Want to find out what a "Greek Summer Feeling" feels like? Find out in this week's newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Photo credit: katerinakatopis

The Unique Olympic Road Running Race returns with a magnificent sports, cultural, tourist and covid-safe Olympic event spreading a message of global solidarity, unity and hope for a brighter future.

The 4th "Olympic Day Run" Greece, the only Olympic Road Running Race in the country, which is organized under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee to celebrate the International Olympic Day bearing the hallmark of the Olympic cycles, is fast approaching. The entire Olympic family has set its appointment at the event’s starting line, on Sunday, September 26, 2021, in Thessaloniki.

Olympians, Paralympians, distinguished athletes and coaches, sports clubs and associations from all over the country, as well as active citizens, will meet at the starting line for the supreme Olympic road running event of the country, People of all ages will join their steps honoring the Olympic spirit and ‘fair play’ by spreading a message of global solidarity, unity and hope for a brighter future. This year, the Olympic Day Run GREECE joins forces with “The Smile of the Child” in order to offer more smiles to children who need it. With every registration in the social contribution packages of the 10, 5 or 2 km races, you offer 3 euros to the Organization’s continuous effort so that all children can have everything they deserve and are entitled to.

The 4th Olympic Day Run Greece promises a covid-safe experience, with a health & safety protocol approved by the Health Committee of the General Secretariat of Sports and the responsible health bodies. The races’ approved health protocol gives the right to runners over 12 years old to take part. All participants must provide a vaccination certificate or a recovery certificate up to 15 days before receiving their participation kits from the Registration Center or a 48-hours negative rapid test or a negative 72-hours PCR test. For unvaccinated children 12-16 years old, a negative 24-hours self-test must be provided before the event.

All finishers will receive a commemorative medal and a commemorative certificate of participation by the International Olympic Committee, while the winners will receive special prizes of the 4th "Olympic Day Run” Greece.

The “Olympic Day Run” Greece, the certified Race by AIMS, Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, will start at 18:00 in the afternoon with the 10km running race. At 19:30 the 5km race will follow, while the event’s schedule will be completed at 21:00 with the 2km road running race of social contribution and dynamic walking. All routes have a starting and finishing point on Alexander the Great Avenue (at the height of the "Umbrella" sculpture).

“Olympic Day Run” Greece offers a unique sports tourism experience. In collaboration with “Greece on the Go” the event suggests 2-7 days tourist accommodation packages, to get acquainted with Greece’s culture. At the same time, the “Grand Tour”, the race’s special vacation package which includes tours in archeological sites promises the acquaintance with the country’s Olympic history. For more information you may visit the websites of olympicdayrun.gr and greeceonthego.gr.

Special jewelry line inspired by the Olympic spirit
For the first time, Olympic Day Run Greece introduces a new line of jewelry specially designed and inspired by the Olympic spirit. The “ANATASIS” limited edition jewelry series has been designed by the jewelry artist Sofia Zarari. Inspired by the Olympic Idea’s values ​​and ideals, the “Anatasis” jewelry collection is the artistic expression of collaboration and inspiration between Sofia Zarari and the Olympic Museum. At this time of critical juncture for all humanity, the glorified way of life that Olympism promotes through the principles of peace, tolerance, fair play, sportsmanship, is an imperative need for society, so that all people can coexist peacefully. Values ​​that on an individual and collective level strengthen the spirit and elevate the soul. For more information about the collection, you may visit olympicdayrun.gr.

