How finding your ikigai can give you a new perspective on stress.
The holidays are here, it’s the busiest time of year, and you’re likely already thinking about all those to-do list items queuing up in 2023.
If you’re feeling a little stressed right about now – we get it.
You’re not the only one. 38% of people surveyed in a 2006 study said that they felt more stressed during the holiday season. On top of that, only 8% actually felt happier during this time of year.
But amid all the hustle and bustle, how do you get a break?
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed by wish lists and resolutions, the best way to break the stress cycle is to take a step back and re-centre yourself.
By stepping away from the frenzy of the holidays and checking in with yourself, you can help take some of the pressure off by reframing this busy period as a passing moment. You might be experiencing holiday stress now, but remembering your bigger purpose and meaning in life can help that stress seem like a blip on your radar, rather than an all-consuming sensation.
One easy exercise to start turning down stress is finding your ikigai – or your ‘reason to jump out of bed in the morning.’
By keeping your ikigai top of mind, you’ll not only feel more fulfilled and joyful, but you’ll also live a more meaningful life.
In Ikigai, a book named after the Japanses concept, authors Héctor García and Francesc Miralles delve into ikigai, guiding readers on a journey to find one of their own.
And it’s easier than you might think!
To find your ikigai, ask yourself if there is something in your life that covers each point:
- You love it.
- You are good at it.
- The world needs it.
- You can be paid for it.
It might take a bit of brainstorming to find something that covers all four requirements, but once you do, you’ll have your ikigai figured out.
With your ikigai in mind, it’ll be easier to understand your motivation and purpose – allowing those things to guide you rather than negative emotions that arise from stress.
While it might seem like a subtle shift of perspective, finding your ikigai can be the first step on the journey to happiness – just when we need it most!
For more insight on finding your ikigai (and what to do once you’ve found it) check out the book.
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