Just like our body needs to detox, it is also important to detox our mind from time to time. After a long day of work, fatigue, stress and certain negative thoughts dominate our mind. It tires the brain. But we ignore it as a mild headache or fatigue. In such a situation, we cannot even think about mental detoxification.
As “World Mental Health Month” takes place, the main aim of which is to promote better mental health and educate people about it. On this occasion we talk about how we can take care of our mental health. Mental detoxification can play an important role in improving mental health.
If we talk about traditional methods of mental detoxification, then the most popular techniques all over the world today are Japanese techniques. These are methods from ancient traditional philosophical thought. Japanese philosophy originated around 1,400 years ago, with a mixed influence of foreign ideas and traditional thought. Buddhist philosophy arrived in Japan via China in the 5th century.
There must be social and historical reasons why even today it is very important for Japanese people to cherish life, to connect with nature, to cherish even a simple grass, a flower , a leaf or a tree like a member of the family.
Today, Japanese philosophy and its mental detoxification technique are popular all over the world. The Japanese place great importance on mental detoxification. This is why they live longer and happier than people in other countries.
They also attach importance to life, trees, air, water because Japan is probably one of the rare exceptional countries in the world, where despite strong industrialization, the air is pure, the water in the rivers is clean and the trees, nature, forests are safe. . This is why people here stay healthy until old age. One of the reasons for this is the balance of body and mind.
so today relationship In the section we will talk about Japanese techniques to detoxify the mind.
What is the Japanese philosophy of mind-body balance?
The Japanese lifestyle is very healthy. People here live healthy and happy lives. The Japanese practice many mental detoxification techniques. There is a deep understanding and philosophical idea behind each technique.
When it comes to detoxification, it is not just about cleansing the body, adopting a pure diet. It also has deep spiritual meanings. Such as-
It’s about focusing on the present moment. This does not mean reliving the past or worrying about the future. Focus all your attention only on the present moment. Live in harmony with nature and animals. Understand the value of life and never take it for granted. Respect and love the humans around you. And always value relationships more than material things. . Food is a religion, a science, a philosophy. Don’t take food for granted. Eat only healthy things. Doing meditation and exercising to detoxify the mind is like finding your life’s purpose.
Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing)
Shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is one of Japan’s most famous mental detoxification techniques. It means spending time in nature, among trees and forests. Studies show that walking in the woods can reduce stress hormones, improve mood and increase concentration.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Shinrin-yoku experiments were conducted in 24 forests across Japan. As part of this, people were sent to different locations and their blood pressure, pulse and heart rate were then checked. The results were much better than in urban areas.
Kintsugi (Golden Carpentry)
It is a Japanese art in which broken utensils are repaired with powder of precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. Its goal is not to hide the cracks but to illuminate them. This shows how beautifully you can accept even flaws.
Tai Chi
It is a Chinese art consisting of certain types of exercise techniques. The Japanese believe it brings mental peace. Tai Chi focuses on the elements of yin (softness) and yang (hardness).
ikigai
The Japanese attach great importance to the concept of “Ikigai”. It means waking up in the morning with enthusiasm and living life with purpose. It’s about passion, skills and living in sync with the needs of the world. Ikigai can be understood by things like what you like, what you are good at, how you can improve.
Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese technique of continually striving for improvement and never giving up. It is considered very important in Japanese culture and is also used in business, education and personal life.
Shōdo
The Japanese Shodo technique is a traditional Japanese calligraphy that uses brush and ink to create beautiful letters. This technique is not only an art form, but is also considered helpful for mental peace and concentration.
Jazen
Zazen is a Japanese meditation technique aimed at achieving peace and concentration. This meditation is done in a seated position, in which the person can calm their mind and body. You can do this sitting on the floor or in a chair. In this you need to pay attention to your breathing. This is usually done in the morning and evening only.
wabi sabi
Wabi-sabi is part of Japanese culture and means accepting and being content with the little things in life. This teaches us that we should not chase perfection. You just have to focus on doing better.
What are the benefits of a mental detox?
Mental health has become a matter of concern in today’s fast-paced world, and many people are returning to old values and traditions for peace of mind. Some people practice meditation, yoga and meditation, while others move to villages to live a better life amidst natural beauty.
The most important thing about these Japanese healing techniques is that they are a modern version of ancient traditions, values, philosophies and ideas. He hasn’t left the old one. Therefore, there are many benefits to going back to the old ways and incorporating this lifestyle into your daily life. This keeps the body healthy and the mind calm.
If you also want to live a better and more successful life like the Japanese, then by adopting these techniques above, you will be able to detoxify your mind and live a healthy and happy life.