The 4th Olympic Day Run GREECE is organized by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Academy, the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the Olympic Museum, the Hellenic Olympians Association, SEGAS and EAS SEGAS Thessaloniki and DKO OLYMPiA  with the participation of Olympians, Paralympians, Distinguished Athletes, Sports Clubs and Institutional Bodies from all over the country, with the support of the Hellenic Olympic Academy, the Hellenic Olympic Winners Association, the Greek Paralympians Association, the Region of Central Macedonia and Thessaloniki International Fair-HELEXPO. The event is held under the auspices of the Hellenic National Commission for Unesco, the Ministry of Interior of the Macedonia-Thrace Sector, the General Secretariat of Sports, and the Municipalities of Ampelokipi-Menemeni, Thermi, Kalamaria, Kordelio-Evosmos, Neapoli-Sykies, Pavlos Melas, Pylaia-Chortiatis, Volvi, Delta, Thermaikos, Lagadas, Chalkidona, Oreokastro, Almopia, Aristotelis, Dion-Olympos, Emmanuel Pappas, Iraklia, Kavala, Kassandra, Kilkis, Naoussa, Polygyros, Serres and Skydra.

The Olympic Museum and Olympic Day Run Gold Sponsor, PROTERGIA, the Grand Sponsor, Ethniki Asfalistiki, the Race’s Silver Sponsors, Thessaloniki Transport Authority (OSETH) and Alumil, the Bronze Sponsors, Masoutis and Evlogimeno, the Sponsor, Goulidis, the Supply Sponsors, Athos, Dole and Red Bull, the hospitality sponsor Grand Hotel Palace, the Transportation Sponsor, EcoCar, the Equipment Sponsor, Thessaloniki Tourism Organization and the event’s Tourist Support Agency, Greece on the Go, they all serve the vision of Olympism and offer their kind assistance for the implementation of the project. Moreover, they contribute to the country’s promotion on the Olympic world map, as well as to the dissemination of the Olympic values ​​to a better future. 

The Olympic Day Run’s ultimate Olympic experience is waiting for you!

Register now HERE until 22/09.

The Olympic Day Run GREECE is the official global institution for the celebration of the International Olympic Day. Established by the International Olympic Committee, the organizing authority of the Olympic Games, it aims at spreading the Olympic idea. The worldwide celebration for the establishment of the International Olympic Committee and its decision of organizing the first Modern Olympic Games (ATHENS 1896), sheds the light on Greece, while it raises the country’s position in the Olympic and tourism world map.

The Vegan Life Festival is returning for 5th year in Technopolis City of Athens on October 2nd & 3rd!

The festival opens its doors for two days filled with delicious vegan food, cruelty free and zero waste products, activist groups, unique speeches and workshops, activities for children, but also, for the largest meeting of people interested in a more animal - friendly and eco - friendly way of life!

Take part in the biggest celebration of veganism and be the change for a better world!





About The Festival:

September is the month of new beginnings. If you’re a working woman your summer vacation is usually over by now and you’re back to work. If you have children, whether you are a staying home or a working mum, you have lots of planning as it’s the month schools and extracurricular activities start. In any case, there’re lots to think about, lots of decisions to be made so as to plan and organize the year ahead.

For me, September is the month I set my goals. When my clients ask me “Why now? Why not in January when the New Year actually begins?” I give them my personal reasoning: Because that’s when I get back to work after my summer vacation; that’s when I restart my working out; that’s when my daughter goes back to school; that’s when her – and mine – extracurricular activities start again; that’s when I have lots of ideas about what to do that’s new and exciting; that’s when I start fresh. September just makes it easier for me.

I’ll share with you, as I share with my clients, my little secret: For me goals are not just something I want to do or achieve. It’s not about being the big achiever type, the superwoman or the I-do-it-all-mum. My goals are important to me because they define who I am; they are essential in my development, my progress; they give me the opportunity to become who I want to be. That’s why I put a lot of thinking and I choose them carefully.

A couple of useful tips if you’re into goal setting for yourself are: First, your goals need to be very clear and specific. And second, you need to have a very strong motive.

If you’re ready to start but are not sure about which goals are better for you, how to define them or how to go about them then I would certainly recommend finding a person to work with. Whether a life coach or a mentor, it has to be a person you trust and feel good with as they will walk this path along with you, help you to get in action, and save you time and energy in achieving your goals.

I would urge you to start in September. It’s a great month to think of your personal development and start with new things, new adventures, new ideas.

