We all get stressed daily because of problems, rush, anxiety, etc. The Japanese have different ways to relieve stress that we are going to share with you in this article.
While a certain amount of stress in our lives is normal and even necessary, excessive stress can interfere with normal daily activities and have an impact on our personal lives and health. It is worth ing that not all the techniques and tips mentioned in this article are of Japanese 100% origin.
Table of Contents
Japanese basics to relieve stress
Zen Meditation - Zen meditation is spiritually effective for relieving daily stress and pressure. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and disconnect, trying not to think of anything. You can clear your mind and de-stress anywhere. The traditional meditation can be found in Japanese temples by the name of zazen.
incense therapy - Burning these scents and experiencing them will help you to stay calm and relieve your stress. The smell keeps your mind calm; watching the burning process can also soothe you. There are various scents like lavender, sakura, wood, sandalwood, and other blends for meditation.
Onsen and bathhouses - Most Japanese go to a hot spring to relax. Some go every day after work to relieve stress and feel rejuvenated. These places are full of relaxation options; besides various pools, you can find saunas, massages, massage chairs, and even a good read.
Foot bath - A popular practice in cities with onsen, it consists of a foot spa. Fill a tub with warm water, add scents and bath salts, place your feet in, and enjoy the relaxation.
Listen to music - Japanese trails usually provide pleasure and relaxation, you will find several trails natural, traditional, or even modern on the internet to listen and relax.
make green tea - Try making green tea yourself in the traditional way, whisking the powder with a chasen. Both drinking the tea and making it can be relaxing and result in many health benefits and negative emotions.
Visit relaxing places - Japanese cities are full of greenery, tourist attractions, parks, cat cafe and relax with lots of cuteness. Pets can be relaxing.
Practicing exercises and martial arts
Aikido - Unlike karate or taekwondo, this art promotes mental serenity and respect for others, while simultaneously rejecting violence. The movements are typically circular and can enhance your ability to concentrate while balancing the mind, eliminating stress, and toning the muscles.
Shiatsu - Here you apply pressure to various specific points on the body related to the nervous system and vital organs. Shiatsu can reduce tension, boost energy, eliminate toxins, regulate blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and alleviate sleep disorders.
Walk barefoot - This technique is known as Shinrin Yoku, where you should walk barefoot in a park or forest. It is believed that this practice improves your mood, creativity levels, and health. According to studies, it also reduces blood pressure, cortisol levels (the stress hormone), and anxiety. In addition to strengthening your immune system and improving cognitive function.
Reiki - Therapy that serves to stimulate certain points of the body that allows channeling positive energy.
Other methods not originating from Japan can help you like Do-in, Tai chi, and Yoga. Doing other things like deep breathing, laughing, and resting your eyes are useful for relieving stress.
Did you know? Some companies and people often work together with cats, dogs and goats in offices to avoid stress.
The Japanese Hands-On Method to Reduce Stress
There is a Japanese technique that consists of understanding that each finger of the hand represents a different feeling and attitude. This Japanese technique is capable of restoring the body's energy balance and relieving physical and emotional pain.
When we understand what each finger represents, we can take 2 to 5 minutes a day and hold each finger with the opposite hand, applying pressure on them and thus working on the emotion we wish to eliminate. Start with the right hand and repeat with the left. You can also massage the points of the hand.
- Thumb: helps to combat worry, nervousness, and anxiety;
- Indicator: helps to combat fear;
- Heart: helps to control anger, rage, and indignation;
- Anelar: helps in decision-making and combating sadness and depression;
- Mindinho: helps relieve stress and boosts your optimism and self-esteem;
This simple technique employs various concepts from traditional oriental medicine, but integrates them into an easy method so that anyone can perform it without difficulties at home. It is based on an oriental art called "Jin Shin Jyutsu," the art of happiness.
Our hands bind on our bodies
It may seem like something spiritual, but really each finger of our body connects to something in our body that influences certain feelings and emotions. In fact, these techniques can even help solve certain health problems or avoid them:
- The thumb: the stomach and spleen, headaches, stomach problems, and skin disorders;
- The index finger: your kidneys and bladder, muscle pain, and digestive issues;
- The middle finger: the gallbladder and the liver, menstrual pain or headaches, vision problems, circulatory issues, and fatigue;
- The ring finger: the colon and the lungs, problems with digestion or the respiratory system (especially asthma);
- Pinky finger: the heart and intestines, bone problems;
There are several techniques involving points on our body that help relieve stress and solve health problems. I hope you enjoyed the article, if you any technique or something you add, leave it in the comments. Thanks for the shares!
