If you’ve ever been to Costa Rica then you’ve definitely heard the phrase “Pura Vida.” Translating to “Pure Life,” it’s considered the country’s motto and can be used many different ways but is mainly a desire to express good vibes. It’s the way a Costa Rican may greet you, thank you or even wish you luck.
But more than just a motto, it’s a lifestyle. To be in Costa Rica is to live the Pura Vida lifestyle; that happy, no worries, go-with-the-flow way of living. It’s waking up to enjoy the sunrise, taking the afternoon off to go surfing, or even as simple as taking the time to brighten someone’s day. And it’s not specially contained to Costa Rica; the Pura Vida lifestyle can be lived anywhere. It’s all about the attitude.
So if you’ve been to Costa Rica and miss it, are planning a trip to Costa Rica or are simply curious about it, here are our tips on how to live the Pura Vida lifestyle no matter where you are:
- Consider the big picture
So often we get caught in the hustle, bustle and stress of our daily lives that we allow ourselves to get lost in the details. Small things will set us off and we always feel like we’re in a rush to get from one task to the next. To tap into that “Pura Vida” remind yourself to step back and look at the big picture. What is it that you’re working towards? What’s the purpose behind your tasks? Putting things in perspective will remove the pressure from your day-to-day tasks and allow you to slow down and prioritize what really matters. - Spend time doing things that you love and be fully present in each moment
This may be the most important tip for living Pura Vida; do what you love and enjoy every second of it. There is nothing purer in life than that! Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the happiest places in the world because people there actively work towards enjoying themselves. Maybe their job isn’t the dream job but they make up for it in other ways, like time spent with family, friends and doing activities they genuinely love to do. Consistently make time in your day to do what you love and then allow yourself to enjoy it fully – that means no running through your To Do list in your head, scrolling through Twitter or thinking about your next task while you’re in the middle of this one. Just be there. Live each moment of it and love it every second of it. - Lots of fruit and healthy snacks!
Health is a direct link to overall happiness and wellbeing. Maybe that’s why Costa Ricans are so happy – they’re constantly snacking on the fruit and healthy snacks that are abundant throughout the country! Nothing tastes more like the tropics than fresh fruit or yummy vegetable plates. Check out our blog post on healthy snacks that will have you feeling like you’re on the beach in Costa Rica no matter where in the world you are. - Spend as much time as you can outdoors
Finally, get outside. Soak up the sunshine. The heat is awesome but you don’t need warm weather to get your daily dose of Vitamin D or to spend time in nature. Experience life in its purest form; through the beauty of nature. Find activities you love to do that you can do outside. Truly explore ways to appreciate the land you live on, no matter where you are. Costa Ricans love their land and it shows – the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches, jungles and forests. Any time spent in nature is time well spent.
If you’re looking to experience the Pura Vida life for yourself, check out our retreat packages. Costa Rica has proudly been our home for the past decade so of course we honor its national way of living. From relaxation to adventure to yoga we have a retreat package for every kind of traveller. Send us an email at [email protected] or contact us here to learn more. Pura Vida!
