The Secrets of a Healthy Japanese Lifestyle: Forest Bathing, Ikigai, and More

2023-06-18 15:38:00

green tea – shutterstock

Japan is known for its longevity and low incidence of lifestyle diseases

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Japanese culture offers a wide range of ancient customs, which can change one’s life for the better. Powerful, simple and attractive, many practices from Japanese culture touch on all aspects of a lifestyle that promotes physical health, mental calm and happiness on a daily basis, according to the Times of India.

Japan is known for its longevity and low incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. Therefore, learning from their lifestyles can help promote healthy living, as follows:

1. Shinrin Yoku

Shinrin yoku is a natural environmental healing technique, also known as forest bathing.

Shinrin-yoku offers benefits including reducing stress, improving mood, and strengthening the immune system.

Spending time in parks or other green areas of the city also allows for desired benefits by developing a sense of peace and being in the midst of green nature.

Spending time in green areas helps to improve the psychological state – Shutterstock

2. Ikigai

Ikigai, which roughly translates as “reason for being,” offers a holistic view of life. Finding a balance between one’s values, goals, and profession, primarily contributing to happiness and satisfying one’s needs, is in itself encouraging.

Balance also promotes a more satisfying lifespan and quality of life. Ikigai helps to better achieve what a person enjoys doing, leading to a more goal-oriented life.

3. Hara Hachi Bo

Okinawans in Japan adhere to the teachings of Hara Hachi Bu, which recommend eating until 80% full. In order to reduce overeating and associated health risks, such as obesity and diabetes.

This practice promotes awareness and moderation. When trying to apply this method, you should pay attention to signs of satiety and hunger. Eat carefully and stop when you feel full, not full.

4. Seaweed

Seaweed is an important component of the Japanese diet as it enhances flavour, as well as being a superfood rich in essential minerals, such as iodine, which supports thyroid function, and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.

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Seaweed can easily be incorporated into the diet by adding it to soups and salads.

Expressive

5. A cup of green tea

Green tea is a staple of Japanese culture, with many health benefits.

Due to the abundance of catechins, an antioxidant, consuming green tea helps lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and enhance cognitive function.

Green Tea – iStock

6. Japanese diet

The balanced and nutritious composition of the traditional Japanese diet has been praised for its significant health and wellness benefits.

The Japanese diet mainly consists of rice, fruits, and vegetables that are naturally low in calories and fat.

Scientific research also supports the benefits of the Japanese diet by linking it to lower rates of obesity and heart disease.

7. Harmony, order and self-improvement

Harmony, discipline, and self-improvement are basic principles in Japanese society that influence personality and relationships with others. While life in order provides the firmly established structure, harmony encourages peaceful co-operation. Self-development encourages continuous learning and fosters a growth mindset.

8. Strong social relationships

In Japan, social connections are important to promoting a sense of identity and mental health. The results of many scientific studies have revealed a link between strong social ties, prolonging life, improving mental health, and reducing stress.

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