Published By: Jayati

Level up your health game: 5 Japanese hacks you'll love

Level up your health game with some ninja-worthy Japanese vibes!

Looking for the secret to a long, vibrant life Say konnichiwa to Japan! With people there living an average of 85.7 years, they've definitely got a few tricks up their sleeves. Want to add some of that Japanese mojo to your own life Check out these healthy habits straight from the Land of the Rising Sun!

Make sure to drink lots of tea! 

You might be surprised, but tea can actually be super healthy! While many people around the world reach for coffee to kickstart their mornings, in the Far East, tea reigns supreme as a go-to beverage. Matcha, oolongcha, and ryokucha teas have been a staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, boasting incredible health benefits. For example, a 2014 study of Japanese adults showed that daily green tea drinkers lowered their risk of diabetes by a whopping 33 percent! Just remember, we're talking about healthy teas here, not the sugary milk tea you might be used to. Give these Japanese teas a try, and you might just be amazed by the results!

Don't forget to add seaweed to your diet! 

You know what's cool about the Japanese diet Seaweed! It's like a nutritional powerhouse packed with all sorts of good stuff like minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Plus, it's super versatile! You can munch on seaweed snacks instead of chips, or sprinkle some crumbled seaweed over your popcorn or roasted veggies for an extra flavour kick. Feeling adventurous Give seaweed salad a try—it's made with wakame, a type of seaweed that's also used in soups. It's tasty and good for you!

Remember not to wear your outdoor shoes inside!  

You gotta love the Japanese tradition of leaving shoes at the door! It might seem like a small thing, but it totally makes sense. Shoes can track in all sorts of nasty stuff from the streets—think bacteria and who knows what else! So why not swap them for comfy slippers indoors It's not just about keeping the floors clean; it's about keeping your home a healthy, bacteria-free zone. 

Eat till you're nearly full! 

In Japan, they've got this awesome saying—hara hachi bu—which means to eat until you're about 80% full. It's all about mindful eating, leaving just enough room in your stomach to feel comfortable without overdoing it. Sounds pretty smart, right If you want to give it a try, start by tuning in to your hunger and fullness signals. Ask yourself how hungry you are at the beginning of a meal, and let that guide how much you serve yourself. As you eat, check in with yourself—am I still enjoying this as much as when I started Am I hungry for a few more bites And, slow down! Eating slowly and ditching distractions can help you better meet your body's needs and savour every delicious bite.

Give ‘forest bathing’ a shot!

Another fascinating practice from Japan is called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, that you might want to try out. Instead of just going for a walk or run, it's all about immersing yourself in nature and really tuning in to your surroundings. Using all your senses—feeling the breeze on your skin, soaking in the colours of the trees, listening to the rustle of leaves—it's like meditation in nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can really do wonders for your stress levels and overall sense of calm. Even if you can't find a forest nearby, just heading to a city park for a quick 20-minute break can work wonders. So why not give it a shot Take some time to reconnect with nature and see how it makes you feel!

Besides all that, staying socially connected is a huge deal in Japan. It's not just about cohabiting or extending your career—it's about nurturing those deep, lifelong connections. Take the moai, for instance. It's this fantastic social circle in Okinawa where people support each other through everything, even financially. So, if you're feeling a bit lonely, don't hold back—reach out to friends, family, or even online communities. Whether it's sharing a cup of tea or hopping on a virtual chat, remember, staying connected is crucial for a truly fulfilling life.

Level up your health game with some ninja-worthy Japanese vibes!

Looking for the secret to a long, vibrant life Say konnichiwa to Japan! With people there living an average of 85.7 years, they've definitely got a few tricks up their sleeves. Want to add some of that Japanese mojo to your own life Check out these healthy habits straight from the Land of the Rising Sun!

Make sure to drink lots of tea! 

You might be surprised, but tea can actually be super healthy! While many people around the world reach for coffee to kickstart their mornings, in the Far East, tea reigns supreme as a go-to beverage. Matcha, oolongcha, and ryokucha teas have been a staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, boasting incredible health benefits. For example, a 2014 study of Japanese adults showed that daily green tea drinkers lowered their risk of diabetes by a whopping 33 percent! Just remember, we're talking about healthy teas here, not the sugary milk tea you might be used to. Give these Japanese teas a try, and you might just be amazed by the results!

Don't forget to add seaweed to your diet! 

You know what's cool about the Japanese diet Seaweed! It's like a nutritional powerhouse packed with all sorts of good stuff like minerals, antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Plus, it's super versatile! You can munch on seaweed snacks instead of chips, or sprinkle some crumbled seaweed over your popcorn or roasted veggies for an extra flavour kick. Feeling adventurous Give seaweed salad a try—it's made with wakame, a type of seaweed that's also used in soups. It's tasty and good for you!

Remember not to wear your outdoor shoes inside!  

You gotta love the Japanese tradition of leaving shoes at the door! It might seem like a small thing, but it totally makes sense. Shoes can track in all sorts of nasty stuff from the streets—think bacteria and who knows what else! So why not swap them for comfy slippers indoors It's not just about keeping the floors clean; it's about keeping your home a healthy, bacteria-free zone. 

Eat till you're nearly full! 

In Japan, they've got this awesome saying—hara hachi bu—which means to eat until you're about 80% full. It's all about mindful eating, leaving just enough room in your stomach to feel comfortable without overdoing it. Sounds pretty smart, right If you want to give it a try, start by tuning in to your hunger and fullness signals. Ask yourself how hungry you are at the beginning of a meal, and let that guide how much you serve yourself. As you eat, check in with yourself—am I still enjoying this as much as when I started Am I hungry for a few more bites And, slow down! Eating slowly and ditching distractions can help you better meet your body's needs and savour every delicious bite.

Give ‘forest bathing’ a shot!

Another fascinating practice from Japan is called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, that you might want to try out. Instead of just going for a walk or run, it's all about immersing yourself in nature and really tuning in to your surroundings. Using all your senses—feeling the breeze on your skin, soaking in the colours of the trees, listening to the rustle of leaves—it's like meditation in nature. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can really do wonders for your stress levels and overall sense of calm. Even if you can't find a forest nearby, just heading to a city park for a quick 20-minute break can work wonders. So why not give it a shot Take some time to reconnect with nature and see how it makes you feel!

Besides all that, staying socially connected is a huge deal in Japan. It's not just about cohabiting or extending your career—it's about nurturing those deep, lifelong connections. Take the moai, for instance. It's this fantastic social circle in Okinawa where people support each other through everything, even financially. So, if you're feeling a bit lonely, don't hold back—reach out to friends, family, or even online communities. Whether it's sharing a cup of tea or hopping on a virtual chat, remember, staying connected is crucial for a truly fulfilling life.