18 Japanese Self-Care Habits That ACTUALLY Work

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares 18 simple Japanese self-care practices that encourage mindfulness and inner peace. From the gentle act of moving with 't' to savoring matcha, listening to scents, and basking in the sunlight filtering through trees (KOMOREBI), these rituals promote a calm and centered life. Other practices include morning routines like cleaning, expressing gratitude, and even solo karaoke to release stress. The video highlights the value of small daily rituals in cultivating mental well-being and invites viewers to embrace these habits for a more peaceful, mindful life.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Many Japanese self-care habits transform simple daily actions into calming, mindful rituals that help reset the mind.
• 🐢 Moving slowly and gently—known as ‘tene’—turns ordinary actions like folding clothes or handling objects into moments of mindfulness.
• 🍵 Making matcha is valued not just for the drink itself but for the sensory, meditative process of preparing it with attention and care.
• 👃 In the Japanese incense tradition (Kōdō), scents are ‘listened to’ rather than just smelled, encouraging deeper awareness and emotional calm.
• 🌳 Bask in *komorebi*—sunlight filtered through leaves—to tap into nature's calming rhythms that soothe the mind.
• 💧 Washing hands upon returning home is viewed not only as hygiene but as a ritual to cleanse negative energy and reset the heart.
• 🌞 Showing gratitude to the morning sun boosts serotonin, oxytocin, and a sense of connection, enhancing calm and happiness.
• 🧹 Morning cleaning is rooted in Zen practice, helping to purify the mind by tidying the physical environment.
• 🎶 Radio taiso, a simple 3-minute morning exercise, promotes health, community bonding, and a refreshing start to the day.
• 🔥 SAYU—warm boiled water—supports digestion, circulation, and gentle inner relaxation as an easy daily self-care practice.
• 🎤 Solo karaoke reduces stress hormones and increases happiness hormones, acting as an emotional release and meditation.
• 🧂 Placing a cone of salt (morishio) is believed to purify spaces and create a calmer atmosphere within the home.
• 💧 Designing natural sounds—like wind chimes, rain chains, or gentle water features—invites soothing nature-inspired calmness indoors.
• ⚪ Focusing awareness on the TANDEN (a point below the belly button) helps maintain emotional stability and calm during stress.
• 📦 SEIRI-SEITON, the practice of decluttering and organizing, reinforces the connection between a clean space and a clear mind.
• 🌾 Tatami rooms offer natural relaxation similar to forest bathing due to phytoncides and air-purifying qualities.
• 🛁 Hand bathing is an accessible alternative to full bathing, offering significant relaxation and stress reduction benefits.
• 🙏 Praying for someone else is a common Japanese habit that reduces stress, boosts positivity, and strengthens emotional well-being.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'move with tenee' in Japanese culture?

The concept of 'move with tenee' combines care, gentleness, and mindfulness. It means moving slowly and gently in everything you do, whether it's folding clothes, opening windows, or even using your phone. This mindful approach helps bring a sense of calm and presence to daily activities.

Why is making matcha considered more than just a physical action in Japan?

Making matcha is seen as a meditation in Japan. It's not just about preparing the drink, but about engaging all your senses in the process—watching the steam, listening to the pouring water, smelling the matcha, and feeling its warmth. This mindful approach transforms the act into a calming ritual.

What does 'listening to scents' mean in Japanese culture?

'Listening to scents' is a practice derived from the Japanese art of Koudo, or the way of incense. Instead of simply smelling the fragrance, you focus on 'listening' to it, which helps you become more aware of the scent and deepens your mindfulness.

How does basking in KOMOREBI benefit your mental health?

KOMOREBI is the sunlight filtering through the leaves of trees, which has been shown to calm the mind. It carries a natural rhythm known as '1/f fluctuation,' which is found in elements of nature like fire, water, and bird songs, helping to create a sense of connection with nature and reducing stress.

What is the significance of washing hands in Japanese culture?

Washing hands in Japan is more than just a hygiene practice. It's seen as a way to cleanse the heart and reset the mind, similar to the cleansing rituals at shrines. It helps wash away negativity and stress, leaving you with a clear and peaceful heart.

Why is opening the window in the morning important in Japan?

Opening the window in the morning is a ritual in Japan to refresh the energy in the room by letting in fresh, clean air. This simple act is believed to refresh both the physical environment and the mind, making it a mindful practice that sets a positive tone for the day.

What are the benefits of showing gratitude to the sun in the morning?

In ancient Japan, people would greet the sun in the morning with gratitude. This habit has three key benefits: it stimulates the release of serotonin for calmness, increases oxytocin for feelings of love and warmth, and fosters a sense of connection to nature, creating a peaceful start to the day.

What is the purpose of cleaning early in the morning, especially in Zen practice?

Cleaning in the morning, especially for Zen monks, is a spiritual practice aimed at purifying the mind. The act of cleaning is seen as a way to clear away mental clutter, and it's believed that a clean environment supports a calm and peaceful mind.

What is radio taiso, and how does it contribute to health?

Radio taiso is a traditional Japanese morning exercise routine that helps improve health and longevity. It involves simple movements that activate multiple muscle groups and can be done by people of all ages. The communal aspect of the exercise also fosters a sense of connection and shared happiness.

How does the practice of praying for others in Japan benefit mental health?

In Japan, prayer is not just a religious activity but a form of self-care. Praying for others, especially loved ones, has been shown to reduce stress and increase positive feelings. It can create a sense of peace and connection, contributing to a more balanced and calm mind.