Life Hacks and the Practice of Tanka: 10 Phrases We Should Say More Often
In our daily lives, we use brain resources when we are conscious of tasks or what we need to do right now.
However, those resources have limits, and when we exceed those limits, our work performance declines.
The capacity of those resources is called cognitive resources.
In daily life, it seems that we are overusing these cognitive resources, leading to increased stress.
To avoid wasting cognitive resources, it is important to reduce the number of things you have to do (^^)
To that end, it is said that it is good to categorize the huge list you have written down into the following three categories.
■ "Do now" to-do list
■ "Do soon" to-do list
■ "Do someday" to-do list
It would be great if you could make it a habit, but to save cognitive resources and reduce mental distress, it is important to establish the following three things, so please try to be conscious of them.
1. Reduce the things you have to do as much as possible
2. Reduce the things you need to remember (prospective memory) as much as possible
3. Ensure you complete only your routine work
However, since it is important to use life hacks that suit you, I think you should choose the methods that are easiest for you rather than forcing yourself to fit into what is presented (^^)
Now, for those who want to think about what life hacks are,
"You are reading me, but are you sure you understand my language?" (from J.L. Borges' "The Library of Babel")
I will introduce concrete examples of hacks combined with the practice of Tanka, which I think could be called the repetition of presenting a way of life in the first person (self-making). Are you driven toward a daily world where such (hack-like) ways of living are considered desirable?
Please check it out (^^)
1. Hello
The original text is "Hello".
In Japanese, this would be "Ohayou gozaimasu" in the morning and "Konbanwa" in the evening.
While greeting every stranger you pass on the street might actually cause problems, when you see neighbors or people you know, don't pretend not to see them; instead, be proactive and exchange greetings with a smile.
2. Thank you
A word of gratitude.
This is a phrase you should say immediately when someone does something for you, but it is surprisingly difficult to say it honestly.
Perhaps it is because we worry that it might make us look inferior.
However, if you imagine being on the receiving end of a "thank you," you should realize that it is just overthinking.
3. Please
The original text is "Please".
It might be more appropriate to say that rather than just "Onegaishimasu," it refers to using polite language when making a request.
The key when making a request is to show politeness and respect for the other person.
4. Please, have a seat
A phrase for offering your seat on public transportation like trains or buses.
No further explanation is likely needed.
5. This one's on me
The original text is "This one's on me."
It carries the nuance of "I will pay for this."
It is not a high-handed expression like "I'm treating you, so be grateful," but rather a humble and casual way of saying it.
6. Let me help you
When you see someone struggling, proactively offer a helping hand along with these words.
For example, when you see someone having trouble with a wheelchair or trying to climb stairs with heavy luggage.
Even if you are refused, it does not mean your very existence is being denied.
7. Nice to meet you, I'm [Name]
The original text is "I don't think we've met. I'm [name]."
When meeting someone for the first time on any occasion, if you are shy or just give a simple nod, the impression you leave on the other person will be minimal.
By introducing yourself with clear words, you allow the other person to create a new page for your name in their mental 'address book'.
Furthermore, if you introduce yourself in this way, the other person should feel comfortable enough to talk about themselves as well.
8. What I like is...
While it is problematic to tell a third party everything about your private life, talking about your hobbies and interests to some extent is not a bad thing.
(Though you must choose the time and place) by 'opening up' in this way, the other person's tension may ease, and they might upgrade you from 'just someone to talk to' to 'a compatible companion'.
9. Have a great day
The original text is "Have a great day!"
A more frank expression might be "Have a nice day!"
Even in English conversation classes on TV and radio, this phrase is always used at the end.
It is a farewell greeting filled with the wish that the other person will be happy even after parting ways with you, and it is a sentiment that makes one feel happy.
However, in Japanese, using such expressions as greetings—for example, 'Have a good weekend' or 'Have a wonderful holiday'—can actually sound overly formal.
Perhaps closer expressions would be 'See you later' (or 'Let's meet again' for something slightly more polite, or 'Take care' for something a bit more old-fashioned).
If you use 'Be happy,' it might be mistaken for a long-term farewell.
Alternatively, as a social pleasantry, 'Let's have a meal together sometime if the opportunity arises' might also be good.
10. I like you.
The original text is "I love you."
This phrase became famous in a certain anime that repeated almost the same episode eight times, through the dialogue of a cheesy male character who whispers, "I love you" in your ear (voiced by Daisuke Ono). However, it is often used with a much lighter nuance than the direct Japanese translation "Anata o aishitemasu" (I love you).
The original text in this case is the same; it is used not only as an expression of romantic love between partners but also as an expression of love for family members.
Even if that is understood, putting it into words allows you to convey your true intentions to the other person.
Moreover, for two people who love each other, it must surely serve as a "clamp" that strengthens their relationship even further.
Alternatively, even if it is not directed at family, pointing out someone's good qualities and saying, "I like that about you," would also fall under this category.
(This is a quote from "Thumb Little Man," which lists 10 simple phrases we should all say more often to make both ourselves and others happy.)
An avalanche of blue sky, you, as the roots of my tongue are held back painfully
(From Yumio Sato's "The Optician is for the Twilight")
The most painful moment of life must have passed, the interior is pale (blue)
(From Takashi Okai's "Organ")
All humanity bow down, my children want to see the world beyond my back
(From Mika Fujita's "All Humanity Bow Down" / "Fukuoka Tanka Meeting (Tentative) Anthology" Vol. 6)
My shadow as I row my wheelchair suddenly stands up against the wall of the morning sun
(From Masaaki Seki's "Running Chair")
Ms. Shinoda, who pays for her younger brother's tuition and becomes his underclassman
(From Boyo Okuda's "Flower")
The gentle distortion of the metal on the toilet paper, it's a tropical night, isn't it
(From Mariko Hattori's "Go to the Wilderness")
The book that is me has no table of contents, please read from wherever you like
(From Noriko Takamura's "Laughing Tree")
Like a watercolor painting that hasn't dried yet, the clouds on a snowy morning blur
(From Takahiro Otsuji's "Depth")
Sleep for a thousand years, and when you wake, eat a bowl of porridge and sleep for another thousand years
(From Kimihiko Takano's "Water Journey")
I like flowers that look beautiful when bundled, walking through the city where the first winter gale blows
(From Kyoko Kuriki's "New Past")
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