Viral post explains why Europeans live well while Americans are overworked and exhausted

What’s life if we’re not living it to the fullest? We’ve heard this statement dozens of times, yet the chaos of the world keeps us from actually practising it. A woman named Jess, who goes by @liveuro.life on Instagram, revealed that Europeans have mastered the art of living as compared to Americans. She highlighted key factors that explained why Americans seem to be struggling, burned out and regret missing out on the best of life. On the other hand, the European countries are ensuring balance in a soothing manner. Undoubtedly, they have the right priorities in check, as revealed by Jess' video from December 9.

Jess mentioned that there is one thing Europeans have that Americans don't. “It’s not style, it’s not language… they have the skill of knowing how to live,” she explained. Elaborating further, the woman noted that people in European countries know how to take a minute to stop and take in everything. “They know how to notice life happening,” Jess remarked. The most important thing about living is to pause and look at the little things, and that’s just what Europeans do. And to ensure they’re able to cherish everything, they have policies designed to support the same. Jess mentioned longer lunch breaks, casual talk, catching up before work meetings, and so on. It really allows the person to take a minute, which is a dream for many burned-out employees. 

“They know how to feel comfortable with friends, strangers, coworkers and so on without turning everything into a networking exercise,” the woman noted. It’s simple, they’re living life by truly living. Selflessness, kindness, and humanity, these values, in the smallest forms, add so much value and quality to daily living. It was also pointed out how Americans are “trained to overfill every second.” When productivity becomes more important than being, living becomes forced and bland. “Side hustles, zoom calls back to back, inbox always has to be at zero, gym six times a week, side project after side project,” she highlighted.

Even then, for many, it feels like they’re still behind or not doing enough. Jess confidently revealed that Europeans are living on a “different human operating system,” and it’s noticeable as soon as one moves there. Jonathan Littman, founder at Red Bridge Lisbon, shared a post highlighting the same truth Jess revealed. “Europeans know how to live. It’s an art,” he said, before sharing his own experience. “Swam this morning at my Lisbon pool with a wondrous aquarium filled with tropical fish at one end, ‘One life. Live it well,’ the saying at the other end,” he recalled. 

He even mentioned how Americans are craving that kind of living — the one that sets you free. “The flow of U.S. talent and capital to Europe is gaining momentum like an ocean swell. Californians just wanna be free,” he noted. “Live. You’ll be surprised to see how easy it is to live and be like a walking resume,” Jess concluded. To many Americans, it felt like a warm message of comfort. @mr.caine70 said, “The weirdest I’ve heard is that Americans don’t use their earned vacation days in full, because your employer or colleagues might think you are not committed.” @arthglam remarked, “Because Europeans work to live, they don’t live to work.” @mark.harvey.creative added, “Life is not a rehearsal! You only get one shot at this, so why waste it!” 

You can follow  Jess (@liveeuro.life) on Instagram for more content on lifestyle. 

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