Learn the Japanese art of letting go to live a healthier, happier life

The Japanese are known for their long lifespan. And much of the credit for that goes to their life philosophies; one of the most important being shikata ga nai. 

According to Dr Parth Nagda, psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Navi Mumbai, shikata ga nai is a Japanese phrase that translates to “it cannot be helped” or “there’s nothing that can be done.” This phrase is associated with a philosophical approach to accepting situations that are beyond one’s control and finding peace in letting go of the need to control everything.

“Living a longer and healthier life typically involves a combination of factors such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits. Incorporating mindfulness, acceptance, and a positive outlook is just one aspect of a holistic approach to well-being,” explained Dr Nagda in an interaction with indianexpress.com

This concept should not be interpreted as passivity or resignation in all situations. In some cases, taking proactive steps to improve one’s circumstances or health is still important.

Some strategies to help you navigate challenges and cultivate a more accepting approach to life, according to Dr Nagda are the following:

Here’s how shikata ga nai benefits you (Source: Freepik)

This is how to apply shikata ga nai to your life

1) Mindfulness meditation: Setting time aside f­or this can help you cultivate awareness of the present moment and develop a non-judgmental acceptance of your thoughts and feelings.

2) Positive affirmations: Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine.

3) Gratitude journaling: Start a gratitude journal. This shifts your focus towards positive aspects of your life and fosters a sense of contentment.

4) Acceptance: Focus your energy on those areas which you can control and accept the rest.

5) Challenge negative thoughts: Ask yourself if these thoughts are based on reality or if they are distorted. Reframe negative thoughts into more constructive and realistic perspectives.

6) Connect with friends, family, or a support group: Share your thoughts and feelings with people you trust. Having a support system can provide comfort and different perspectives on challenging situations.

7) Take breaks and practice self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being contributes to a more resilient mindset.

8) Learn from challenges: Instead of viewing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, see them as opportunities for learning and growth.

9) Set realistic expectations: Manage your expectations by setting realistic goals for yourself. Understand that not everything will go as planned, and that’s okay. Adjust your expectations to align with the unpredictability of life.

10) Seek professional help, if needed: If you find it challenging to implement these practices on your own or if you’re facing persistent difficulties, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional.

Remember that applying these concepts is a gradual process, and it’s okay to take small steps.

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