Travel is more than sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to slow down, notice how others live, and experience a different way of being. My recent trip to Amsterdam and Copenhagen once again confirmed for me how much our environment, culture, and daily choices shape our health far beyond diet and exercise.
From the way people move, to the quality of the food, to the joyful, simple lifestyle, I left feeling lighter, more energized, and more connected to myself than I have in a long time. These cities aren’t perfect—just like anywhere, people have their own challenges—but their approach to living offers valuable lessons. Here are a few insights that stood out to me.
1. Movement as a Lifestyle, Not a Task
In Amsterdam, bikes aren’t just for workouts—they’re a way of life. Locals even told us there’s a pecking order on the roads: bikers first, cars second, and pedestrians third. As tourists, we had to stay alert crossing the streets—moving fast felt like a survival skill, lol! We didn’t bike on our own but joined bike tours to explore the city and walked everywhere, soaking in the canals and art-filled streets. The entire city is designed for natural, effortless movement.
In Copenhagen, recently ranked the happiest city in the world, I felt a calm ease. It’s quieter and more structured than Amsterdam, making it relaxing to navigate. We took a bike tour here too, but most days we explored on foot, walking miles each day. These low-impact movements left me feeling strong and energized, proving that you don’t always need intense gym sessions to stay active.
Takeaway: Look for ways to integrate natural movement into your daily life—walk to the store, take the stairs, or cycle for errands. Fitness can be woven into everyday living.
2. Food Quality Matters More Than Perfection
I love dining out and experiencing different flavors. In the U.S., I’m often concerned about restaurant ingredients. At first, I felt the same hesitation in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. But they proved me wrong.
I ate mostly protein-focused meals, but also enjoyed ice cream and pastries daily—without guilt. Surprisingly, my body felt light, energized, and comfortable. No bloating, no sluggishness, just nourishment and joy.
The difference? Scandinavian meals are made with fresh, high-quality, minimally processed ingredients. I could taste the freshness and feel it in my body. In the U.S., eating healthy often requires more mindfulness—reading labels, picking restaurants carefully, and avoiding overly processed options.
Takeaway: Health isn’t about strict rules or avoiding pleasure—it’s about choosing quality ingredients that truly support your body, and being mindful of where and how you dine.
3. The Power of Environment and Culture
Health is not just what we eat or how many calories we burn—it’s the world we live in.
Amsterdam’s charming canals, vibrant art culture, and relaxed atmosphere created a sense of freedom and joy I could feel in my body. In Copenhagen, happiness thrives through work-life balance, simplicity, and strong community connections, supporting well-being on a deeper level.
Living a healthy lifestyle should never feel like a chore—it should be enjoyable. Loving your life, loving your body, and loving taking care of your health is true happiness. These cities reminded me that wellness isn’t just about habits; it’s about creating a life you truly love living every day—even as we all navigate our own challenges.
Takeaway: The people we spend time with, the pace of life we choose, and the energy of our surroundings all shape our health. Creating a life that feels good goes beyond diet and exercise—it’s about nurturing your whole self.
Final Thoughts
My travels reminded me that health is a whole-life experience. It’s not about chasing perfection—it’s about crafting a lifestyle that feels alive, joyful, and nourishing.
Small steps to bring this home:
- Add more natural movement to your days
- Choose fresh, whole ingredients whenever possible
- Surround yourself with people, places, and experiences that uplift your energy
True wellness isn’t found in a strict routine—it’s in how we live, breathe, eat, move, and connect with the world. And just like in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, it can be simple, freeing, and full of joy.