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Eleven very good reasons to be happy you live in Spain

The Local Spain
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Eleven very good reasons to be happy you live in Spain
Photo: Joe Shlabotnik/Flickr

January 1t5h is Blue Monday, officially the most depressing day of the year. But there are many reasons to be happy if you're living in Spain...

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With the festivities of Christmas fast becoming a distant memory leaving a depleted bank account in its wake and with the realisation that you have already abandoned at least one, if not all, of your new year's resolutions, this is the day depression is most likely to set in.

It has been determined that January 15th, the third Monday of 2018, is officially the most depressing day of the year (although arguably, through a bogus science that trivializes mental health problems).

But while you might've wished to pull the duvet over your head and ride out the blues, we suggest that you count your blessings instead.

Here are eleven very good reasons why you should count your blessings that you live in Spain. 

The diet


Photo: David Dennis/Flickr 

Research has shown that specific nutrients – such as Omega 3, found in oily fish – can contribute to making you happier. Lucky then, that the Mediterranean diet is full of just that food, as well as healthy fruit and vegetables and lashings of heart-healthy olive oil.

The weather


Calo des Moro bay in Mallorca. Photo: Tommie Hansen/Flickr 

We’ve all heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – the condition that makes people feel more depressed during the winter months that are full of rainy days and early, dark nights. But luckily, in much of Spain, the sun keeps shining throughout the winter months, meaning you will get your daily dose of vitamin D.

The mentality


Photo: Anne Marthe Widvey/Flickr 

Some of the best self-help gurus say that one of the keys to happiness is not prizing fame, money and power, and being grateful for what you have. Spaniards have this pretty much sussed – they appreciate the small things and are great at living in the moment, enjoying simple pleasures like a morning coffee or a long lunch with friends.

Family


Photo: Fiona Govan. 

Devoting time to family is one of the keys to happiness according to many psychologists, and Spaniards do this without even thinking. Spain is a sociable society, one in which grandparents are rarely carted off to an old people’s home, but become the cherished head of the family, often living and socializing with their younger relatives.

The same goes for family members at the other end of the family tree - Spaniards love children, who are welcome in every restaurant and bar and always made a fuss of - a new mother in Spain can't walk two minutes down the street without being stopped by interested strangers who want to coo over her new tot. 

The food


Photo: Gerard Julien/AFP

Four of the top ten restaurants in Europe are Spanish and Spaniards, whatever their budget, adore food and the ritual that surrounds it.  You don’t have to fork out a fortune to eat like a king in Spain, where fresh produce is bountiful and the most amazing food invention (tapas!) means you can try multiple morsels in one evening. And if you love ham, there is no greater place on earth. 

Best place for mums


Photo: antonio echevers/Flickr 

A recent survey revealed that Spain is one of the best places in the world to be a mum; it is so good in fact that children never want to leave home - well, until at least the age of 30.

Highest live expectancy

Photo: Tommy Hemmert Olesen/Flickr 

Whether down to the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish and fresh vegetables, the excellent healthcare or the sociable society, Spaniards have the highest life expectancy in Europe. Live here for a while and hopefully you’ll pick up some of their healthy habits. 

Culture


The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Photo: Rafa Rivas/AFP

"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls." So said Picasso, and Spaniards couldn’t agree more. Spain is home to one of the richest art heritages in the world, as well as some of the most impressive architecture: from Gaudi’s many masterpieces in Barcelona the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim in Bilbao.

Read More: Top Ten amazing architectural wonders of Spain

Exercise


Photo: Francisco Manuel Esteban/Flickr 

Exercise is one of the keys to staying happy and Spain is a great place to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors. The weather is great, so Spain is the perfect place for jogging, cycling or just taking a stroll. And with such a huge coastline, there is plenty in the way of watersports to enjoy. And for the risk-takers out there, it is also home to some incredible extreme sports.

READ MORE: Twelve adrenaline fuelled adventures for thrill seekers in Spain 

Get outside


Photo: David Ramos/Flickr 

It is scientifically proven that being outdoors makes people happier. Spaniards are not generally ones to hibernate through the winter, the good weather means that even in the colder months, most Spaniards prefer to be outside socializing than cooped up indoors. 

Party


Participants in Seville's Fería de Abril. Photo: Cristina Quicler/AFP

Spain has some of the biggest, wildest and wackiest festivals in the world from city-wide celebrations to the annual fiesta in each and every little town around the country. From gay pride to Seville's Fería de Abril and the huge Holy Week celebrations - whatever you are into, there will be a Spanish festival for you. 

READ MORE: Twelve epic festivals to attend in 2018

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