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 remembering that not all the techniques and tips mentioned in this article are of Japanese 100% origin.
Table of Content
Japanese basics to relieve stress
Zen Meditation - Zen meditation is spiritually effective in relieving everyday stress and pressure. Close your eyes, breathe well and walk away, try not to think about anything. You can empty your mind and de-stress anywhere. Traditional meditation you find in Japanese temples by the name of zazen.
incense therapy - Burning these scents and experiencing them will help you feel calm and relieve your stress. The fragrance calms your mind, watching the burn can also soothe you. There are various aromas like lavender, sakura, wood, sandalwood, and other blends for meditation.
Onsen and bathhouses - Most Japanese go to one thermal font to relax. Some go every day after work to de-stress and feel refreshed. These places are full of options for relaxation in addition to several pools you will find saunas, massages, massage chairs and even a good read.
Ashiyu – Popular practice in cities with onsen, consists of a foot spa. Fill a bathtub with warm water, add scents and bath salts, put your feet up and enjoy the relaxation.
Listen to music – Japanese trails usually give 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 the traditional way, grinding 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 green, tourist spots, parks, gardens that you can visit to relax and enjoy nature. If you want something radical, visit a cat cafe and relax with a lot of cuteness. Pets can be relaxing.
Practicing exercises and martial arts
Akido - Unlike karate or taekwondo, this art promotes mental serenity and respect for others while rejecting violence. The movements are typically circular and can enhance your concentration while balancing the mind, eliminating stress and toning the muscles.
Shiatsu – Here you exert pressure on various specific points of the body related to the nervous system and vital organs. Shiatsu can reduce tension, give energy, eliminate toxins, regulate pressure, relieve anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Walk barefoot – This technique is known as Shinrin Yoku, where you must walk barefoot in a park or forest. This practice is believed to improve your mood, creativity levels and health. According to studies, it also reduces blood pressure, cortisol (stress hormone) levels, 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: help to combat fear;
- Heart: helps to control anger, rage, and indignation;
- Anelar: help in decision-making and combating sadness and depression;
- Mindinho: helps to relieve stress and increases 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 issues, and skin disorders;
- The index finger: your kidneys and bladder, muscle pain, and digestive problems;
- The middle finger: the gallbladder and the liver, menstrual pain or headaches, vision problems, circulatory problems, and fatigue;
- The ring finger: the colon and the lungs, issues with digestion or the respiratory system (especially asthma);
- The pinky finger: the heart and the 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 remember any technique or something you add, leave it in the comments. Thanks for the shares!