Japan has long been associated with a high level of life expectancy. One of the most famous regions is Okinawa, which was deservedly called the "land of the long-lived". The Japanese really have secrets that help maintain health, a clear mind and reach incredible age milestones. RBC-Ukraine shares with you the habits that help the Japanese to live for more than a century.
1. Diet: balance and moderation
The Japanese pay a lot of attention to what they eat. Their diet often includes fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, rice, seaweed, and soy products such as tofu and miso. Especially important is the principle of "Hara hachi bu", which means eating only up to 80% satiety to avoid overeating. This allows you to maintain a normal weight and reduces the risk of developing diseases.
2. Regular physical activity
The Japanese do not like to sit still. Daily walks, bike rides, and martial arts such as tai chi or aikido help keep you physically active throughout your life. And even at an older age, they do not stop moving, which contributes to the health of the heart, muscles and joints.
3. Respect for social connections
In Japan, great importance is attached to social connections. Family, friends, community - all these relationships are important for mental health. In Okinawa, there is a tradition of "moai" - small groups of mutual help, where people meet regularly, support each other, and share joy. This significantly reduces the level of stress and strengthens mental health.
4. Minimizing stress: the way to harmony
The Japanese are famous for their ability to maintain inner harmony. Meditation, tea ceremonies, nature walks, such as "shinrin-yoku" (forest bathing) help reduce stress levels. They also often spend time in gardens and parks, which has a therapeutic effect on maintaining mental health.
5. Sleep mode
In Japan, not only the duration of sleep is important, but also a clear regime. The Japanese go to bed and wake up at the same time, which helps normalize biological rhythms. In addition, they practice short rests during the day ("inemuri"), which helps to restore strength.
How to integrate Japanese habits in your life?
If you want to prolong your life and improve its quality, you should adopt several Japanese habits in your everyday life:
- Watch your diet: add more vegetables, fish and soy products to your diet. Eat small portions.
- Stay active: go for a walk, play sports, or move more in your daily life.
- Maintain social connections: communicate with relatives, friends or colleagues, create your "moai".
- Relax: Find time to meditate, take a walk in nature, or just relax.
- Follow your sleep schedule: sleep 7-8 hours and rest during the day if you feel tired.
These simple habits can help not only to improve physical health, but also to find inner harmony. The Japanese say that the secret to longevity lies in simplicity and balance.
