the truth about ubuntu, wabisabi and other anti-stress philosophies

In a world dominated by immediacy and hyperconnectivity, more and more people are looking for ways to find world And balance in your daily life. Then there are philosophies such as “koselig”, “ubuntu”, “fika” or “wabi-sabi” – or other similar philosophies such as “hygge”, “fritluftsliv” or “lagom” – which resonate not only from -for their exotic names. , but for its deep cultural roots and ability to promote a lifestyle focused on well-being and genuine happiness.

These philosophies are not just fads, but real treasures of ancient wisdom, They invite us to rediscover the joy of everyday life.. Below we explore its origins, practices, and the science behind its benefits.

Koselig: Norwegian warmth

Koselig is a Norwegian word that can be translated as “cozy” or “comfortable.” This refers to a warm and comfortable environment, often in the company of loved ones. It’s about enjoying small, everyday joys like lighting a candle, reading a book under the covers, or cooking a home-cooked meal together.

Insomnia, aging, obesity? It could be chronic stress

Term It has ancient roots in Scandinavian culture.where long, dark winters encouraged the creation of cozy spaces and the search for emotional warmth.

From a scientific point of view, Various studies show that a well-designed and comfortable environment can increase happiness and life satisfaction. For example, green infrastructure (GI) refers to all natural elements of urban areas, such as parks, street trees, green roofs, rivers and other aquatic environments. This infrastructure can be used as natural solution (Nature Based Solutions, NBS) to solve various urban problems such as heat, air pollution and noise pollution, taking into account the well-being of citizens.

Additionally, according to a 2010 meta-analysis, sharing moments with loved ones strengthens interpersonal relationships, which has been shown to be critical for emotional health. Specifically, 148 studies with 308,849 participants were analyzed. found that having strong social relationships increases the likelihood of survival by 50%

. These results suggest that social relationships influence mortality to the same extent as established risk factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, and to a greater extent than physical inactivity and obesity.

Ubuntu: Shared Humanity

Ubuntu is a South African philosophy that translates to “I am because we are.” Emphasize human connection, empathy and community. This manifests itself in good deeds, mutual respect and community support.

Originated in Bantu communities. Ubuntu has played an important role in building cohesive societies in Africa.. It was popularized by figures such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, who were seen as necessary for reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.

From a scientific perspective, the importance of human relationships and empathy is well documented. According to a study published in Psychological Sciencecollaboration and mutual support are associated with greater resilience and emotional well-being, even after dealing with major crises.

On the contrary, feeling lonely (which is not the same as being alone or in company) can be extremely harmful to our health. How does this explain Norina Hertz in his book The Age of Loneliness: Restoring Human Connections in a Divided WorldIf you feel lonely, you are 29% more likely to get coronary heart disease, 32% more likely to have a stroke, and 64% more likely to develop clinical dementia.

Additionally, a sense of belonging and social connection are key factors in mental and physical health. Thus, we may experience a lack of health-promoting social relationships when we lack connections, interaction, or perceived support, loneliness, or the absence of an intimate partner.

What happens to our brain when we experience stress?

A good way to restore these connections when we feel lonely is to help others. As explained Vivek H Murthy in his book Together. The Power of Human ConnectionsA 2017 study of loneliness among widows and married women found that: “Widows who volunteered an average of two or more hours a week in any service activity did not feel any more lonely than those whose husbands were still alive. “Helping others effectively helped alleviate the loneliness caused by loss.”

Fika: the Swedish art of relaxation

Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves taking a break to enjoy coffee and something sweet in good company. It’s not just about the drink and food, but also about stopping and relaxing. In fact, in many Swedish offices Fika is so important that all employees are assigned a specific time each day, which encourages working environment more united and less stressed.

With roots dating back to the 19th century, Fika is a daily practice in Sweden, both at home and at work.. This is a time for communication, relaxation and disconnection from everyday worries.

From a scientific point of view,take regular breaks Working while you work has been shown to be beneficial for productivity and well-being. In fact, research from the University of Illinois shows that taking short breaks can improve performance on long tasks.

Other relevant research has been conducted Emily Hunter And Cindy Wu, from Baylor University. The study examined 95 employees who were asked to record daily recreation and wellness activities. Researchers have found that taking short, frequent breaks during the workday not only improves productivity, but also reduces physical symptoms such as headaches and back pain, and increases job satisfaction.

Wabi-Sabi: the beauty of imperfection

Wabi Sabi is a Japanese philosophy that celebrates imperfection and impermanence. This is reflected in the understanding of simple, old and natural objects, as well as in the acceptance of the transience of life.

Originating in Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Wabi-sabi arose as a reaction against luxury and ostentation.. It has remained an integral part of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

Looking for evidence It’s true that accepting imperfection and transience can have a positive impact on mental health. Research published in Self and identity suggests that accepting imperfection is associated with greater life satisfaction and less propensity for anxiety and depression.

Additionally, connecting with nature and enjoying its beauty can reduce stress and improve well-being. The reason behind this psychological connection with nature is not yet known, but various hypotheses are being considered. Among them is the hypothesis of biophilia, formulated by the famous entomologist Edward O. Wilson.

This theory suggests that humans have an innate affinity for nature resulting from evolution. For most of our history, our ancestors’ survival depended heavily on their connection to the natural environment to find food, water and shelter, as well as navigate and predict weather conditions. This deep and ancient connection with nature left a mark on our biological and psychological development.

Looking for a good life

Besides Koseliga, Ubuntu, Fika and Wabi-Sabi, there are other philosophies such as Hygge And Lagom it also promotes well-being and a good life.

Hygge, of Danish origin, focuses on creating a cozy environment and enjoying the little things in everyday life, such as lighting candles or having lunch with friends. This practice, deeply rooted in Danish culture, reduces stress and increases happiness.

On the other side, LagomThe Swedish philosophy, meaning “not too much, not too little, just enough,” advocates balance in all aspects of life. This moderate approach helps reduce the risk of disease and increases overall life satisfaction.

Also, it’s interesting Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that means “reason for existence” and focuses on finding purpose in life that brings meaning and daily satisfaction. This concept, deeply rooted in Japanese culture, is especially common in Okinawa, a region known for its high levels of longevity. The idea is that by discovering and developing our ikigai, we can live happier and more fulfilling lives.

SisuOn the other hand, it is a Finnish term that embodies a combination of determination, courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Although it does not have a direct translation into Spanish, sisu implies having an inner strength that allows us to overcome difficulties and persevere in difficult circumstances. This philosophy has been an integral part of Finnish culture for centuries, especially in historical and climatic contexts that require great strength. Sisu is relevant not only in extreme situations, but is also applicable in everyday life, helping people overcome obstacles and maintain resilience.

All of these life philosophies are not mere cultural vagaries caused by the Lindy effect, but, in addition to being fully or partially accepted in the scientific literature, they have a common thread: its emphasis on holistic well-being through human connections, understanding the simple, and finding balance and purpose in life.. They all contribute to a supportive environment, valued social relationships, and personal resilience. Therefore, adopting all or some of the elements of these philosophies can be an effective path to a fuller and more balanced life.