When it comes to health, we often focus on the latest trends and technology. But at the same time we should not forget the wisdom accumulated over the centuries. Aristocrats and monarchs of the past, for example, used unusual but highly effective methods to maintain health, many of which can still be useful today. Some of these involved unusual hobbies, such as collecting rarities. Nobles of the time often engaged in collecting coins and other jewelry, which both brought them pleasure and helped them relax and reduce stress. What if you could appraise rare coins as kings did but use modern technology to identify your collections? For example, finding out “how much is a 1966 quarter worth” with an app that accurately determines the value of your coin is no longer a fantasy, but a reality. So, today we would like to open you the world of aristocratic habits, learn them in detail and explore how these practices can help us today to take care of our health.
Collecting Rarities – The Aristocratic Way to Relieve Stress
Throughout history, monarchs and nobles have not just accumulated treasures - they have practiced an exquisite form of mindfulness. Due to creating a collection they can develop patience, focus, and attention to detail - it was a way to distract themselves from political intrigue, immerse themselves in intellectual pursuits, and create a legacy of knowledge and beauty.
Take King George III, for example. His fascination with ancient Roman coins resulted in an extensive collection, and his passion evolved with the passage of time into an academic activity. Similarly, Catherine the Great turned her private art collection into what we know today as the Hermitage, i.e. one of the most revered cultural centers in the world.
Beyond prestige, collecting has notable psychological benefits. Even today, research shows that structured hobbies, e.g., coin collecting can lower anxiety by up to 30%. Thus, due to this activity you can develop a sense of control and structure, reduce stress and promote cognitive engagement.
In the digital age, anyone can use this noble pursuit without needing a royal budget. The rise of numismatics and antique collecting makes it accessible, and with tools like Coin ID Scanner, interested people can identify and evaluate rare or interesting coins in seconds - something past monarchs could only dream of.
Healing Baths in Silver and Gold: Opulence or Science?
Imagine Cleopatra soaking in a bath with gold, convinced it would keep her beauty timeless. Or Ivan the Terrible, drinking from silver cups to protect himself from illness. These royal habits might sound extravagant, but surprisingly, science shows they weren’t entirely out there.
Silver, for example, is known for its powerful antibacterial properties - that is why NASA uses silver to filter water in space. Long before we had fancy microscopes, royalty instinctively trusted silver to help keep things clean. Their silver cups weren’t just for show - they helped reduce the risk of contamination.
As for gold, it was always linked to health and vitality. In Ayurveda, drinking water infused with gold is believed to boost the immune system and promote longevity. While there is still no solid proof that gold works miracles, it becomes more and more popular in skincare, with gold nanoparticles showing up in anti-aging products today.
How to apply this practice today:
Use silverware or silver-lined water bottles, as it is a practical way to incorporate the benefits of silver into daily life.
Gold-infused skincare products - modern cosmetics use gold nanoparticles for their potential anti-aging properties.
Fact: Silver was historically used to preserve milk before refrigeration, thus farmers would place silver coins in milk jugs to prevent spoilage.
Extended Time in Dark Rooms – A Strange Yet Effective Royal Ritual
Aristocrats valued luxury, but they also understood the power of sensory deprivation. Long before the age of digital overload, some monarchs sought total darkness to clear their minds and sharpen their senses.
Louis XIV, for example, was known to seclude himself in darkened chambers, believing that limiting visual stimuli promoted concentration and creativity. Similarly, Chinese emperors equipped their palaces with dark rooms for meditation, believing that prolonged darkness could increase mental clarity and even improve vision.
While you may think this is just a myth, modern neuroscience supports the concept. Today, sensory deprivation exercises (in which people swim in warm salt water in complete darkness and silence) are used to reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and improve cognitive function. Some studies show that even short periods of darkness can improve concentration and mental stability.
You don't have to have a royal estate to incorporate this practice into your daily life. Something as simple as sitting for 30 minutes in a dimly lit room without the distraction of screens can have amazing mental health benefits. And if you are looking for a deeper experience, floating therapy is the best choice as it simulates the silence and solitude that was once the domain of emperors.
Interesting Fact: Japan has developed “sleep capsule” hotels that allow individuals to experience near-total darkness, helping them achieve deeper, more restorative sleep.
The Aristocratic Art of Eating: A Feast for the Body and Mind
Royalty was never in a hurry to eat. Unlike today's culture of fast food on the go, the meal of nobility was a ritual of patience, pleasure, and digestion. In palaces, feasts could last for hours - not only as a display of wealth, but also as a deliberate practice of mindful eating.
Medieval aristocrats believed that savoring every bite, chewing slowly, and holding a conversation made food more nourishing. At the court of Louis XIV, dinner was an elaborate event where each course was served in stages, encouraging leisurely eating and proper digestion. While they didn't call it “mindful eating,” they understood what modern nutritionists emphasize today: eating slowly reduces overeating and improves digestion.
Today, this principle is supported by science, i.e. people who eat more slowly consume fewer calories and feel more satisfied. When we eat too fast, we bypass the brain's satiety signals, leading to overeating. So if you want to dine royally, put your phone away, eat in small bites and really taste the food.
Silver Coins and Sleep: An Aristocratic Ritual for Restful Nights
Among the most unusual habits of royalty was the belief that putting a silver coin under the pillow would ward off nightmares and promote sound sleep. This practice was not just superstition - it was rooted in the age-old belief that metals, especially silver, have protective and even healing properties.
For a long period of time people associated silver with purity, protection, and good luck. In medieval times, it was customary to place a silver coin under a child's pillow to protect him from bad dreams or “evil spirits”. Some rulers (including European monarchs) went further, and believed that silver improves the quality of sleep and even affects the body's energy field.
Is there a scientific confirmation behind this? Well, while there is no direct evidence that silver under the pillow improves sleep, recent research on metals and electromagnetic fields offers interesting information. It was found that certain metals may act as energy conductors and affect the surrounding electrical activity. Some scientists suggest that being near certain metals (such as silver or copper) may subtly affect the body's natural electromagnetic balance, potentially reducing disruptions in sleep patterns.
More realistically, this practice likely worked through the placebo effect. If someone believed a silver coin brought them peaceful rest, their mind was conditioned to relax - which, in itself, is a powerful tool for better sleep. Interestingly, modern sleep science has revived a similar concept through weighted blankets - they provide a gentle pressure that calms the nervous system.
Royal Lifestyle
The habits of monarchs are not only about luxury, but also about attention to health and wellness. Many of these practices are still paired today with modern scientific research and can be even useful to each of us. So, if you want to feel like a king, try transferring some royal health into your life.