I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
A simple way to improve your health (that’s not diet or exercise)
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Dear Reader, My annual physical is usually unremarkable (thankfully), but one appointment with a doctor really left an impression on me. She was asking me a few routine questions about my lifestyle habits, and the topic of drinking came up. I told her I didn’t drink much and she was like, good! Less is better. “If you hear that alcohol is good for your health, it’s probably the social aspects of drinking, not the drink itself. Drink with people, but I don’t encourage you to drink with people.”
It was the first time that I heard a doctor speak to me about the health benefits of a strong social community. Oftentimes I hear the usual on exercise, eating vegetables, not too much meat, etc. but not about our social health. There is strong evidence that having a strong social life is good for your health– not just mentally, but physically as well. In fact, the happiest and healthiest people on the planet are not necessarily the rich and famous, but those who have the highest quality relationships. It reminded me of the old Japanese proverb, Eaten alone, even sea bream does not taste delicious.
鯛も一人はうまからず (Taimo hitoriwa umakarazu)
Sea bream is a celebratory delicacy in Japanese cuisine, usually a prized centerpiece dish like a dry-aged ribeye or juicy, crispy turkey in American culture. But eaten alone, how good could something delicious taste? A practical health tip for the overwhelmed adult If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your health, one easy way to do that is to share your meals and snacks with others– make it an occasion! The holidays are a perfect time for this. Quality over quantity, and by reshaping our relationship with food to not be dictated by macros or calorie count, we can find peace with our wellbeing. Because is that not the whole point of good health, to enjoy life?
Warmly, Kaki Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, please forward this email to your friends and family (or share the article) 🌱 If this email was forwarded to you, it's nice to meet you 😊
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Hi, I'm Kaki!
I teach about health inspired by simple Japanese philosophies and lifestyle practices, so you can learn to find peace, fulfillment, strength, and health in your own body. Sign up for my newsletter to receive all my writing and exclusive resources!
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