Do you ever feel like you’re constantly racing against the clock? Wired, yet utterly exhausted? Always chasing that never-ending to-do list? If so, you might be experiencing what’s known as “rushing woman syndrome.” It’s that state where your stress hormones are on overdrive, and you’re running on fumes. But what if there was a simple way to slow down, a trick to reclaim your time and sanity?
It’s not a complicated time management system or an expensive wellness retreat. Instead, it’s a cultural practice, one so deeply ingrained in daily life that it can transform your perspective entirely. It starts with something most of us do every day: drinking coffee.
My “Aha!” Moment in Seville: Discovering the Art of the Coffee Break
As a college student in the early 2000s, I studied abroad in Seville, Spain. I arrived with my American habits firmly in tow. On my first morning, I walked into a local cafe and ordered a coffee, expecting to be handed a styrofoam cup. Instead, a tiny cup and saucer were placed in front of me on the counter, along with a tiny spoon and an oblong packet of sugar.
American Coffee Culture vs. Spanish Coffee Culture
In America, we often grab a coffee to go. We rush to our next appointment, multitasking as we sip. But in Seville, things were different. No one walked around with cardboard cups. No one ate or drank while wandering the streets. If people were eating or drinking, they were sitting down at a cafe, savoring the moment.
Wasn’t this inefficient? All those “wasted” minutes sitting and relaxing instead of tackling the next task! But gradually, my perspective shifted. I began to appreciate how these coffee breaks punctuated my day. They helped me genuinely pause.
The Social Aspect
These coffee breaks weren’t just about caffeine. They became opportunities to connect with others. At my language school, coffee breaks were a great time to make friends. It was about more than just the coffee.
From Spain to… Still Rushing? My Struggle with Adapting Back Home
Returning to the States brought a culture clash. We simply don’t have the same kind of leisurely coffee shop culture. Instead, we have drive-through lanes and travel mugs. We’re always on the go!
Culture Clash Upon Returning
For years, I went along with the American way. I graduated, started a career, and eventually stayed home with my children. However, I still found myself in the grip of “rushing woman syndrome.” Perpetually hurried, chronically stressed, and disconnected from the present.
Falling Back into Old Habits
Even staying home didn’t automatically solve the problem. It’s a testament to how deeply ingrained these patterns can be. It’s cultural, I guess! Even when trying to live slowly, “rushing woman syndrome” can creep in.
Recreating a Spanish Pause: My Daily Coffee Ritual
Eventually, memories of Spain and nostalgia for that time inspired me. I decided to consciously recreate a bit of that culture in my daily routine.
The Conscious Decision
Each morning, I take out my trusty Bialetti moka pot. I make a strong brew. Then, I sit down and drink my coffee without my phone.
The Ritual Components
The centerpiece of this ritual is my Bialetti moka pot. You can find one that makes a single cup, or a larger one that makes three. I have one that makes three and another large one that makes twelve.
You can find similar Bialetti moka pots on sites like Amazon.
Why the Moka Pot Matters
I love the process of making coffee in the moka pot: filling the bottom chamber with water, adding the ground coffee, screwing it together, and placing it on the stove. Then, waiting for the gurgle sound as the water pressure pushes through the grounds. Finally, the rich aroma fills the kitchen.
Creating a Boundary
But this isn’t just about the coffee itself. It’s about creating a little boundary around this portion of my day where I am not allowed to rush. Productivity is not the point. I set my phone out of reach. When the weather is nice, I sit on the front porch and stare at the mountains. I listen to the birds and the traffic. I just be.
Benefits of the Pause
This daily pause, even if it’s just for 4-10 minutes, makes everything run more smoothly. I’m more focused when I work. I’m more patient when challenges arise. Plus, I’m more creative because my brain has had time to rest. These pauses actually create more time and make memore effective, centered, and purposeful.
Bringing the “Coffee to Stay” Mentality to Your Life
You don’t need to study abroad or visit Spain to incorporate this into your life. Just start small.
Practical Tips for Incorporating the Ritual
Replace one “coffee to go” with a “coffee to stay” each week. Create a ritual around your morning beverage, whether it’s coffee, tea, or something else.
Have a special mug or cup just for these slow moments. I have a few different mugs that I’m attached to. I even have a little espresso set with thick China cups. It’s very similar to what I used in Spain. I found it for $5 at a thrift store.
You can find similar espresso sets on sites like Amazon.
Beyond Coffee
The Spanish didn’t invent taking breaks. But they elevated the coffee pause to an art form. They acknowledge the fundamental human need to occasionally step outside the rush and simply live and be.
Future Secrets
I’m writing a book about other Spanish secrets. These secrets relate to meals, relationships, time, and leisure. It includes some of my fondest memories. I’m so excited to share these with you.
This Spanish coffee ritual is just one of many insights I discovered during my time abroad. I’ll be sharing more practical philosophies in the weeks to come. These philosophies run counter to our productivity-obsessed culture. Yet, they actually lead to a richer, more meaningful life.
If you’re interested in more Spanish-inspired ways to counter “rushing woman syndrome,” please like and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos in the weeks to come. Or watch this space for more posts! In the meantime, I invite you to find your own pause today. Your rushing self will thank you.
Links and Resources
- Bialetti moka pot: Amazon
- Espresso set: Amazon
- Fall 10-Item Wardrobe Checklist: Old World Farmhouse
- French Country Furniture Shapes: Old World Farmhouse
- Swedish Country Style Cheat Sheet: Old World Farmhouse
- European Country Style Quiz: Old World Farmhouse
- Free Collection of 12 Vintage French Art Prints: Old World Farmhouse
- SWEDISH COUNTRY STYLE playlist: YouTube
- ENGLISH COUNTRY STYLE playlist: YouTube
- FRENCH COUNTRY STYLE playlist: YouTube
- LIVING ROOM LAYOUTS playlist: YouTube
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links may also be used which means the creator receives a commission from any purchases at no cost to you. Read my full disclaimer here: https://www.oldworldfarmhouse.com/disclaimer/
Thank you for supporting my work!