Secrets for a happy and long life
Researchers Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, authors of the bestselling ‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’, went to the Japanese island of Okinawa — specifically to Ogimi, to learn the secrets of people with one of the highest life expectancy in the world. Here we list down the five ground rules they discovered, that can also help you to live a long and happy life:
Stay active and don’t retire
García and Miralles were shocked to find out that many people in Okinawa simply do not retire. There is not even a proper Japanese word for the concept of ‘retirement’. The longest-living people in the world believe in staying active in all stages of their lives and they continue doing what they love for as long as they can.
Do not rush through the day
“When you leave urgency behind, life and time take on new meaning,” the authors advise. If you are at work, enjoy it. If you are commuting back home, enjoy it too. If you are cooking every day, enjoy the process. Do not rush through tasks without enjoying them. Find meaning in everything you choose to do for yourself.
Eat less
Your relationship with food can also impact the length of your life. And so, the mantra for a long life is ‘less is more’. There is a popular Japanese phrase called “Hara hachi bu,” which roughly means "fill your belly to 80 percent.” So eat mindfully and learn when to stop – not when you cannot eat another morsel, but when you are no longer hungry. Eating slowly and avoiding distractions, like television, can help you follow this practice.
Smile more
“It’s a privilege to be in the here and now — and in a world so full of possibilities,” said authors García and Miralles. Life is full of challenges and you do not have to wait for that ‘perfect’ day to live your life and smile your heart out. Staying positive and having faith in yourself can change your entire world and help you navigate through difficult times.
Surround yourself with good friends
“Friends are the best medicine, they're for confiding, sharing stories, getting advice, having fun, dreaming… in other words, living,” the authors note. Instead of considering friends as a distraction, always take time out to build genuine bonds with them. These friendships will make your life beautiful.
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