Six (6) things that I do in my Balkan home that just make sense
Europeans in general, often prioritize lifestyle habits that promote overall well-being and longevity. These are some habits that make sense to me, as a Balkan woman, but also contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle for my household.
- Opening windows
- I open our windows daily, for about 15 minutes, to let fresh air in and stale air out. This simple habit improves indoor air quality and reduces moisture buildup. While we live in a modern home and have all of the air purifying capabilities, nothing beats fresh air.
- Washing bed sheets
- I wash/ change our bedsheets weekly. This is a normal Balkan habit that promotes hygiene and cleanliness. The human body produces about 26 gallons of sweat per year, some of which ends up on our bedsheets. Washing them weekly helps remove oils and bacterial growth. It helps kill dust mites, reduce allergy and asthma symptoms. But overall, it improves our sleeping experience.
- No shoes in the house
- It is customary to remove your shoes before entering any Balkan house, including ours. This habit helps keep our home cleaner, reduces dust and dirt accumulation. Shoes can carry millions of bacteria and E. coli - neither of which I want in our house. Plus it prolongs the life of our carpet and hardwood floors.
- Deep cleaning the shower
- This is another habit that not only removes soap scum, mildew, and mineral deposits but also eliminates bacteria and germs that thrive in these warm and moist environments. This keeps our showers fresh but also healthier. We are not exposed to or inhaling any mold that can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory issues and infections.
- Incorporating music and dance
- Music and dance are an integral part of the Balkan culture. I love how it promotes self expression, social connections, and honestly it's a huge stress reliever. It gives me comfort to turn up the music while I am working, cooking, cleaning or just hanging out with my family. We bond over new releases or they make fun of my love for traditional Balkan music. Either way, it's fun!
- Cooking from scratch
- I truly enjoy using all kinds of ingredients and making new and traditional recipes. Cooking and baking meals, brings my family together. It is definitely something that is promoted in our culture and I share in that tradition. But cooking and teaching my family how to take care of themselves and passing down recipes, is truly special.
I don't think any of these habits are specifically Balkan but they were very common in my childhood home and remain on the forefront of many Balkan families. Opening your windows daily to let fresh air circulate throughout the home, washing your bedsheets regularly to maintain cleanliness and hygiene, not wearing shoes in the house to keep dirt and allergens at bay, deep cleaning your showers weekly to prevent mold buildup, adding music and dance to your routine to elevate your mood and foster a sense of joy, and cooking recipes from scratch are all so wholesome.
I also think that many cultures and nations incorporate similar habits into their daily lives as well. Each adapting them in ways that resonate with their particular values and traditions. What I love about these particular habits is that they keep us healthier, both physically and mentally. My family is safer, and happier because of a few things that I do around the house. It is through these intentional decisions that we foster a lifestyle that not only benefits us individually but also enhances our collective happiness and health as a family unit.
Until next time, don't forget to check out some of my other routines here.
x, Dijana