Originally published on: itsmylife.gr

If there’s a topic you’re interested in and would like to learn more about you may contact me via email. For more information about me and my work check the XpatAthens Directory or visit my website. Because this is your life!

Environmental awareness in Greece is slowly on the rise. The single-use plastic bag charge levied at supermarkets since January 2018, gives shoppers pause. Prince Charles’ televised refusal of a plastic straw for his cold coffee while visiting Athens split commentators between admiring his eco-credentials and mocking his froth mustache.

But even before the reduce, reuse, recycle movement hit the headlines, young Greek entrepreneurs have been saving throwaways from sea or landfill and using them to create homeware and accessories that are as alluring as they are ethical.

Rokani: As Wood as it Gets


Credit: Thomas Gravanis

At street bins around Athens, you’ll frequently see old drawers, bedsteads, and pallets waiting to be landfilled. Rokani gives this junk a new lease of life. “It started when one of us was renovating his own home. We experimented with upcycling some of the pallets, and then thought, why not take this further?” says Stratos Hadjiyiannakis, one of Rokani’s five founding members. “We all came from a technical background. After the economic crisis we were looking for an opportunity to start something for ourselves.”

They set up in a small workshop, started salvaging pallets, door-frames, and other pieces of wood. After cleaning, filing, and sanding them, they refit them as bookshelves, beds, cupboards, tables, lamps, and even toys. As well as a small store in the Stoa Emboron arcade, they also do made-to-order pieces. If you see something you like online, send a photo to Rokani and they will send you an estimate and create it for you. If your space or style changes, they welcome back old items you have purchased from them—in any condition—and offer you 30% of the current value to buy something else. “As well as promoting recycling, we also promote a cyclical economy,” says Hadjiyiannakis. “Instead of throwing it out, give it back to us. We will find something to do with it.”

Prices: €25-30 for a bookshelf; €150-400 for a table.

Address: 8-10 Voulis, Merchant's Arcade Historic Centre

Telephone: 695 535 0143

Moving from Mumbai to Athens in 2017 gave graphic designer Diti Kotecha the chance to plant a seed that had been rattling around in her head for 20 years. Starting afresh in a new country where plastic bags were handed out like there was no tomorrow, she combined her skills in crocheting, her creative background, and her dedication to sustainability by launching Thela. A vibrant-hued collection of accessories, each piece is made entirely from discarded plastic bags. They are washed, dried, cut into yarn, and then crocheted into brooches, earrings, coasters or floor mats.

The glorious slate-grey and yellow circular Chatai mat uses almost 60 second-hand plastic bags, rescued from ending up on beaches, fields, in oceans, or landfills. And saving some of the estimated 1 million animals killed by discarded plastic bags each year. Nothing is wasted; Kotecha uses the bag handles and seams (which are not usable for yarn) to stuff pom-poms. Thin plastic bags are photodegradable. While crocheting makes the yarn resilient, Kotecha refrains from adding UV coatings, as these are highly toxic and prevent further upcycling.

Prices: from €10 (brooches) to €80 (floor mats).

Think Sea: Nautical and Nice


Courtesy: Think Sea

Think Sea invites donations of ‘retired’ windsurf sails at its base on the island of Paros. The design team transforms them into trendy and durable phone/tablet cases, bags, and wallets. Sounds esoteric? Indeed. But as windsurfing sails are not recyclable, every new rig discarded after a summer of wear and tear was ending up in a landfill. Who knows, that bold color-block duffel bag you are eyeing up might once have carried champion windsurfer Nikos Kaklamanakis to Olympic victory!

Prices: from €25 (iPhone cases) to €78 (duffel bags).

Shedia Art


Credit: Thomas Gravanis

Chris Alefantis has his social and environmental awareness hat on. You may have noticed people standing outside metro stations throughout the city in red Shedia vests selling a magazine by the same name. Aimed at empowering people in poverty, Shedia does much more than sell street papers. The leftover issues are used to create art objects, from lampshades to flower pots to clocks to delicate bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, by people over the age of 50 who previously had difficulty finding employment. “We’re making the invisible visible again,” Alefantis says, referring to both the people that are being helped and the magazines that would have otherwise been thrown out for recycling. Check out their store on Kolokotroni street, which also just opened as a café and restaurant or the offshoot in the nearby Merchants arcade. Affordability and responsibility is the new black.

