Why do the Japanese have the longest lifespan? Last month you learned to eat the things Japanese people eat, and now you will learn how to live like they live. Fast, long, and lively best describes a usual day in Japan. The country is geared towards an active lifestyle, as the 'couch potato' concept is completely foreign. This lively lifestyle centers around three key aspects: work, socializing and recreation.
The workday begins early due to the commute by train that most people endure. This can range from 20 minutes to over two hours with the majority of people standing, as there are not enough seats. Walking is the focal point in the daily exercise regime. On average, people walk one to two kilometers to the train station in the morning. After arriving at the closest station to their office, people typically walk another one to two kilometers to their place of business. At the end of their long day, workers go through the same routine. All in all, the average Japanese individual will walk between three to five kilometers per day. Interestingly enough, these walks generally occur immediately or soon after meals, which helps with the digestive process.
Socializing is also different than that for western culture. As homes and apartments in Japan are considerably smaller, people opt to entertain outside of their home. This is one of the primary reasons clubs; hobbies and leisure activities play such an important role in the culture. In fact it is very uncommon to have dinner parties or get-togethers in Japanese homes. A popular alternative is to meet at public establishments for events and parties.
Automobiles do have some purpose, however they are viewed as a hobby or a luxury. Parking in Japan is costly and limited with simply not enough parking spaces for everyone to park. Cars are used for longer excursions to other cities or the countryside. The most common recreational activities are active ones. Trips to the mountains, lakes or open spaces are most popular.
Although the pace of life is fast in Japan, we can learn from certain aspects. Changing our eating habits is an important first step and combining low impact exercise after eating, such as walking, will have a greater impact. Involvement in clubs or activities that are active will also create an opportunity to engage in activity. Finally, being less reliant on our vehicles will require more effort for some daily physical activity.
So perhaps if you do what they do and eat what they eat you could be extending your lifespan. Your life is what you make it.
Here's to your health!
About The Author
Peter McGarry, BASc, is the Editor/Publisher for Magnetic Revolution's monthly newsletter;
info@magneticrevolution.com
For additional free information on health issues regarding fitness, nutrition, environment and financial well being please visit www.magneticrevolution.com. This site is a guide to improving your quality of life.
HERBAL PRODUCTS are comprised of herbal care remedies, such as... Read More
Vibrational medicine attempts to treat people with various forms of... Read More
Not everybody knows exactly what ergonomic means, but it's getting... Read More
Anal warts treatmentAnal warts, otherwise known as genital warts or... Read More
You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease... Read More
As I started to write this article a few words... Read More
Natural remedies can heal and have been around for centuries.... Read More
Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More
Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you... Read More
For over 3000 years, the Chinese have been using green... Read More
Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and... Read More
The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and... Read More
It is hard to believe, almost unthinkable. Everyday we are... Read More
Human behavior could be modified using light preferably real sunlight.... Read More
I discovered something completely, 100% amazing about 5 years ago.... Read More
Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward... Read More
Do you know why the rich and famous spend thousands... Read More
Normally an inhibitor of pain, norepinephrine can produce pain as... Read More
Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an... Read More
Life in today's hectic society is going more and more... Read More
The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or... Read More
It has long been said that caffeine is not good... Read More
My first yoga retreatI never wanted it to stop. It... Read More
What's the best way to manage pain?Just say ouch.That's a... Read More
For instant calm, try one or more of the following... Read More
An informative textbook confirming a newly established field: Sleep PsychiatryBook... Read More
The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols... Read More
Sheepskin a better sleep If you want a better sleep,... Read More
What It IsAyurveda is the traditional medical system of sub-continental... Read More
Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More
Say you had a stressful day at work, didn't get... Read More
Osmotic chemicals ? Saline CartherticsThese chemicals are salts and other... Read More
I would like to report some anecdotal research findings that... Read More
For countless people worldwide, getting a good night's sleep on... Read More
The Chevreul pendulum is a simple device for communicating with... Read More
Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex... Read More
Everyone has a variety of bacteria in their mouth. Some... Read More
BATH: Add 10-12 drops of a single oil or a... Read More
What is health?Is health the absence of disease? Is health... Read More
Not everybody knows exactly what ergonomic means, but it's getting... Read More
Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an... Read More
Warts are a type of infection caused by virus called... Read More
Bach Flower remedies are 38 plant and flower based remedies... Read More
Better Living With Essential OilsPractical formulas you can use in... Read More
If you are conscious, have an IQ higher than about... Read More
Anxiety is a pernicious little devil; it can hold us... Read More
Chi Kung and T'ai Chi are only two of the... Read More
What's the big deal with oregano? Many of you have... Read More
(originally in Nov. 2004 ZoneNet Newsletter)In this flu season, America... Read More
DAY 1: HOUR BY HOURHappiness in sobriety? Could this really... Read More
Say you had a stressful day at work, didn't get... Read More
Using crystals in the context of healing has a very... Read More
There are actually three common types of arthritis. These are... Read More
Stress can affect you in four different ways:The Physical Effects... Read More
So exactly what does happen when you smoke?Every puff on... Read More
Over 100 different types of arthritis exist, but by far... Read More
Shingles is a patch of painful blisters that appear on... Read More
Smell is a specialised chemical sense. It is interesting to... Read More
My mother's warning; "You are going to rot your brain... Read More
Your mental health is often drastically improved when you use... Read More
Why do you do something that harms you? Why do... Read More
Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans and is referred... Read More
Many people over the past ten years have changed from... Read More
What is something that goes up but never comes down?... Read More
Within each one of us resides the divine healer. All... Read More
1. Eat protein at every meal: One of the most... Read More
Alternative Medicine |