If you spend a month living with an Indian family, like my in-laws, you notice a lot of things that could be better. But it goes both ways. We usually talk about big things like the economy or public transport when comparing countries. However, the real lessons happen in daily life: in the kitchen, the bedroom, and our everyday habits.

Here are a few simple tips that Indian and Dutch households can steal to live healthier and more comfortably.

1 - Stop Eating Late at Night

The problem in India: Dinner is often late, heavy, and eaten at different times by different family members, right before bedtime. Why it’s bad: Eating big meals late forces your digestive system to work hard when your body should be resting, which can lead to weight gain and diabetes. What to do:

• Eat earlier: Have your biggest meal at least three hours before you sleep and try to make dinner a fun, shared family time.
• Give your gut a break: Fast for 12 to 14 hours overnight to keep your blood sugar stable and let your body clean itself out.

2 - Kitchen Routines: Local Shops vs. Supermarkets

The difference: In the Netherlands, massive supermarkets sell the exact same processed foods everywhere. It is convenient, but not very healthy. In India, people buy fresh spices, veggies, and milk from local street vendors and small shops. It is natural and healthy, but cooking everything from scratch three times a day takes a lot of time. What to do:

• For India: Prep your food in advance, chop veggies early or make base sauces ahead of time to save hours in the kitchen.
• For the Netherlands: Skip the giant supermarkets sometimes. Look for local farmers’ markets, organic shops, or small neighborhood stores to get fresh, real food and better spices.

3 - Clean with Water, Not Just Paper

The difference: In the Netherlands, people rely entirely on dry toilet paper after using the bathroom. In India, using water is the standard practice for personal cleanliness. Why it’s better: Using water is significantly more hygienic. Dry paper only smears residue and can cause skin irritation, whereas water cleans thoroughly and gently. What to do:

• Upgrade your bathroom: Install a bidet sprayer or a washlet toilet seat. It uses less paper, feels fresher, and provides a much higher standard of hygiene.

4 - Rethink the Ceiling Fan

The problem in India: Ceiling fans run all night long to beat the heat and keep bugs away. Why it’s bad: Fans don’t actually cool the room, they just blow air around. At the same time, they stir up dust, pet hair, and allergens all night right into your lungs. What to do:

• Cleaner air: Use a modern air conditioner combined with a HEPA air purifier in your bedroom instead of relying only on a fan.
• Use a mosquito net: Put a net over your bed so you don’t have to breathe in stirred-up dust or use harsh chemical bug sprays.

5 - Cut Down on Sugary Drinks

The problem in India: People drink sweet milk tea (chai) or sugary drinks all day long. What to do:

• Swap your drinks: Switch those sugary snacks and drinks for herbal tea, green tea, or plain water. Save sweet drinks for an occasional treat.

6 - Leave Your Shoes at the Door

The difference: Indian homes have a strict “no shoes inside” rule to keep outdoor dirt out. Dutch homes vary a lot more. What to do:

• Keep floors clean: Always take your shoes off at the door. It stops dust and outdoor dirt from spreading where you and your kids walk and breathe.

7 - Social Air Quality: Equality at Home

The problem: We care about clean air, but what about the social vibe at home? In India, old habits like the caste system or preferring lighter skin still pop up. The Netherlands also has issues, but generally values equality. What to do:

• Speak up at home: Make sure everyone in your family knows that all people are equal. Shut down casual comments about skin color or background, and celebrate diversity. A healthy home needs a positive, safe social environment just as much as clean air.

Small Habits Change Everything

Living in India for a month completely changed my perspective. Big government plans make the news, but real life happens at home: what time you eat, how you clean yourself, whether you take your shoes off, and how you treat people.

Whether it is eating earlier, upgrading bathroom hygiene, or just being kinder and more open, India and the Netherlands have a lot to learn from each other right at the dinner table.