Prices: from €2 (fridge magnet) to €100 (large handmade lampshade).

Address: 56 Kolokotroni Street, Monastiraki, 105 60

Telephone: 213 0231220

To read this article in full, please visit: thisisathens.org

The Athens English Comedy Club is back!

Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece!

We start the season off with an open mic this Sunday, Sept. 26th., presenting both local and international comedians!

1 super clean microphone, 10 comedians, 5' each!

MC: Konstantinos Bouras-Baimakos

We also offer 3 free tickets per show to persons with disabilities or unemployed persons (phone reservation required, and the relevant card/proof will be checked at the box office).

* Reservations: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com
* The theatre is wheelchair accessible.
* Upon entry you will need to provide a vaccination certificate OR negative rapid test from within 48 hours prior to the show, OR a valid proof of recovery/antigen test.

XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the Athens English Comedy Club

---

It's a common myth that a healthy lifestyle only includes eating healthy and exercising regularly. Although these two factors are of great importance, establishing a healthy way of life takes a lot more than that. It's also about achieving a positive mindset, maintaining a healthy self-image, and taking care of our mental health as well.

You can make a commitment to adopting healthier habits any time - including right now! Here are 5 steps to a healthier life.

Drink More Water 


Source: Unsplash

Most of us don't drink enough water on a daily basis, even though it's necessary for our bodies in order to function correctly. Water is essential for performing body activities, removing waste, and delivering nutrients and oxygen throughout our system. The amount of water we require is determined by a number of different factors, however, an average adult requires two to three liters each day.

Get Enough Sleep 


Source: Unsplash

Sleep affects mood, immune function, memory, and the ability to concentrate. The Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep for adults while establishing a regular sleep-wake cycle is also extremely important. 

Practice Mindful Eating 


Source: Unsplash

Mindful eating is about using mindfulness to reach a state of full attention to your experiences, feelings, cravings, and physical indicators when eating. Mindful eating entails eating slowly and without distractions, listening to physical hunger cues and eating only until you’re full, distinguishing between true hunger and non-hunger triggers for eating, appreciating your food, and engaging all your senses in the eating experience.

Exercise 


Source: Unsplash

Physical activity can benefit your brain and body in numerous ways by increasing blood flow, lowering your risk of disease, reducing food cravings, creating higher bone density, and potentially increasing your life span. Try getting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on a weekly basis and the results will amaze you. 

Avoid Negativity 


Source: Unsplash

A positive mindset is essential for living a healthy life. Negativity really should be limited, if not removed totally. Many even recommend allowing a person or a friend go if you believe that they negatively impact your life. Learning to identify how the negitivity of others affects us is really important to our well-being; being aware of our own negativity toward ourselves and others is vitally important. It takes time and practice, but allow yourself to let go of all negative thought patterns. Seek to maintain a positive attitude, beginning with how you speak to yourself first thing in the morning and you'll see just how quickly life feels more happy and healthy.

According to an overwhelming body of scientific evidence, climate change is real. It's happening right now, it's largely caused by human activities, and it will have many serious and potentially harmful consequences in the decades ahead, some of which are already evident.
 

And, while individuals alone may not be able to make drastic emissions cuts that limit climate change to acceptable levels, personal action is essential to raise the importance of issues to policymakers and businesses. Using your voice as a consumer, a customer, a member of the electorate, and an active citizen will lead to changes on a much grander scale.

1. Eat less meat & dairy 

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Studies suggest that a high-fiber, plant-based diet is also better for your health - so it can be a win-win. Eat fewer or smaller portions of meat, especially red meat, which has the largest environmental impact, and reduce dairy products or switch them for non-dairy alternatives. Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation, and prolonged refrigeration.

