A relaxed life like in Portugal – Principles of the Portuguese way of life Part 2

In Part 1 we showed you three aspects that are typical of the Portuguese way of life. In this article we will show you what else characterizes the Portuguese and what principles they follow for a relaxed life.

1. A close connection with nature

In southern European countries like Portugal, mutual dependence within a community is essential for daily subsistence. But nature also played an important role for the Portuguese from an early stage. In this context, the sea is probably the most important. For the Portuguese, the sea is more than just a landscape element. The importance of the sea is determined by Portugal's history. The Age of Discovery had a significant influence on the mentality today. With sailors like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, the sea became a gateway to the world. The sea was the symbol of adventure, expansion and progress. At the same time, it was a place of danger and the unknown.

This period probably also shaped the unique Portuguese feeling of saudade. The sea represented the separation from loved ones and the desire for reunion. The many folk songs that speak of the sea and its dangers are evidence of this period. In addition to the sea, other aspects of the landscape are also an expression of the Portuguese lifestyle. Especially in rural areas, people still have a strong connection to agricultural traditions, such as olive growing, wine production or fishing.

For the Portuguese, the connection to nature is not just a question of tradition. It is an expression of their lifestyle.

2. A fundamental calmness

The cliché is true. The Spanish expression "mañana mañana", often uttered with a smile, is well known. Unlike many other prejudices, there is some truth to this one: a relaxed, non-committal attitude is typical of southern European countries, including Portugal. The big difference is that this attitude is by no means perceived as negative in southern Europe.

The Portuguese language also offers proverbs and sayings that reflect a relaxed attitude. For example, in Portugal they say: “deixa andar!”, which literally means “let it go!”.

This laissez-faire attitude is in stark contrast to the activism and (over)zealousness that we know in Germany. The willingness to just let things happen is a characteristic of the Portuguese mentality. A trait that even 45 years in Germany cannot harm our mother. lol!

Simply letting things "run their course" naturally means that not everything always works right away. You can imagine that. But this is also generally accepted. People are flexible and find another (sometimes improvised) solution. A positive side effect: a slow, relaxed rhythm of life.

3. A sense of balance

In addition to the aspects mentioned above, there is another feature that makes Portugal unique - the above-average lifespan of its people. What many people probably don't realize is that with an average life expectancy of around 82 years, Portugal ranks pretty high globally. In some regions of Portugal, people live even longer, often reaching 90 or even 100 years. The reason for this are the characteristics of the Portuguese lifestyle, which are mentioned in Part 1 and also in this article.

But what rounds off the Portuguese way of life is the sense of moderation, the ability to find the right balance. Ultimately, it is this aspect that not only prolongs life, but also makes it worth living.

But what does it mean to find the "right" balance? That's probably not an exact answer. Especially since a balanced lifestyle is not a rigid but a fluid concept. The Portuguese way of life is also adaptable.

The most important aspects of this way of life are values ​​such as sociability, social connectedness, a strong sense of community, family values, proximity to nature and the living environment, a deep-rooted spirituality, local customs and traditions and a sense of moderation in all areas of life.