5 wellness concepts to borrow from the French

The French age like fine wine. Need proof? Just think of Emily Cooper’s boss, Sylvie Grateau (Emily in Paris). Both Sylvie and the actor, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, are French. Confidence is practically Sylvie’s second name. She is effortlessly chic and unapologetically herself. And that’s not just genes, but mindful choices toward wellness. Their wellness philosophy isn’t really about punishing cleanses or aggressive workouts. It’s far more doable and sustainable. Here are five concepts worth stealing.You won’t find people in France rushing through their meals. They don’t eat at their desks. They don’t have the concept of grab-and-go. Drive-through meals are clearly a no. For them, lunch is a ritual. It is a proper sit-down affair. They take their time to savor their food. They eat their meals slowly. They don’t scroll through their phones, but focus just on the food.Walking to the office is no big deal for the French. In fact, walking is woven into the fabric of daily life. They keep the car for long-distance travel. Walking is part of their culture. They don’t essentially punish themselves in the gym for weight management; they rather walk. Walking is linked to many health benefits, including weight management. It is no coincidence that the French have glowing skin and rosy cheeks. They are quite conscious about their skin. And interestingly, it has nothing to do with a 12-step routine. Instead, they focus on the basics—gentle cleansing, targeted actives, SPF every single day, and, above all, consistency. The gorgeous French women you admire aren’t chasing trends; they are sticking to the basics.France is known for its haute couture fashion and culinary traditions, but they don’t hustle. They don’t step into the rat race that the rest of the world is obsessing over. They embrace rest over hustle—and that too without any guilt. Do not mistake it for laziness, because it’s not. It’s rather restorative. They take their annual leave seriously. They sit in cafés not to be productive, but simply to exist. To enjoy the joys of life!They love to go for a swim. Not the kind you do in pools, but spending time in nature and enjoying summer dips without any schedule. Indulgent bath routines and spa visits are part of their lifestyle. They let the water slow them down. These are sacred moments that they protect at any cost. After all, nothing feels as soothing as a warm bath at the end of the day—not to cleanse, but to soothe your nerves!