2024-03-11 23:01:52
Once once more, it can be said that the Japanese are the guardians of one of the most effective secrets to living longer and better. And, the truth is that they should not be too far off track, since they have been leading the ranking of longest lives on the planet for decades. Specifically, the city of Okinawa takes the cake with some 70 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants, an extraordinary figure that exceeds the Japanese average of 62 elderly people over 100 years old.
The spectacular nature of these figures prompted numerous investigations focused on finding out the reasons behind these long lives, and broadly speaking it can be said that there is not a single reason, but rather a cluster of factors that come together, each one contributing their grain of sand. .
The secret of centenarians
Regardless of whether these people over 100 years old are Japanese or from any other part of the world, the truth is that they all share habits that make them your life is longer and, more importantly, fuller. Among these behaviors there are three that are related to diet:
- It won’t fill up completely. In general, people who live the longest stop eating when their stomach is at 80%, and dinner is also the lightest meal of the day.
- They prioritize vegetables. Regarding the type of food included in the diet, the majority of these populations follow an essentially vegetarian diet. Although they have not eliminated meat from their menu, they do consume it sporadically.
- They drink little alcohol. Having a glass of wine or a few beers with friends is not something that is part of the customs of people who live in places with the highest longevity (blue zones).
On the other hand, another common point that is key when explaining longevity is physical activity. Now, it seems that by physical activity, experts mean lead an active lifewhere a sedentary lifestyle does not fit, but it is not so decisive to go to the gym or run 5 kilometers a day.
connect with nature
Without downplaying the already known effects of diet and exercise on health, the Japanese have a habit that contributes (and a lot) to increase happiness and longevity.
This is a very special version of contact with nature known as Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that translates as “forest bathing” or “forest absorption.” What does it consist of? Very easy. The idea is immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a forest with the senses ready to perceive everything that emanates from the trees, the soil, the air… Smell, feel and even hear the rustle of the leaves when the air passes between them.
There are not a few studies confirming the effectiveness of this connection with nature. In fact, it is suggested that its effects are both physical and mental and emotional.
STOCK
benefits of forest bathing
Going for a walk among the trees on a regular basis is not only a pleasure for the senses, it is also the origin of numerous health benefits. So much so that quite a few scientific investigations suggest that spending prolonged time in contact with nature can improve mood, reduces stress and anxiety levelsand even takes care of heart health and increases defenses.
At the University of Chiba, in Japan, they conducted a study analyzing the nature walks of 600 people. The research concluded that the stress hormone (cortisol) was reduced by 12.4%, as well as blood pressure, which was reduced by 1.4%. In short, the data obtained corroborated the idea that Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is an excellent ally for having a longer and fuller life.
What is a forest bath?
Please note that these types of practices do not necessarily have to be carried out in a forest. The chosen environment can be any open natural space. In fact, the most important thing is to get away from the daily hustle and bustle and enjoy each of the steps taken in the chosen location.
The distance doesn’t matter either. that you travel, since we are not hiking, nor are we trying to beat any personal record. In fact, a forest bath can take us up to four hours to cover a kilometer and a half. Sufficient proof that what we are doing is not just sport, but rather a therapy with effects that encompass both the physical and psychological.
1710199509
#habit #Japanese #increases #happiness #longevity
