5 Lessons from Abroad You Can Apply to Your Everyday Life

After a recent trip back to Sweden to visit my family, I returned home to Seattle with a fresh perspective — and a little jet lag. Spending time in a culture that prioritizes balance, sustainability, and community reminded me just how much our daily habits shape our happiness and well-being.

As a high-earning tech employee in Seattle, you work hard. Long hours, big paychecks, and stock options can all feel like rewards…but also traps if you never slow down to actually enjoy the life you’re building. During my trip, I noticed a few habits that Europeans, especially those in Scandinavia, get right — and that you might want to adopt for yourself.

Here are five lessons you can start living today.

Embrace Public Transportation and Biking

One of my favorite things about Europe? The effortless way people move through their cities. Trains and buses are clean, frequent, and on time. Bike lanes are everywhere and packed with commuters of all ages. 

Next time you’re headed to a Mariners game or meeting friends for dinner downtown, consider leaving your car at home. Take the light rail, hop on a bus, or dust off your bike. Not only will you save money on parking and reduce stress, but you’ll also lower your carbon footprint and squeeze in some extra steps or miles.

And here’s a bonus: a commute by bike or train can be your time to decompress, listen to a podcast, or simply enjoy the city around you. It’s more relaxing than fighting I-5 traffic, and often faster. (And it can help you stay active all year round.)

Take Your PTO

This one might sound simple, but it’s the hardest habit for many Americans to adopt. In Sweden, people actually take their vacation days — all of them. They don’t apologize for taking time off, they don’t check email from the beach, and they don’t feel guilty about it.

You have PTO for a reason. You’ve earned it. And guess what? Studies show that people who actually use their vacation days return more productive, healthier, and happier. If you’re feeling burnt out, maybe what you need isn’t another late-night coding session, but a week exploring a national park or simply unplugging at home.

Your team — and your health — will thank you. Need inspo? Here are a few tips to upgrade your next spring break.

Eat Seasonally and Locally Sourced Food

Every time I visit Sweden, the food is simple, fresh, and local. Berries in the summer, root vegetables in the winter, fish pulled from nearby waters. 

Blue Zones research, which examines regions where people live the longest and healthiest lives, reveals that eating seasonally and locally is a significant factor. The food is more nutritious, more flavorful, and better for the planet.

Seattle has no shortage of farmers’ markets, CSA boxes, and restaurants that focus on regional ingredients. Start small: swap your grocery store tomatoes for some from the Ballard Farmers Market this weekend. Pay attention to what’s in season and savor it. It’s a delicious way to improve your health and support local farmers.

Consider More Sustainable Options

Europeans tend to think long-term when it comes to sustainability, and we’d do well to do the same here. In Sweden, electric cars are everywhere, solar panels dot even the smallest town roofs, and recycling is practically a national sport.

If you’ve been thinking about solar panels for your home in Ballard or trading your gas guzzler for an EV, it might just be worth it. Federal and state incentives can make these investments more affordable than you’d think (at least for now). And over time, you’ll save money while doing your part to reduce emissions.

Small changes such as using LED bulbs, composting, or installing a smart thermostat can also add up to a lighter footprint and a fatter wallet.

Talk to Your Financial Advisor About European-Inspired Living Habits

It’s easy to assume living like a Swede would cost more, but often it’s the opposite. Taking PTO? Free. Biking to work? Saves gas. Eating local? Cuts down on processed, overpriced foods. Even bigger choices, like installing solar, can pay off financially over time.

But if you’re not sure how these habits fit into your long-term goals, that’s what a financial advisor is for. We can help you align your money with your values, explore tax credits for sustainable investments, cut back on device usage (really!), and make sure your financial plan leaves room for the things that matter most — your health, happiness, and peace of mind.

So take a page from Europe’s book. Live a little more intentionally, a little more sustainably, and maybe even a little more joyfully. Reach out today to learn how we can help.

Northern Lights Advisors is a fiduciary, fee-only Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firm based in Seattle, Washington. The information in this article is not intended as tax, accounting, or legal advice. Read the full disclosure here.