45 Ways to Live Like an Italian: Italian-Inspired Self-Care Traditions for Everyday Happiness

by Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner

You've heard of Danish hygge and Japan's concept of ikiagi, but now learn how to relieve stress and lead a more balanced, joyful way of life using the Italian concept of la dolce vita. When it comes to self-care, nobody does it quite like an Italian. Italians are renowned the world over for their ability to savor simple pleasures throughout the course of an ordinary day, a concept known as la dolce vita, or the sweet life. Living a dolce vita doesn't require wealth, status, or owning a villa on the Mediterranean. It only requires you to slow your pace and enjoy the happy moments wherever you find them. And who couldn't use a little more happiness in their life? If you have ever been to Italy, the transformative nature of the bel paese has certainly wound its way into your soul. But you don't have to visit Italy to live like an Italian or to celebrate life like an Italian. 45 Ways to Live Like an Italian will inspire you to adopt the sweetness of Italy and begin to notice the small daily details that turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, ultimately making your life richer, more enjoyable, and less stressful. Focuses on self-care in all facets of your life, This beautifully illustrated gift book makes the perfect gift for Italophiles or anyone needing a reminder to slow down and enjoy the sweetness of life.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Italy, Italian Literature, Lifestyle

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 5, 2023

Reviews

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little bathroom book to read through. As someone with Italian heritage it was fun to learn a little bit more about Italian lifestyles and tradition. Each section has a little illustration, info about a food, activity, way of life, saying, etc. and ends with some tips or ways you can incorporate it into your own life. It was fun and enjoyable. Not life changing, but had some good advice and interesting takes on happiness. Like I said, good bathroom reading.

[Jack Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I skimmed most of it but feel like I’ve got the tools to be Italian

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot more content and detail than I maybe cared for? I’m not positive now was the right time for this book. It reminded me of if someone downloaded all of Pinterest and put it in a book, it’d be this. Not as cheesy (figuratively, because they do talk about ‘za) as the website but, in summary, as idealistic.

[Phylicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's fascinating. There are so many things I can use in real life (duh), but some I didn't think of or know about.
It mentions some things I already knew about, like "mangia" = "eat." People use that all the time here. In the back, it has Italian swears and non-swears.
It talks about how Italians like to eat well. I am supposed to be on a diet; Mom says, "You can eat, just in moderation."
In 1951, a doctor said men between the ages of 30 and 59 have cardiac health issues in America. What about Italy?
A lot of "Mediterranean diet" tips. They are healthier than Americans, I guess.
Rules about drinking wine. Rules about snacking. 1: The rule of snacking between meals is to avoid it if you are not hungry. 2: You must snack; however, choose a healthy snack. (makes sense).
Tips to relax:
Turn off social media for 15 minutes. Go outside and observe things. Close your eyes and listen. Go fishing (not always relaxing). Listen to instrumental music. Write a poem or song. Take a nap. Chill on a park bench and watch people

Napping, or siesta, is good for psychological benefits; people make fewer mistakes and can enhance performance.

How to take a break from a routine. If you have a scheduled routine, block it out by doing something different.

Italians watch sports: (soccer) especially. I personally don't like sports unless it's in a video game.

Italian-style exercises: Climb stairs, don't stay seated long, take a walk, take an active vacation, dance

Gardening: Italians like to garden. Staying active, sense of achievement, fresh air, and vitamin D.

I can go on and on, but there is too much for this thing. You'd have to read it. You don't even have to read the whole book; just the tips help.

It has Italian swears and non-swear expressions, just saying.

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an Italian American currently living in Italy, I really wanted to love this book—but unfortunately, it just didn’t resonate with me. I’m giving it 2 stars, not because the premise isn’t appealing, but because the execution left me wanting so much more.

This book might be better suited as a light coffee table read—something to flip through for a quick dose of inspiration—but if you’re looking for real depth, insight, or emotional perspective into Italian culture and lifestyle, it may fall short. The structure felt too much like a list of broad bullet points, and I found myself skimming through much of it.

There were a few moments that did catch my interest—specifically when the author touched on regional dialects or traditions. Those parts had a personal touch that I wish had been carried throughout the book. I couldn’t help but compare it to You Deserve Good Gelato by Kacie Rose, which (while a different type of book) captured the heart of Italian living in a much more immersive and emotionally engaging way.

This book might have been more impactful if I had read it when I first moved to Italy. As it stands, it didn’t offer much new or memorable for someone already familiar with the culture.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was another one that floated between 3 (I liked it) and 4 (I really liked it) stars. What's the average? 3.5 stars? 3.75 stars?

45 Ways to Live Like an Italian was an enjoyable and fun read. I learned a bit about Italian culture through the eyes and the experiences of an Italian-American who has spent considerable time in Italy, visiting family, working, etc.

I also came away with a small list of further reading.

I had read another book by this author -- similar in nature -- and I like her straightforward writing style.

This book is less hardcore culture and history. It's more laid back than that. It reminds me of the books that fall into what I call the "French Chic" genre.

[Paula J · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you’re looking for more reasons to should yourself to death, read this book, which reads like a braggadocio version of how to undo your over committed and stressed out American Western lifestyle into a dreamy, Italian utopian existence. It reads self righteous to do list without meaningful narrative or transitions. Almost like it’s written by someone who desperately wants to be Italian and is trying too hard.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was like a short vacation; I enjoyed this book about Italian ways and customs. I’m 100% Italian and was reminded of phrases and practices of my grandparents. Meals were epic. Some of these traditions are in my DNA. This is a worthwhile read, if just to be reminded about living la dolce vita.

[Christine Filipowicz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, short read you can hop around in and glean some self help tips from. Nothing new on the wellness front, but the Italian cultural insights and language woven in made it interesting and entertaining.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stelle! Che tutti noi possiamo vivere e amare come un italiano!

Con amore,
una buona strega italo-americana che ama profondamente e sente la mancanza della sua famiglia italiana che l'ha resa quella che è

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read. Nothing earth shattering. It made me want to go back to Italy!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I didn’t really learn anything new, I did learn that I was 100% raised an Italian end already embody so many of the traits included in this quick read!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fun read. Although I did not read it word for word I was able to skim. Can go back and reread parts that I find necessary.

[Antoinette B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful collection of Italian traditions for creating a healthy life style.

[Sarah]

I love the binding and presentation of this book. I just wish it had a bit more info about Italian culture - both regional and country-wide. And a bit less self-help jargon. Cute book, though!

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot of information on the Italian culture as well as tips, definitions of certain words, and the traditions.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review at puttingandifirst.blog

[Laurie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realize this is supposed to be a short, gimmicky read. However, I couldn't make it beyond tip number twentysomething. There were some annoying contradictions. For example, the author claims that Italians don't snack, but her Italian grandfather ate a snack every afternoon. Also, the tips became less and less interesting, so I set this one to the side.