The Japanese Way to Start the Day
To be in top form and hope to break longevity records, you should set your alarm for a specific time, like the Japanese do. Forget the grand principles of the miracle morning, which drags you out of bed at five o’clock sharp and leaves you feeling awful all day. Here’s how to reset your internal clock to discover the true meaning of happiness.
A Setting on Your Alarm Clock to Extend Its Lifespan
When you hear that jarring melody blaring from your bedside table, all you want to do is throw your phone out the window. You hit the snooze button to squeeze out a few more minutes of sleep. You drag yourself to work, missing your fluffy duvet and beloved mattress with every step. The Japanese, on the other hand, are in top form first thing in the morning, and it’s not because of their genes or their diet. While Disney princesses wake up to birdsong in fairy tales, in the Land of the Rising Sun, the inhabitants follow the rhythm of the sun and slip into their slippers as soon as day breaks.
The Japanese, renowned for their serenity and innate calm, practice chronobiology. They don’t rely on (sometimes unreliable) technology to wake up, but on a more dependable indicator: the sun. They adapt to each change of cycle. Thus, in summer, they rise between five and six o’clock, while in winter, they leave the arms of Morpheus around seven. While you might set fifteen alarms in a row, even if it means being late, the Japanese abandon their sheets as soon as the sky clears.
If you’re the type to linger in bed and struggle to open your eyes, these hours will certainly displease you. Yet, this is the Japanese secret to youthful vitality. As reported in a study published in Chronobiology International, living in rhythm with the sun improves sleep quality, boosts endorphin production, and increases life expectancy. There you have it: the true miracle morning—a gentle awakening, dictated by the sun.
A Secret Borrowed from Japan, the Land of Centenarians
Why copy the Japanese method? Quite simply because the country boasts over 95,000 centenarians. In short, Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world. This argument alone should be enough to convince you to change your morning routine. It must be said that, alongside their morning ritual, the Japanese maintain an impeccable lifestyle. They eat mindfully, fully listening to their bodies and satiety signals. They remain active well into old age, using public transportation and walking regularly. But above all, they take care of their minds and master the art of letting go better than anyone else.
This slow and zen-like philosophy also manifests itself upon waking. Unlike the self-proclaimed “clean girls” of the internet who demand you complete your entire to-do list before heading to work, the Japanese don’t rush through tasks. They don’t chase after time; they appreciate it.
This is also what the Japanese do when they get up to converse.
In the morning, the Japanese don’t rush to the coffee machine; they do breathing exercises, stretching, and awaken their bodies with yoga postures. While most people barely take the time to eat a slice of bread, the Japanese, the very embodiment of wisdom, warm up mentally and physically for the day ahead.
Morning Rituals and Diet
As for breakfast, the menu might not appeal to those with a sweet tooth. The Japanese typically eat rice, grilled fish, miso soup, pickled vegetables, and green tea. This provides them with energy without weighing them down.
The saying “the early bird catches the worm” has never been truer. However, the idea isn’t to add any extra pressure. Getting up early shouldn’t be an obligation, but an intention. And a lie-in never hurt anyone.
Benefits of the Japanese Morning Routine
There are several benefits to adopting the Japanese approach to mornings:
- Improved sleep quality: By aligning with the natural light cycle, individuals can experience deeper and more restful sleep.
- Increased endorphin production: Waking up naturally can lead to a boost in mood and energy levels throughout the day.
- Enhanced life expectancy: Studies suggest that following a consistent sleep schedule can contribute to a longer lifespan.
- Better mental health: The Japanese emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation can reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
By incorporating elements of the Japanese morning routine into your own life, you can improve your physical and mental health, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced lifestyle.