PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

The Japanese lifestyle is appreciated all over the world for its health and wellness benefits. Famous for the hospitality and friendliness of its citizens, Japan carries many many secrets to a long and happy life. Let’s unpack some of these lifestyle habits and traditions from the Asian country for you to incorporate into your daily routine.

Building and maintaining a community

We have learned to be a part of various communities since our childhood, be it in school with classmates and friends, at home with family, or at work with colleagues. But the bonds we form don’t always transition successfully into the next phases of our lives. In Japan, people like to stay close to their loved ones. From having a small cup of tea in the morning to drinking homemade wines in the evening, the Japanese believe in sharing daily moments with their community.

Eating to satiate 80% of your appetite

Imagine having a plate full of junk food in front of you—chances are, you wouldn’t hesitate to grab the last slice of pizza even if you’re full. ‘Hara Hachi Bu’ is a saying from Okinawa that means you should eat until you are almost full. We live in an age where people watch TV while eating, which unknowingly makes us eat more than needed. Experts recommend avoiding any kind of distractions while eating, so that you can focus on every morsel of food that you consume.

Avoiding food wastage

The Japanese are leaders in etiquette. They are taught to respect nature and food from a very early age. This ensures that they avoid wasting food as we often do.They even tend to use leftovers to prepare the next meal.

Being physically active

In Japanese culture, people like to walk a lot and indulge in physical activities like gardening. They make healthy movement choices towards staying fit like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and walking most distances rather than driving.

Drinking green tea

Green tea is an excellent source of polyphenol, which contains antioxidant properties. It is helpful for improving our gut health. In Japan, drinking green tea is an ancient tradition which has been practised for centuries.

Practising the philosophy of Ikigai

The term Ikigai has origins in ancient Japanese philosophy. The concept revolves around seeking a sense of purpose in life by finding an activity that brings you joy as well as fulfilment—something you like doing and are good at as well.

Following a rich, well-balanced diet

The typical Japanese diet is a combination of low-calorie meals containing fish, seafood, plant-based foods and other ingredients like miso, tofu, soba, seaweed, mushrooms, natto, etc.

It’s no surprise that we all want to lead a simple and happy life. You can learn from different cultures and their beliefs to find something that works for you. Japanese practices encourage you to find joy in the small things in life.