, cultures around the world have long recognized the therapeutic power of natural hot springs. The water is often rich in minerals like silica and sulfur, which can be great for the skin. But the main benefit is the heat itself. Soaking in hot water improves circulation, relaxes muscles, and calms the nervous system. The global tradition of “taking the waters” is a testament to the simple, profound healing power of geothermal heat.
How Different Cultures View and Respect Their Elders
In Some Cultures, Wrinkles Are a Sign of Wisdom, Not a Flaw
In America, we often worship youth and see aging as a failure. I was inspired by learning about other cultures where elders are deeply respected. In many Asian and Indigenous cultures, elders are seen as the keepers of wisdom and the pillars of the community. Their wrinkles are not something to be erased with Botox; they are a sign of a life lived and knowledge gained. Adopting this mindset has helped me to see my own aging process not as a decline, but as an accumulation of my most valuable asset: wisdom.
I Tried “Gua Sha” Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Principles.
The Sculpting Stone for My Face
I was skeptical about “gua sha,” the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of scraping a flat jade or rose quartz stone over the skin. I thought it was just another wellness fad. But I tried it. I used a facial oil and followed a tutorial on how to gently scrape the stone in upward and outward motions. The practice helps to increase circulation and release tension in the facial muscles. I was surprised to find that it noticeably reduced the puffiness in my face and helped to define my jawline. It’s a surprisingly effective, relaxing ritual.
The Secret of Sardinian Men and Their Remarkable Longevity
A Glass of Red Wine, a Flock of Sheep, and a Good Laugh
Sardinia, Italy, is one of the world’s “Blue Zones.” Interestingly, it’s one of the few places where men live just as long as women. Researchers have studied their secrets. They eat a plant-based diet, but their secret weapon seems to be their daily glass of local, antioxidant-rich Cannonau wine. They also get a huge amount of daily, low-impact exercise from their work as shepherds, walking miles a day in the hills. And they have a strong, tight-knit community and a famously irreverent sense of humor.
The Use of Rosewater and Argan Oil in Middle Eastern Beauty Rituals
The Ancient Secrets to Glowing Skin
I started incorporating two staples of Middle Eastern beauty into my routine. The first is rosewater. I use it as a gentle, hydrating facial toner. It smells incredible and helps to calm any redness in my skin. The second is argan oil, which comes from Morocco. It’s a light, non-greasy oil that is packed with Vitamin E and fatty acids. I use a few drops at night as my final moisturizing step. These two simple, ancient, and natural ingredients have given my skin a healthy, radiant glow.
The “Barefoot” Cultures and Their Connection to Foot Health
My Shoes Were Comfortable Prisons for My Feet
I learned about “barefoot” cultures, where people spend most of their lives without shoes. The result is that they have incredibly strong, healthy, and splayed-out feet, with very low rates of common problems like bunions and plantar fasciitis. This inspired me to try “barefoot” shoes, which have a very thin sole and a wide toe box. The transition was strange at first. But they have forced me to strengthen the small muscles in my feet, which has improved my balance and my overall posture.
I Tried to Cook a “Longevity” Meal from Every Blue Zone
A Culinary Tour of the World’s Healthiest People
As a fun project, I decided to cook a traditional “longevity” meal from each of the five Blue Zones. From Okinawa, Japan, I made a sweet potato and shiitake mushroom stir-fry. From Sardinia, Italy, I made a simple minestrone soup with beans and vegetables. From Nicoya, Costa Rica, I made the classic “gallo pinto” (beans and rice). The common theme was clear: all of these meals were simple, delicious, and overwhelmingly plant-based. It was a delicious way to learn the core principles of a healthy diet.
The “Walking” Culture of European Cities and Its Health Benefits
My “Workout” Was Just My Commute
I spent a month in a European city like Paris. My “workout” was just my daily life. I walked to the metro station. I walked to the grocery store. I took a long walk after dinner. I was easily hitting 15,000 steps a day without ever setting foot in a gym. This “walking culture” is a stark contrast to the car-centric culture of many American cities. The consistent, low-impact, all-day movement that is built into the fabric of daily life is one of the biggest public health advantages these cities have.
The Fermented “Kombucha” Drink: From Ancient China to a Modern Health Craze
The “Mushroom” Tea That’s Full of Probiotics
I started brewing my own kombucha, a fermented tea drink that originated in ancient China. It’s made using a “SCOBY,” a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast that looks like a rubbery pancake. The SCOBY ferments a mixture of sweet tea, creating a tangy, fizzy drink that is full of probiotics, which are great for gut health. It’s a fun, science-experiment-like hobby that has replaced my afternoon soda habit with a much healthier, gut-friendly alternative.
The Ancient Egyptian Beauty Secrets That Still Hold Up Today (Kohl, Honey Masks)
The 4,000-Year-Old Skincare Routine
I was fascinated by the beauty rituals of the ancient Egyptians. I learned that many of their secrets are still incredibly effective today. They used kohl to line their eyes not just for beauty, but because it had anti-bacterial properties that protected them from eye infections. They used honey, a natural humectant and antiseptic, in their face masks. And they were known to bathe in milk; the lactic acid in milk is a gentle chemical exfoliant. It’s amazing to think that a 4,000-year-old beauty routine is still so relevant.
The “Pura Vida” Lifestyle of Costa Rica: A Low-Stress Approach to Life
The “Pure Life” Is a Simple Life
Nicoya, Costa Rica is another “Blue Zone.” Their cultural motto is “Pura Vida,” which translates to “pure life” or “simple life.” It’s more than just a saying; it’s a philosophy. It’s an approach to life that is low-stress, optimistic, and focused on family, community, and a deep connection to nature. They prioritize social connection over work and wealth. This low-stress, high-community lifestyle is now believed to be one of the key reasons for their remarkable longevity.
The Global Perspective on Menopause and How Other Cultures Handle It
In Japan, There Is No Word for “Hot Flash”
In the West, we often view menopause as a medical condition, a disease of deficiency. I was fascinated to learn that in other cultures, it’s viewed very differently. In Japan, for example, there is no common word for “hot flash.” The experience is seen as a natural, expected transition into a respected stage of elderhood, not as a disease to be treated. This cultural reframing of menopause as a natural process, rather than a medical crisis, has a huge impact on how women experience this stage of life.
My “Around the World” Anti-Aging Toolkit: The Best Habit from 5 Different Countries
My Global Passport to Healthy Aging
I’ve created my own “around the world” anti-aging toolkit, borrowing the best habits from different cultures. From Japan, I’ve adopted the practice of “forest bathing” for stress reduction. From Italy, I’ve embraced the evening “passeggiata” for gentle movement and social connection. From India, I’ve incorporated turmeric into my diet for its anti-inflammatory benefits. From Denmark, I practice “hygge” to cultivate a cozy, content home. And from Costa Rica, I’m trying to adopt a “Pura Vida” mindset. It’s my personal, global passport to a long and healthy life.