The Jamaican lifestyle is more than just culture music and food it is an experience.

Natural Resources

Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island in the West Indies. The island is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea with beautiful white sand beaches and lush green mountains. Jamaica is known as the land of wood and water, with numerous rivers and streams throughout the island. The island of Jamaica is one of the most beautiful places in the world and is considered to be paradise on earth by many, from locals to visitors alike. The tropical climate of Jamaica, makes it a great getaway for many travelers trying to escape the cold during the winter months and is also a great place to enjoy many cultural experiences throughout the year. Jamaica stands out among other Caribbean islands for many reasons but the people and the culture top the list. Food, sports, and music have also made a tremendous mark on the world.

Now, have you ever wondered how living in one of the the most beautiful, therapeutic and culture-rich paradises can be beneficial to your health? Well as a person who grew up on the island, I can share my experiences on how the traditional Jamaican lifestyle can be beneficial to your health. There are key factors that play a role in living the best quality of life, such as the environment, food, activity, and the community.

The Environment

Let’s start with the environment, which is essential to our health and well-being. Clean air, water, and plants are important and can be found in abundance on the island of Jamaica. There are about 3000 flowering plants that are native to Jamaica. The best coffee in the world can be found on the island (Blue Mountain Coffee), yet we are a nation of tea drinkers. Most of our teas are made from natural herbs that are sometimes reaped from our backyards and are freshly brewed. These freshly brewed plants are commonly referred to as “bush tea” and may be used for various ailments or to maintain health. It is easy to enjoy great quality air outside of the city, as Jamaica is mountainous and rich with plant life. We also enjoy pure clean water that is provided by our many streams and rivers.

Food

Jamaica has a rich food culture which is influenced by African, Indian, Chinese, Spanish, English, and Portuguese flavors and cooking techniques. Many of the crops which are now locally grown, were introduced to the island from other countries. Some Jamaican dishes were brought to the island by indentured laborers, and were modified with local herbs and spices. Some popular Jamaican dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, Jamaican patties, rice and peas and ackee and salt fish which is the national dish. Many of our dishes are healthy and the cooking techniques can make all the difference in the health benefits.

Activities

Family life is essential to most Jamaicans and our daily activities are planned around our families. These activities may include chores or responsibilities that take us on distant journeys for shopping or transporting water in jugs from the river, especially in the country areas. Just imagine that your workout will be incorporated into your daily activities without ever hitting the gym. You also get to enjoy nature, fresh air, and a healthy dose of vitamin D in the process. You also didn’t need motivation to exercise because it was a means of survival for the entire community.

Community

Most Jamaican communities are close-knitted and share many activities. Some of these activities may include cooking, dancing, worshiping, cleaning, and caring for the family. The elderly are seen as the voice of wisdom and is fully involved in the family activities as well as the community. It is normal to find many extended families in the communities of Jamaica and support may even be provided by the neighbors. It is common to find neighbors, sharing produce or fruits and vegetables in farming communities, and beyond.

You may also see huge pots of food, being prepared outdoors, and then shared with the community. Music is also the fabric of Jamaican society, and has extended beyond our borders. It is common to find sound boxes on the corners of many neighborhoods blasting sweet reggae beats. With music comes dancing which is an activity that is enjoyed by the young to the elderly. As Bob Marley said, “When the music hit, you feel no pain”. The best way to enjoy an authentic Jamaican experience is to weave yourself into the fabric of the society, and as they say “When you go, you will know”.