The Japanese Secret to Longevity: The Rules of Ikigai

1. Stay Active, Don’t Retire
Be Active
Sitting too much at work or at home can cause illness, increase appetite, and discourage participation in activities.
With a little effort and a few changes to your routine, you can start moving. You can adopt an active lifestyle that will make you feel better both mentally and physically.
Walk for at least twenty minutes every day.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Participate in social activities.
Get the right amount of sleep.
Science has shown that sleep is an anti-aging tool because we produce the hormone melatonin during sleep. A powerful antioxidant, melatonin helps us live longer.

2. Relax
The secret to longevity is to always tell yourself, “Relax” and “Relax.” If you don’t rush, you will live much longer.

Low Stress Longevity
Some people look older than they are. When they looked at the causes of premature aging, they found that stress is a factor. Because our bodies wear out much faster in times of crisis. So we need to reduce the stress in our lives.

While high stress levels can shorten your life, low stress levels have been shown to be beneficial.

3. Don’t stuff your stomach
There is an old Japanese proverb: “Hara hachi bu”, which means “Fill your stomach 80%”. They don’t overeat and believe that eating a little less than you need is healthier.
The easiest way to start implementing the concept of hara hachi bu is to skip dessert or reduce portion sizes. You should stop eating when you feel almost full.

4. Surround yourself with good friends.
Talking to the people you love every day is the secret to living a long life.

5. Get in Shape by Your Next Birthday
I wake up at 4:00 every day. I set my alarm for that time, have a cup of coffee, and do some arm exercises. This gives me energy for the rest of the day.

6. Smile
Just smile…

7. Reconnect with Nature
Create a hobby garden for yourself. Grow your own vegetables and fruits.

8. Give Thanks – Be Grateful

Don’t forget to be grateful for what you have.

9.Catching the flow – the moment
There is no secret to this. The secret is to live.