Instead of getting in the car, walk or cycle – and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits, and the money saved. For longer journeys, use public transport, or try car-sharing schemes. Not only do cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but air pollution caused by exhaust fumes from traffic poses a serious threat to public health. It has been shown to affect the health of unborn babies and increase the risk of dementia.

3. Reduce your energy use & bills

Small changes to your behavior at home will help you use less energy, cutting your carbon footprint and your energy bills: Put on an extra layer and turn down the heating a degree or two. Turn off lights and appliances when you don’t need them and replace light bulbs with LEDs or other low-energy lights. Make simple changes to how you use hot water, like buying a water-efficient showerhead.

4. Respect and protect green spaces

Green spaces, such as parks and gardens, are important. They absorb carbon dioxide and are associated with lower levels of air pollution. They help to regulate temperature by cooling overheated urban areas, can reduce flood risk by absorbing surface rainwater, and can provide important habitats for a wide variety of insects, animals, birds, and amphibians. They also provide multiple benefits to public health, with studies linking green space to reduced levels of stress.

5. Cut consumption & waste

Everything we use as consumers has a carbon footprint. Avoid single-use items and fast fashion, and try not to buy more than you need. Shop around for second-hand or quality items that last a long time. Put your purchasing power to good use by choosing brands that align with your new green aspirations.

To read this article in full, please visit: imperial.ac.uk

Greek yogurt is considered one of the world’s best superfoods and a nutrient-packed snack that has so many health benefits, it is the ideal dairy to add to your everyday diet!

It’s different from other yogurts as produces add an extra step to their process so that excess water, lactose, and minerals drain out. What’s left is a creamy, rich yogurt with less sugar and more carbs. The acidity also makes it easier for your body to absorb other nutrients.

A cup of plain Greek yogurt can help you meet the recommended dietary guideline of three daily servings of low-fat or non-fat dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant may also find Greek yogurt easier to digest because of the bacterial breakdown of the milk’s sugars.

The benefits of consuming Greek yogurt include supporting weight loss, keeping the intestinal system healthy, regulating blood pressure, increasing bone density, boosting immunity, aiding the digestive system, and promoting thyroid function. Other benefits include supporting blood production, supporting muscle growth, preserving oral health, and improving mood.

Here are some detailed reasons to add Greek yogurt to your daily diet:

Power of Protein: Yogurt has a much higher amount of protein than milk. Your body uses protein to build bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, hair, and blood.

Helps You Lose Weight: Greek yogurt contains almost twice the amount of protein found in standard protein products and a lot less sugar, which will make you feel satisfied for longer!

Prevents Yeast Infections: Greek yogurt contains a high quantity of probiotic bacteria, which is essential for the wellbeing of your natural flora, helping keep this infection at bay.

Helps Regulate Blood Pressure: High sodium intake is frequently the most common cause of high blood pressure, however, Greek yogurt supplies some of these blood pressure-regulating minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

And we’re back! We never thought the day would come. After a year long pandemic hibernation, we are finally crawling out from the shadows and into the sun and next to the sea.

 

Get ready for the ULTIMATE MEET MARKET REUNION, this September Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 at Plateia Nerou, where we will be taking over this outdoor waterfront venue for the first time ever, and filling it with all those marvelous Meet Market makers, products and vibes that we’ve all been missing. And boy have we missed you all.

Our goal this September is to make this Meet Market extra special and extra safe, and Plateia Nerou really is the perfect location to make this possible. We have loads of space to spread out our vendors and visitors safely, and keep our social distancing on point with a salty sea breeze to keep us well ventilated. And of course we will be staying up-to-date with all mandatory healthy & safety measures as they are announced.

At last, it’s time to meet again.

The Meet Market: A celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit… A nomadic market place of local goods, fresh ideas and friendly folk. An audio-visual jigsaw of handmade & independently designed clothes, accessories, art, objects, organic body products, home ware, tasty food, vintage & retro collectables, records, interactive games, free prizes, dj sets and good vibes.