An " Ikigai " is essentially ‘a reason to get up in the morning’. A reason to enjoy life. The Japanese concept which translates as “ the happiness of always being busy” or “ A reason for being”
In Japanese, ikigai is written by combining the symbols that mean “life” with “to be worthwhile.”
Authors of the book “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles have summerised after conducting hundred of interviews in Ogimi, Okinawa ( Okinawa holds the first place in world’s Blue zones) to try to understand the longevity secrets of centenarians and super centenarians.
“ Ikigai” is seen as the convergence of four primary elements:
-What you love (your passion)
-What the world needs (your mission)
-What you are good at (your vocation)
-What you can get paid for (your profession)
Your ikigai lies at the centre of those interconnecting circles. If you are lacking in one area, you are missing out on your life’s potential. Not only that, but you are missing out on your chance to live a long and happy life.
The 10 rules of “Ikigai” stated by the authors are as below...
1. Stay active; don’t retire. Keep physically and mentally active – use your mind and body, so you don't lose them to ill health.
“Metabolism slows down 90 percent after 30 minutes of sitting. The enzymes that move the bad fat from your arteries to your muscles, where it can get burned off, slow down. And after two hours, good cholesterol drops 20 percent. Just getting up for five minutes is going to get things going again. These things are so simple they’re almost stupid.”
— Gavin Bradley
“Your mind and your body. You keep both busy, you’ll be here a long time.” — Walter Breuning (114 Yrs old)
2. Take it slow. Leave urgency behind and adopt a slower pace of life.
“Slow down and remember this: Most things make no difference.”
― Tim Ferriss
3. Don’t fill your stomach.Follow the 80 % secrete “Hara hachi bu” of Japanese , which means “fill your belly 80%”.
4. Surround yourself with good friends.
“Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile, laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.” ― Rachel Ann Nunes
5. Get in shape for your next birthday. Present a better version of yourself to yourself.
6. Smile.It does not cost anything
“In all of living, have much fun and laughter. Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured.” ― Gordon B. Hinckley
7. Reconnect with nature.Nature helps us feel good and do good
Nature experiences lead to reduced stress, easier recovery from illness, better physical well-being in elderly people, and behavioral changes that improve mood and general well-being.
8. Give thanks.Spend a moment in giving thanks to the moments, events and things you have in life and find your happiness grow.
9. Live in the moment. Forget the past, make the most of the present moment worth remembering.
10. Follow your ikigai. Find an “Ikigai” if you don’t have one yet and as Victor Frankle says your mission is to discover it.
Source: “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life”
by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles