Ah, to be a woman sitting in the sun, enjoying a pastry-filled treat in the heart of France. During this trip, you may have visited a few French pharmacies and beauty stores because, of course, the French know a thing or two about skincare and beauty. The French girl aesthetic has seen a surge in popularity over Pinterest and TikTok, with women searching for the secret to French fashion, skin, and beauty. But did you know that the French are also renowned for their approach to health and wellness? From a glass of wine, a day, to chic bedtime rituals, the secret goes beyond just looking at the part, we have to feel it too. 

Here are a few wellness secrets for the French-inspired girlies:   

1. Stay active but don’t overdo it  
   For the French, it’s about doing more of what you love every day and incorporating little changes into your daily routine to keep yourself active and feeling fit. Instead of going hard at the gym every day, you can stay fit by simply living your life. Cycling to work, when the sun is out, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking around the city instead of paying for drivers, can keep you fit in between your busy schedule. 

2. Enjoy your Meals  
   There’s no doubt that the French have a way with food and, where they may lack in portion size, they make up for in flavour. Unlike most Western diets, the French approach to meals focuses on quality over quantity and socialising over meals. It’s important to make meals a priority and stick to 3 meals a day. Instead of ordering takeaways and ready-made meals, find time to enjoy the process of making meals throughout the day and enjoy eating with the people you love. A healthier diet will improve physical wellness, but taking time to eat with friends and family will help you to feel closer to your loved ones and improve mental wellness. 

3. Time for a Glass of Wine (in moderation) 
   A glass of wine alongside an evening meal is a staple of the French diet. In moderation, a glass of wine is said to be bursting with health benefits. More specifically, research has found that drinking one glass of wine with your evening meal can reduce a person’s risk of stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and heart attack.  

4. Embrace Natural Skincare  
   Whilst French pharmacies can provide groundbreaking skincare products powered by science, natural remedies are just as popular and powerful in the skincare world. Hydration, protection, and prevention are the basis of a great skincare routine, and French women tend to invest in all-natural, high-quality skincare products that are safe for all skin types. From healing to radiance and antiaging, there are a range of natural products at the pharmacy that can work wonders on your skin. 

5. Signature Bedtime Scent  
   The French have a long and iconic history with perfumes. From Chanel to Dior, France has been at the heart of many luxurious scents. For many modern women, fragrance is a must to smell good during the day and to sleep better at night. 
   Scent has the power to set the mood and evoke positive feelings before you go to sleep. For many, lavender or chamomile calms the brain and sends the body into a relaxed state, setting the mood for a better night’s sleep. Depending on your taste, you can create a signature bedtime scent that helps you to feel relaxed and evokes feelings of calm and happiness before you go to bed. So, instead of lighting candles or spraying fresheners in your room, add some luxury to your nighttime routine by using a light touch of your favourite perfume.  

6. Leave Work Behind  
   Learning to separate your work from your personal life can really help your mental well-being. Do not take your work home with you. It’s okay to switch off from work the moment you clock out and take the rest of the evening to focus on socializing, doing things you enjoy, or just relaxing. Separating your work life and personal life can really help your mental well-being and allow you to recover from a long day. When work is done for the day, take the rest of the evening to relax, unwind, and remove work from your mind.