How to live better: Japanese habits that will change your world forever

Japan is rightfully considered a country of longevity, and many researchers are trying to uncover the secrets of its inhabitants. The key to longevity is sought, in particular, in their daily habits.

The Japanese author Masaki Ishiguro wrote his observations on this subject in the book "25 Japanese Habits for a Better Life." OBOZREVATEL talks about the 10 main ones that can be easily integrated into your life right now.

Have a goal

In Japan, there is a philosophical concept called "ikigai." It means a sense of purpose in life and is embodied in various forms, such as a hobby, a favorite job, or family. Ikigai focuses on the little things that you are most successful at, that please you and have a positive impact on your life and even the lives of others. It can be cooking delicious meals, earning and spending money, constantly improving your home - anything. So find your ikigai and enjoy it.

Improve yourself every day

The Japanese use the principle of "kaizen" in their work. This word can be translated as "the pursuit of continuous improvement." The country's residents are constantly improving processes, management, and product quality. They also apply this principle in their daily lives. They see the process of improvement as a constant journey with small steps. Make small improvements in your space, personality, activities, and skills every day, and you will soon notice huge changes.

Take care of resources

The Japanese strongly believe that the efficient use of tangible and intangible assets is crucial to achieving goals. That's why it's so important to appreciate what you have, take good care of your property, consume rationally, and not waste anything. Use your space wisely, fill your life with only what you need, and don't waste your time and talents.

Take care of your energy

The Eastern philosophy of "feng shui" is based on the principles of the correct distribution of vital chi energy. The people of Japan practice a similar approach in all spheres of life. The environment is shaped in such a way that it evokes a sense of harmony and tranquility, is comfortable, improves mood, and does not depress. This helps to keep your internal energy level high enough.

Pay attention to details

Traditional Japanese arts, such as origami, ikebana, or bonsai, involve a great deal of attention to detail. Every little thing is important - bend the paper a millimeter wrong, and the figure will not work, cut the plant incorrectly, and it will not grow tiny, or even die. As later studies have shown, such a focus on the little things helps maintain a healthy and youthful brain.

Always look for quality

Hotels and restaurants in Japan operate on the principle of "omotenashi." This is a philosophy of hospitality that suggests treating customers as personal guests, putting them a little above yourself, and making sure they are completely satisfied. At the same time, it is important not to expect gratitude, but to do everything from the bottom of your heart, from the desire to make another person happy. This attitude towards yourself and others has a very positive effect on the emotional state of any person in everyday life.

Find beauty in everything

The Japanese are famous for their deep understanding of the aesthetics of the world around them and are guided in their perception by special principles: "wabi" - enjoying simplicity, "sabi" - admiring antiquity, and traces of time, "yugen" - focusing on the sensations of contemplating beauty, "yabo" - enjoying the natural, rough, unprocessed, etc. The essence of the Japanese approach to aesthetics is to look for and find beauty in everything and enjoy it.

Accept life as it is

The principle of calmly accepting what cannot be changed is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. This allows you not to waste potential on unnecessary worries, disappointments, and suffering. Instead, energy is freed up for creativity and contemplation of beauty.

Communicate with nature

The direction of the Japanese philosophy of "Shinrin-yoku" (translated as "forest baths" or "forest bathing") is to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of pristine nature. Residents of the country go to forests, waterbanks, and other natural places solely to observe them, not to use them as recreational areas. Studies show that this can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase concentration. The key is not to be distracted by gadgets but to fully engage in the process.

Live with passion

The Japanese are passionate about everything they do. Anything you do should be emotionally rewarding, because indifference has a bad effect on your overall health and internal energy level.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about a Japanese way to calm down before bed.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber, and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments.