🔟 10 Life Lessons from Ikigai 1. Stay Active – Don’t Retire 🔑 “Those who give up the things they love doing and do well lose their purpose in life.” Keep your mind and body engaged. Purpose fuels longevity. 2. Take It Slow 🐢 “Being in a hurry is inversely proportional to life satisfaction.” Embrace a calm, unhurried life. Stress kills; peace heals. 3. Don’t Fill Your Stomach 🍚 “Hara Hachi Bu” – Eat until you’re 80% full. It prevents over-eating, keeps metabolism balanced, and promotes longevity. 4. Surround Yourself with Good Friends 👥 “Friendship is the best medicine.” Meaningful connections offer emotional support, laughter, and resilience. 5. Get in Shape for Your Next Birthday 🏃 “Daily movement is essential.” Light physical activity (e.g. walking, gardening, tai chi) strengthens both body and mind. 6. Smile 😊 “A cheerful attitude is good for health.” Smiling lifts your mood, lowers stress hormones, and attracts positivity. 7. Reconnect with Nature 🌿 “Humans are designed to be part of the natural world.” Spend time outdoors, absorb sunlight, breathe fresh air, and ground your mind. 8. Give Thanks 🙏 “Gratitude unlocks peace.” Be grateful for the small things. It reprograms your brain toward joy. 9. Live in the Moment 🕰️ “The secret of happiness is to enjoy the present.” Avoid regrets of the past and anxiety about the future. Focus on the “now.” 10. Follow Your Ikigai (Your Reason for Being) 💡 “Discover what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.” Aligning these four brings deep meaning, fulfillment, and inner peace.