Ikigai is an ancient Japanese philosophy that helps shape the Japanese people’s ideology in terms of having a complete life. Many research point out the association of Ikigai with expanding longevity and increasing happiness. In general, Ikigai is the intersection of 4 different elements that helps people to identify their purpose in life. This article will explore the undeniable value of this Japanese philosophy and show some techniques or tips people can follow after finding their own Ikigai.
I love you
This factor includes everything that makes you happy, most alive, and freely enjoyable without any concerns. It could be anything like outdoor or indoor activities, or some general concepts like you love to make other people stay connected, you love to get to know new people and listen to their stories. This sphere is where you list all the things you love, whether you are good or bad, or how it impacts other people’s lives.
This factor includes your hobbies, talents, and things you can effortlessly solve but others can not. For example, you are great at dancing, singing, and creating artwork,...It can also be things that you hear other people compliment you about. This sphere covers everything you are good at regardless of other factors.
Unlike the two factors above, this factor needs you to assess objectively what is happening around you. Researching the market’s trends and labor market needs is a good way to know about this. One thing to keep in mind is the time factor. It is essential to anticipate the potential trends in the labor market to choose the paths that match your plans.
Knowing what you want to do and what other people are willing to pay is important. This sphere encompasses both objective and subjective assessment. It will be helpful if you look up how much the market will pay for each job and ask yourself how much is enough for you to have a complete life. Some people want a wealthy life, and others feel an average income is enough.
Having Ikigai helps to build up good behaviors toward physical and mental health. People with Ikigai are more conscious about health-related problems. In contrast, not having Ikigai might accumulate stress and reduce social engagement.
A study shows that those who find a sense of Ikigai have higher longevity and better socioeconomic status. It also finds that a lack of Ikigai is associated with many diseases like cardiovascular and stroke, thus leading to higher mortality risks.
Knowing what we want and what makes us happy also builds confidence in our acts and decisions. A sense of Ikigai stimulates some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, which reduces anxiety and relates to an increase in comfort.
“Caregiving and ikigai, after all, for me, they are inseparable. They are myself, my husband, children, and that I am able to do what I like. I feel all of these things together make one ikigai for me. It is like a set.”
”I think ikigai is one’s own sense of fulfillment, . . . the accumulation of feeling that “I had a good day today, from wake up time to bedtime.”
”Now I think taking care of Mother is something like my ikigai. From time to time, I wonder what my ikigai is. I think my main ikigai is caregiving [for] my mother.Sometimes I feel wretched if I don’t think that way. I have to believe that taking care of Mother is my ikigai. I have to believe that, otherwise I feel empty”
”It may be going to work. It may be handling various things, continuing my work outside home, taking care of children and seeing my old age. If I am asked what my ikigai is, I’ll say it is to stay on my job, reconciling home duties and my job.”
