6 Tips to Start Your Day the Japanese Way

Learn how 'ikigai' can transform your mornings and your life.

The Japanese word ikigai translates to 'purpose in life'. It's a concept that's important in Japanese culture, and it can be helpful for you too if you want to live a fulfilling life.

There are many things you can do every morning to bring your ikigai to life. And in this short post, I’ll share with you six things you can adopt straight away.

1. Clear your head.

Start your day by getting rid of any distractions and focus on what's important. It might also help to write down your goals for the day. Japanese people like to break big goals down into small bite-sized chunks. To boost your efficiency and success in life, you should do the same.

2. Drink room-temperature water.

This will hydrate you and help get your day started. Many Japanese people drink two or three glasses of room-temperature water on an empty stomach, straight after they wake up. This is believed to clean the stomach, boost the digestive system and improve metabolism.

3. Eat a nutritious breakfast.

A healthy and nutritious breakfast will give you the energy you need to start the day off right. In Japan, a typical traditional breakfast consists of steamed rice, miso soup, and a protein such as eggs, soybeans or grilled fish.

4. Get active.

Exercise has been linked with happiness and well-being, so it's a great way to start your day off right. For almost 100 years, Japanese people have practiced a form of calisthenics called Rajio Taiso. This 3-minute exercise routine is an ideal way to stretch and wake up your body every morning.

5. Pursue your passions.

Whether that means writing or working on a project you're passionate about, doing something you love will make your mornings more enjoyable and fulfilling. This is at the heart of ikigai — which the Oxford Dictionary describes as '“a motivating force; something or someone that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living". 

6. Honor your time with family and friends.

Spend time with those you care about, and make sure to thank them for their presence in your life. Japanese people respect and honour their friends and family members; something we should all strive to do.

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It's great to learn from different cultures, as there is no single culture that has all the answers to living a healthy, happy and productive life. Personally, I find it fascinating learning about different cultures. It helps keep me stay open-minded and creative.

So, I hope you’ve found these six Japanese morning routine tips of interest. And if you want to get more out of your mornings — be sure to incorporate these tips into your daily routine!