"In Mexico, your pace and heart rate slow down. Small talk, even with strangers, is not considered wasted time. Joy is reflected in colorful textiles, public murals, music, and dancing in the streets, and window boxes flowing with flowers and plants. Imperfection is embraced, and historical buildings are valued. Simplicity is celebrated."
"The simple act of sharing meals with friends and loved ones is associated with increased well-being across all age groups worldwide. The more meals you eat with others per week, the greater your well-being, with more positive emotions and fewer negative emotions."
"When people share joyful experiences, the stress hormone cortisol decreases. Mexican people valued civic and religious traditions, relationships over efficiency, and public spaces and a culture of interdependence."
Mexican culture emphasizes relationships, civic traditions, and interdependence over efficiency, creating a slower pace of life where small talk and public spaces are valued. Joy manifests through colorful textiles, public murals, music, and street celebrations. Positive psychology research confirms these values support well-being. Sharing meals with others increases well-being and positive emotions while decreasing negative emotions and stress hormones like cortisol. Data shows approximately one in four Americans eat all meals alone, representing a 53 percent increase since 2003, suggesting declining social connection in American culture.
#relationships-and-well-being #shared-meals-and-community #cultural-values-and-happiness #social-connection #positive-psychology
Read at Psychology Today
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