August 22, 20:00Aaj Tak

7 Japanese Healthy Lifestyle Habits for Achieving Calmness Without Extra Effort

The main reason for most diseases in India lies in the unhealthy lifestyle and diet of the people. The lack of regular physical exercise and improper nutrition lead to numerous health problems. Because of this, people in stressful lives, under work pressure, and with constantly growing needs seek peace and simplicity.

Some small habits related to the lifestyle in Japan can be easily integrated into the daily life of Indian households. If these Japanese practices are incorporated into one's life, it is possible to achieve a simple and peaceful way of living without exerting excessive effort. The goal of these habits is not only to increase discipline but also to form the habit of maintaining order in the home, valuing possessions, expressing gratitude for food, and finding time for oneself. Furthermore, implementing them does not require much money or radical changes in lifestyle.

There are many Japanese methods that can be easily added to the daily routine, ranging from cleaning the house to waking up early. Let's look at seven such habits.

Hayao-ki Habit: Early Rising

Elders often say that those who sleep too long lose out on much. In Japan, hayao-ki, which means early rising, is part of people's lives. They believe that a quiet morning can provide an opportunity to start the day more productively. Instead of immediately immersing oneself in mobile devices or work upon waking, time should be set aside for oneself. Light exercises, quiet sitting with a cup of tea or coffee, planning the day, or meditation can make the morning less hectic.

Sodji: Turning Cleaning into a Mindfulness Practice

In Japanese culture, sodji, or cleaning, is viewed not just as a household chore. People believe that maintaining order around them helps calm the mind. Therefore, it is recommended to dedicate a few minutes daily to cleaning without rushing; this promotes mental reset.

Yubune ni Tsukaru: Resting While Bathing

In Japan, the tradition of taking a hot bath is associated with relaxation and tranquility. Instead of viewing bathing solely as a process of cleansing the body, it can be turned into a time to relieve daily fatigue. A few minutes of quiet presence can be a good way to reduce stress and pay attention to oneself.

Itadakimasu: Gratitude for Food

It is customary in schools to give thanks before meals, and this is not just a school rule but a Japanese approach that is now being implemented in people's lives through educational institutions worldwide. In Japan, saying 'itadakimasu' before starting a meal is very common. It is also helpful to pause before eating and express appreciation for the meal itself and for the person who prepared it. This approach also helps prevent food waste.

Kutsu o Soroeru: Proper Shoe Storage

When people come home, they are often scolded for throwing their shoes everywhere. However, there is a Japanese practice that locals observe with great care. Kutsu o soroeru is a small but very beautiful habit of Japanese life, which involves putting shoes in their designated place. This creates a sense of pause upon entering the house and emphasizes the transition from the outside world to the inner world.

Mottainai: Valuing Things

It is important to know how to value things in life, but many fail in this regard. Mottainai is a Japanese conviction that inspires avoiding unnecessary waste and understanding the value of objects. A simple way to adopt this idea is to repair and reuse damaged clothing, furniture, or other household items instead of immediately throwing them away. This habit also helps distinguish between needs and wants.

Shun: Connection with Seasons

In Japanese culture, great importance is placed on the change of seasons and seasonal produce. Shun means enjoying something at its most appropriate or seasonal time. This habit can be integrated into life by enjoying fruits and vegetables available according to the season, observing changes in nature, and paying attention to the environment.

The specialty of these Japanese practices is that they do not require radical changes in life to be implemented. Small steps can make the daily routine more organized and peaceful.

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www.aajtak.inAugust 12, 05:50

How Japanese cleaning routines help avoid daily vacuuming and mopping

When people hear about house cleaning, images of mops and sweeping often come to mind. If you are one of those who believes that maintaining cleanliness requires an entire day for cleaning and arranging things, you are mistaken. Many also assume that such tasks will take all day, but the approach to this issue needs to change. The characteristic of the Japanese approach to cleaning is that cleaning is viewed not as a major chore, but as part of small, daily habits. This means preventing dirt accumulation to avoid having to spend hours cleaning later.

In Japan, great attention is paid not only to maintaining order in the home but also to minimizing unnecessary items and placing objects in their permanent places. The advantage of this method is that it does not require expensive cleaning agents or sacrificing an entire day; it is enough just to change some habits. Six simple rules that allow you to keep your home clean with less effort are presented below.

Principles of Japanese Cleaning Routine

Do not wait for dirt to accumulate: We often postpone cleaning, thinking we can handle it later, but this gradually turns a small problem into a big task. The Japanese method insists on immediately removing minor dirt. For example, after cooking in the kitchen, you should immediately wipe the stove and countertop, and after using items in a room, return them to their place, and if something falls on the floor, clean it up immediately. A few minutes of daily work can save hours of effort in the future.
Cleaning and organizing items are different tasks: It is extremely important to understand that cleaning and organizing items are not the same thing. Sweeping the floor is cleaning, whereas putting scattered clothes, books, and other items in their proper place is organizing. If items are scattered haphazardly in the house, you must first tidy them up, and then clean. This will speed up the cleaning process and make the house more organized.
Immediately get rid of unnecessary items: In many homes, closets, kitchens, and pantries are filled with items that have not been used for months but are kept just in case. One of the important lessons of Japanese minimalism is not to accumulate too many things. Once a month, examine one part of the house and evaluate the items, asking yourself if they are planned to be used. If the answer is no, they should be discarded.
Create a permanent place for every item: The main reason for clutter in the house is the lack of a fixed storage place for items. Keys might be on the table, in the kitchen, or near the bed. A simple way to solve this problem is to assign a permanent place for every necessary item. For keys, you can hang a small hook; for frequently used items, a stand; and for clothes, a separate place. The habit of returning items to their place after use is very important.
Do not store cleaning supplies in hidden places: If you have to dismantle a closet to get a mop, broom, or cleaning cloth, the cleaning will likely be postponed. To make daily cleaning easier, necessary tools should be placed where they are easily accessible. In the concept of 10-minute daily cleaning in Japan, cleaning supplies are placed so that they are within reach of people. This lowers the barrier to starting the cleaning.
View cleaning as a daily routine, not a chore: The most important change is not to perceive cleaning solely as a necessity. You need to create a short 5–10 minute daily routine. In the morning, you can clean the floor or one area; immediately after cooking, tidy up the kitchen; and before going to bed, put away scattered items. This way, the house will remain clean before it gets very dirty. In the philosophy of Japanese cleaning, cleaning is seen not just as removing dust, but as a connection to attention and responsibility for one's home and surrounding space.