You’ve already read 10,000 life hacking articles on how to squeeze out more productivity from your life. They were likely all centered around the American way of life. Are you ready for some foreign knowledge?
Some of the following wisdom was passed down through the ages in locations worldwide. After reading these 7 life hacks from beyond our shores, you’ll be miles ahead of your friends.
Friluftsliv
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Spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or meditating reduces stress levels and leads to a happier life. That’s why citizens in Norway practice “friluftsliv,” or “free air life,” religiously. This may explain why Norway is considered the second happiest country worldwide.
Shinrin-yoku
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Phytoncides released by plants (including trees) relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, and increases the amount of white blood cells in humans. That’s why people in Japan love Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing.”
Jugaad
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Learning to fix your own things (even small things) might seem trivial, yet the satisfaction you’ll get is well worth the reward. This is a widely practiced idea throughout India.
Hygge
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Despite the never-ending winters, the Danish people are ranked the happiest in the world. This is because they practice hygge, a term meaning “togetherness” and “coziness,” covering everything from time spent with friends and family to the merriment of eating and drinking for hours. You should carve out time to spend with friends and family whenever possible.
Wabi-sabi
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Japanese culture preaches that you should look past the chips and scratches on everyday goods, and instead be grateful or even appreciate the wear and tear. The idea is that wabi-sabi reduces consumption and cuts budgets, thereby reducing stress and increasing mindfulness and happiness.
Kaizen
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Based on the smallest scale of improvement, the Japanese practitioners of this method believe that refining everything at the smallest level possible will ultimately see improvement 10X across the board. Practice this by setting monthly or weekly goals regarding health and well-being.
Gemütlichkeit
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The German concept involves cozy settings, family, friends, laughter, and even great music. Sensing a theme here?
(via All Day)
Above all else, you should spend time with friends and family. Strive to be better even on the small scale. And don’t forget to learn how to appreciate and be grateful for the things around you. These may seem simple, but ask yourself this: when was the last time you practiced them?
