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10 Japanese Principles to Improve Mental Health

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Mental health is a critical topic in the modern world, and every culture has valuable lessons to offer in addressing it. Personally, I have found benefits in some of these Japanese concepts, such as Ikigai, Kaizen, and Wabi-sabi, which have helped me better manage anxiety, mental overload, and the search for purpose. In this article, we will explore ten Japanese principles that, supported by scientific research, can be powerful tools for improving mental health and emotional well-being.

1. Shoganai: Accepting the Inevitable

The concept of Shoganai comes from the idea of serenely accepting what cannot be changed. In Japanese, it literally means “it cannot be helped.” This principle does not imply passive resignation but rather recognizing life’s limitations and redirecting energy towards what is within our control. It also emphasizes the importance of not wasting energy lamenting over things that cannot be altered.

Issues it can help with:

— Generalized anxiety, as it helps reduce excessive worry.

— Chronic stress related to situations beyond our control.

The science behind the concept:

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