Ever wonder why the people of Okinawa, Japan, live so long and happy? It’s not a magic potion; it’s Ikigai—a lifestyle that combines passion, purpose, and joy! While the philosophy has been around for a long, it caught international attention with the much-loved book, ‘Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life’ by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles. The practice of Ikigai stems from various aspects of Japanese philosophy, such as Zen Buddhism and Confucianism, which emphasize mindfulness, self-discipline, and a sense of duty. Widely practised in the country. these philosophies encourage finding joy in the simplicity of life, cultivating a sense of purpose, and living in harmony with others and nature.
Ikigai asks you 4 simple questions which are, ‘What do you love?’, ‘What are you good at?’, What the world needs?', ‘What can you be paid for?’ and what you get at the intersection of the answers to all these questions is what your Ikigai is.
The 10 rules of Ikigai, the Japanese art of living
1. Stay active, don't retire
The Okinawans aren’t running marathons or lifting heavy weights. Instead, they prefer light activities like gardening, walking, or just being out and about. The secret sauce? Keep enjoying yourself while staying active as it's all about movement.
2. Take a chill pill
There’s this saying in the Japanese, 'Hara Hachi Bu', which means eating until you're 80% full. Be it eating, working or just going out, everything is like a race, in today’s world. So, ikigai, the Japanese secret to a long and happy life elaborates on how to slow down the pace and reduce stress thereby enjoying the present by being mindful of it.
3. How to curb overeating
Speaking of ‘Hara Hachi Bu’, portion control is a big deal in Ikigai. Their basic concept is to eat until the stomach is 80% full and move away from the plate. This can not only control the deadly diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure but also makes you less sluggish and obese while keeping your mind and body active.
4. Stay connected with friends
In Ikigai, friendships are golden. Staying in constant contact with at least a small group of friends has proven to lessen stress levels and increase life’s longevity, as well as emotional support. Why wait? Go ring up your friend right now!
5. Movement is the key
It's not about strenuous movements or freakish weight lifting. Exercise the basic movements every day for a healthy mind and body, like walking, biking or hiking a small distance. This is one of the easiest 10 rules of Ikigai, and makes a massive impact in your health.
6. Smile more
Smiling through even during rough times is the best remedy to control and manage stress and improve the overall well-being of your life. A simple smile can change the whole atmosphere and aura of the place, person or thinking. This Ikigai concept is a simple one but rather powerful.
7. Connect with nature
One of the best things about Ikigai is that it helps you ground so easily. Just sitting out and gazing at the beautiful green trees with blossoming buds, or going out on the riverside and listening keenly to the sound of water ripples is very soothing and calming. This not only makes you feel reinvigorated but nature with its many wonders inspires you in so many ways about what the world needs.
8. Practice gratitude
Ikigai encourages us to focus on the little things we often take for granted—like a good meal, a beautiful sunset, or time with loved ones. The habit of gratitude will make you feel happier every day! A perfect answer to the Ikigai question, ‘What do you love?’, being grateful is a great practice and one of the 10 rules of Ikigai that will make the biggest difference in your life.
9. Live in the moment
How often do you catch yourself worrying about tomorrow or rehashing yesterday? Living in the moment is a core part of Ikigai. Like, take this as a challenge, and put your phone away during meals and conversations, you’ll surely connect more deeply with what’s happening right now.
10. Find your purpose—What gets you excited?
At the heart of Ikigai is this: What’s your reason for getting up in the morning? Finding your Ikigai means combining what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can get paid for. It’s about doing what you love and finding purpose in it.