1. Drink tea! Tea is a big part of the culture in Japan, with different teas consumed not just for their flavor, but for their health benefits. Oolong tea helps boost metabolism and blood sugar regulation; jasmine tea is full of antioxidants and helps lower the risk of heart disease; and barley tea is great for digestion, as it contains antacids that soothe heartburn and fiber that fights constipation. The miracle tea is green tea, which can sharpen the mind, burn fat, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and even cancer.
2. Get a shiatsu massage! A shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage therapy technique that combines modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology with Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts such as meridians and qi. The result is a holistic treatment that treats the body physically and energetically.
3. Tidy up! Changing your physical environment can have a big impact on mental health. In Japan, this philosophy of minimalism is called Kanso. Clearing clutter out of your life can help you focus on what is important and have a grounding effect.
Clara E.
Originally from upstate New York, Clara moved to Brooklyn in the spring of 2017 to finish her undergraduate degree and pursue her passions for architectural restoration, music composition, and visual art. She works as a receptionist at Element. In her free time, Clara likes to explore new neighborhoods, go to museums, and play the piano.