We have never thought about our physical health for so long worldwide. Because of corona, health has become priority number one. But a healthy body doesn't automatically mean you feel great.
Whether you feel comfortable in your own skin depends to a large extent on your mental health. And that aspect is just as important for a long and happy life as physical health. The Japanese seem to understand this. They live longer and happily with the help of 'gratitude'.
What can we learn from ancient Japanese?
Life expectancy in Japan is high. On average they reach an age of 84 years. In the Netherlands the average is 81.5 years. It has long been known that the Japanese live longer. A healthy diet, staying active later in life and having a purpose in life contribute to this.
Iza Kavedija decided to investigate this further. She observed elderly Japanese over 80 years old. She found out that these people have a very grateful attitude. Not only towards the past, but also towards the present.
'Nantonaku' means 'somehow'. Despite their age, the older Japanese believe that everything will be fine. They do not dwell on the uncertainty of their future. Or past events. As a result, they live 'in the now', worry less and remain active.
The Japanese are especially grateful for the people around them. Friends and family help with all kinds of small and big things. Thanks to them they are who they are and they can do what they want to do. They depend on each other, but don't see it as a burden. It gives them a sense of connection.
Ikigai and wabi sabi
Gratitude is also one of the guidelines in the now popular concept of 'Ikigai'. Having an ikigai means having a purpose in your life. Being grateful for life, easy or difficult, is part of that.
And gratitude can also be found in wabi sabi, the Japanese art of living for finding beauty in imperfection. It is accepting impermanence and being grateful despite flaws. Read more about this in our article on wabi sabi .
The effects of gratitude
Is it really possible? Live longer and happier by being grateful? The answer is yes. A grateful attitude ensures that you have good, meaningful relationships with those around you. They then help you to live a healthy and happy life.
You also maintain a positive attitude towards life. That gives less stress. And we are sure that too much stress is not good for you. Not for your body and certainly not to feel happier.
You see opportunities instead of obstacles and that keeps you active. And we also know that being active benefits your mental and physical health. Did you know that the Japanese don't exercise that much at all? This is no longer necessary due to an active lifestyle.
You can train to show gratitude
Could you also use a little more positivity and gratitude during this time? Then have good news! You can train gratitude. You can get gratitude from small things, events or people. Things you may not always notice now. These two easy exercises will help you with that.
Exercise 1: write yourself grateful
Take a moment each day to write down what you are grateful for. For example while drinking your cup of coffee. Or after brushing your teeth. In the beginning it can be difficult to come up with something, because your brain is not used to it.
You can be grateful for that day's food, for your partner who gave you a hug, a nice memory or a nice prospect the next day. They don't have to be special things and you don't have to write a full page either.
By consciously thinking about the things you are grateful for, you train your brain. You teach your brain to think differently. The more often you think about positive things, the happier you will feel.
Exercise 2: Show gratitude
Did the first exercise work? Then you can go a step further by writing a letter to someone else. To your parents, for having such a good childhood. To a teacher who stimulated you. To the employee at the bakery who knows how to cheer you up with a smile.
This exercise makes you aware of the people around you. Who are important to you? And why? Pick someone you've never really thanked emphatically. There are no rules here either. A short thank you note is sufficient, but you can also write a long letter. Send it or read it.
Thank you for reading this article and I sincerely hope you get started with it.
Do you have any nice ideas to show your gratitude, write them down below in the comments.
