When you hear the phrase “la dolce vita,” what images come to mind? Perhaps it’s the scene from Fellini’s film where Marcello Mastroianni fishes Anita Ekberg out of the Trevi Fountain.
It’s this lifestyle that many people envision when they think of moving to Italy. But what does this mean exactly?
Savour the moment
La dolce vita, the sweet life, has gained worldwide recognition through the 1960 Federico Fellini movie of the same name. While the movie depicts hedonism, lavish lifestyles, and extravagance, it’s important to remember that this is not what the concept really means.
Living la dolce vita is about savouring the simple pleasures in life and cherishing quality time with family and friends. It’s also about embracing leisure and leaving behind the stress of modern-day life.
When we think of savouring the moment, we think of beautiful scenery, delicious food and drinks, and experiencing the magic of nature. But the most important thing is to find beauty in every aspect of everyday life, from the sunbeams on your face to the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
Inspiration for living la dolce vita can be found everywhere if you know where to look. From Kinfolk’s curated photos of intimate gatherings to Darling’s challenges of cultural beauty standards and diet culture, there is endless information on slow living. But the most important aspect of slow living is to just start.
Eat breakfast in bed
Whether you’re dreaming about the scene from the Fellini movie where Marcello Mastroianni fishes the luscious Anita Ekberg from the Trevi Fountain or enjoying a beautiful plate of pasta and an Aperol Spritz overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, embracing la dolce vita is all about taking pleasure in every moment. One of the simplest ways to do this is by eating breakfast in bed.
In fact, according to a recent poll by Mattress Firm, nearly half of adults enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed on a Sunday! The most popular morning treats include pancakes, a sizzling bacon sandwich and piping hot coffee. Adding to the experience is the addition of soft blankets and pillows. A radio or the sound of birdsong is also a must for ambiance.
For the best breakfast in bed, invest in an insulated mug to prevent spills and keep your beverage at a desirable temperature throughout the course of your meal. And of course, don’t forget a vase or a few flowers to add a bit of extra beauty to your breakfast table.
Live abundantly
The idea of living la dolce vita is more than just enjoying the luxuries in life; it’s about experiencing a fulfilling lifestyle. This involves knowing what you’re passionate about and being disciplined with how you spend your free time. That means politely saying no to obligations (like birthday parties or tennis lessons) and intentionally scheduling time for activities you love, like reading a book on the beach or taking a hot yoga class.
Cultivating a dolce vita lifestyle doesn’t mean minimalism or monk-like austerity, but rather knowing that material wealth won’t bring you happiness and opting out of the rat race to focus on self-care, meaningful relationships, and doing work that makes a difference. Learn how to embrace the four pillars of la dolce vita in this episode of 7-8 Figures Special Serie Podcast.
If you’re looking for more slow-living inspiration, here are some of my favourite blogs and books on the topic. You can also find more slow-living inspiration on this Pinterest board. Darling is a lifestyle blog that challenges cultural ideals of beauty, oversexualization and diet culture.
Style your life
One of the most minimal yet effective ways to nurture slow living is by creating a daily routine that gives you time and space to relax. Whether it’s 10 minutes or 2 hours, set aside a time in your schedule to just be quiet and observe the world around you. This time allows you to reconnect with yourself and your goals, and may even allow you to have a creative breakthrough.
Another cornerstone of la dolce vita is living abundantly. While this might be a stretch for some, it means taking pleasure in the little things. For example, enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in the morning or browsing through your closet mindfully to select items you truly love and will use.
Incorporating these simple ways to live la dolce vita and embrace the slow life will help you feel more relaxed, content and balanced. While slow living often describes a homesteading lifestyle, the mindset can be incorporated into any type of life. You just need to start small and make considered adjustments over time as you figure out what works for you and your unique situation.
Take a nap
Taking a nap is a great way to relax and unwind. It can also help you feel more energised and focused. Try taking a short nap during the day to see how it makes you feel. If you struggle to take a nap, try closing your eyes and taking deep breaths until you fall asleep.
La dolce vita means "the sweet life," and it's about embracing the good things in life. From leisurely strolls through charming Italian villages to enjoying a beautiful plate of pasta and an Aperol Spritz by the sea, living la dolce vita is all about taking pleasure in everyday moments.
Italy is a country filled with stunning scenery and glamour, so it's no wonder that La Dolce Vita has become synonymous with beautiful people and fabulous lifestyles. In fact, studies have shown that countries with a strong culture of la dolce vita are some of the happiest and healthiest in the world.
Gattering with Family or Friends for Dinner
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply sitting around the table with your loved ones, this simple act can make for a wonderful way to savor the moment and enjoy some quality time. While it may be hard to squeeze in a meal together on every single night, try to schedule a few gatherings each week - this will help ensure that you are making the most of your time with those that you love.
Indulge in a Good Read
Reading is a great way to relax, and it can also be extremely beneficial for your health. A good book can transport you to a different world, and it can also help you to relax and decompress from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're looking for a romance novel, a nonfiction memoir or a classic tome, there's sure to be a book that fits your needs.
In a busy world, slow living can seem like an impossible task to achieve. However, a conscious shift towards a slower way of life can have many benefits for both your mental and physical health.
Start living la dolce vita today by prioritising your personal and social lives over work. The more you put your personal life first, the better you will feel, both physically and mentally. Plus, when you do finally decide to work hard on that project or deadline, your improved sense of wellbeing will help you do it more efficiently and effectively. That’s the kind of win-win situation everyone can get behind.
