Chances are that you already know how Japan is renowned for its profound heritage and astounding landscapes. But not just that, Japanese people just never seem to age or get tired as of their healthy habits that they’ve adopted generationally from their ancestors. Have you ever wondered about the secrets behind their longevity and remarkable fitness? Join us as we uncover the ancient rituals that the Japanese have been following that keeps them robust 24/7. From active lifestyle to living mindfully, these are the practices that contribute to the vitality of the Japanese, ultimately leading to a healthier and happier approach to life.
1. Morning Meditation (朝の瞑想, Asa no Meisō)
In order to center their focus, many Japanese people wake up early and start up their day with a quite meditation session. This morning ritual helps to cultivate inner peace, organize thoughts and fundamentally contributes to a productive day.
2. Training Sessions(稽古,keiko)
May it be Marshal Arts or just daily aerobics, workout sessions, the Japanese like being physically active. They usually don’t sit idly. This increases their body’s strength and endurance, decreases body fat, boosts cardiovascular health, stimulates their metabolism which ultimately leads to a remarkably good health.
3. Japanese Diet(和食,washoku)
The Japanese diet includes a set of ingredients like fish, seaweed, soy, eggs, red meat, rice, fresh vegetables and home cooked food that are rich in Potassium, Carotenoids, Fiber, Antioxidants, DHA, EPA, isoflavane etc. which contribute to the healthy skin, hair and body that the Japanese people have.
4. Forest Bathing(森林浴,shinrin’yoku)
The Japanese people really like to spend their times exploring nature once in a while. This helps in relieving stress and actively promotes healing and wellbeing. All that they do is set out in the nature, listen to the soothing sound of the nature, and absorb the pleasing sight and the aroma of this natural world.
5. Ritualised Eating(儀式化された食事, gishiki-ka sareta shokuji)
The people in Japan follow a set of etiquettes that shows their gratitude towards their meal and reflects a deep respect for food, nature and their bond with their connections. This ritual includes saying “Itadakimasu” i.e. for showing gratitude towards the food and the effort that went in preparing it before the meal to saying “Gochisosama” and cleaning the plates after the meal. During the process this encourages the practice of mindfulness ultimately leading to a healthier mindset.
6. Ikigai(生きがい)
Ikigai refers to a philosophical pursuit that is often described as the intersection of what you love, what you are good at and what the world needs. Ikigai suggest that finding this intersection leads to a fulfilling and purposeful life. It involves introspection, self-awareness and exploration.
7. Heated Bath
After a long exhausting day, The Japanese people like to take a hot soak that releases stress, promotes blood circulation and enhances their sleep experience which helps them to wake up fresh the next day.
BONUS: Japanese People’s Impeccable Skin Secret
The Secret of the Japanese people’s impeccable skin is Green tea. They consume green tea at least three times a day. Green tea contains antioxidants, has anti-aging effects, anti-inflammatory properties, protects against sun, has brightening and even toning effects etc. They either consume it or steam their faces with the green tea to get its benefits. Green tea also promotes oil control in the skin.
To sum up all, it is clear that Japanese vitality is solely sustained by the mental and physical wellbeing of the body. The Japanese habits are comprised of mind, body and spirit nourishment which when brought into practice, can help us attain holistic wellness.
