California Dreaming: How to Brighten Your Life With a West Coast State of Mind

When you’ve lived in California for some time, certain positive habits become a way of life. From preparing smoothies to surfing daily, there’s something about the relaxing way of life that gets under your skin. Let’s look at 15 California-inspired habits that will stay with you forever.

Dawn Walks

The stunning Californian sunset is not for wasting, and Californians know better than to waste it. Locals think nothing of an early wake-up call to soak up the glorious views. They’ll often be seen strolling down the beach before the day begins, and it’s a hard habit to break.

Make Healthy Eating a Priority

Whether it’s fresh avocado toast or farmers’ market salads made from organic ingredients, California cuisine is dedicated to health and freshness. The California way is to incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your meals to leave you feeling energized. Fast food will never have the same appeal.

Water Over Wine

With their sunny weather and healthy outlook, many Californians opt for sober living, replacing sugar-rich wine with still water. With fitness at the top of the agenda and a warm Californian climate, locals are about staying hydrated and prioritizing health over alcohol-fueled socials. Once you’ve lived there, you won’t go anywhere without your reusable water bottle.

A Laid-Back Attitude

With beautiful sunsets and the calming sound of ocean waves, California’s relaxed vibe is contagious. Those who have lived in the Golden State choose to stay calm and go with the flow when things don’t go as planned. It’s a great stress-reducing habit.

Incorporate Yoga or Meditation into Your Routine

Yoga and meditation are synonymous with California. It probably comes as little surprise that there are yoga studios and meditation spots all across the state. Once you’ve experienced the relaxed vibe of a Californian yoga class, you’ll never want to let go of it. Child’s pose or downward dog will be part of your daily routine for life.

Prioritize Outdoor Activities

With beautiful beaches and awe-inspiring mountains, Californians are passionate about embracing the outdoors. Residents and visitors can often be found rollerblading to the grocery store or cycling to work. It soon becomes a habit to step outside daily, even if simply to enjoy the fresh air.

Choose Sustainability

Whether it’s reusable drinking bottles, unprocessed food, or electric vehicles, California’s eco-conscious culture inspires sustainability. As forerunners in the green living landscape, their environmentally friendly habits soon become second nature to those who have experienced them.

Casual Dress Code

With their laid-back lifestyle and relaxed attitude, you’ll be hard-pressed to find formal dress codes in the sunny state of the world. California’s fashion is effortlessly cool. Once you’ve worn a bikini to a surf bar and lived in open-toe sandals, you’ll never want to wear a suit again.

Choosing Artisan Coffee

Californians are passionate about their artisan coffee and won’t settle for anything less. Even if they’re heading on a casual road trip or a camping trip, a good quality coffee will always be close to hand. You’ll never look at instant coffee in the same way again.

Surf!

California and surfing go hand in hand, and it’s a rite of passage to hit the waves from a young age. The surfing buzz is like no other, and once you’ve found your feet on your surfboard, you’ll be hard-pressed to live without a morning surf.

Be Open to Trying New Trends

California is a hub for new trends, and residents are always keen to keep their ideas fresh. Whether it’s the latest fitness craze or a trending plant-based recipe, throwing yourself into experimentation will soon become a must for keeping life on its toes.

Show Gratitude for the Small Things

With its stunning beauty and urban culture, there’s little not to be thankful for in a state like California. Unsurprisingly, those who are blessed enough to live there often reflect on what they’re thankful for. Daily gratitude supports a positive mindset, so it can be liberating to journal daily or keep mental notes of the small things that bring you joy.

Drink Smoothies for Breakfast

It’s virtually an unwritten law to drink smoothies for breakfast in California. Full of health-boosting, colorful ingredients, few morning meals will ever compare to the nutritional, flavor-bursting benefits of a frothy smoothie. Once you’ve reaped the vast health benefits, you’re hooked for life.

Casual Get-Togethers

Californians are known for their relaxed gatherings. Whether hosting a casual garden party or an impromptu beach BBQ with friends and family, the real value lies in connecting, unwinding, and enjoying the simple pleasures together. Who needs to make plans when you can decide at the eleventh hour?

Chase the Sunset

California’s sunsets are legendary, and Californians like to soak up every last inch of them. Whether it’s a romantic moment, a gathering with friends, or a late dog walk, locals always make it a habit to pause and watch the sunset whenever possible. It’s a calming way to reflect and end your day on a positive note.

Posted by Pauline Garcia