“Moderation” is just right. Nana’s stress-free health method that sets me free

For the sake of my health, I have to try hard and be stoic! That’s what I thought, and I, Nana, would repeatedly fail after attempting unreasonable dietary restrictions or intense training.

“Why am I so weak-willed...”

There was a time when I fell into a negative spiral, blaming myself like that and accumulating even more stress. It was especially bad when I tried a diet consisting only of organic ingredients. While I did feel like my physical condition improved, I couldn't enjoy eating out with friends, and above all, the food costs added up! In the end, I gave up in less than a month. The feeling of having wasted time and money back then was...

But one day, I realized, “Isn't it counterproductive to suffer this much just to be healthy?” Health should be a state where both mind and body are comfortable and you can be yourself.

From then on, I stopped being too hard on myself and decided to practice my own health method, focusing on “moderation.”

Today, I would like to introduce the stress-free health method that I have been able to continue without difficulty.

1. Eating is all about “enjoyment”! Fermented foods and weekend cheat days

Dietary restrictions might be effective for weight loss. However, a diet full of restraint causes significant mental stress and is hard to sustain. It also increases the risk of rebounding.

That’s why I don’t do any unreasonable dietary restrictions. Instead, I make sure to actively consume fermented foods. Natto, miso, kimchi, yogurt... these are effective for regulating the intestinal environment and boosting immunity. In particular, my homemade nukazuke (rice bran pickles) is my pride and joy. I pickle seasonal vegetables and enjoy them deliciously every day. With the lactic acid bacteria I grew myself (though that might be a bit of an exaggeration!), I feel like I’m becoming clean from the inside out, which lifts my spirits.

And above all, what’s most important is to “eat deliciously and happily”! While being mindful of nutritional balance, I eat what I want, when I want.

Furthermore, I have decided that **weekends are “cheat days.”** On these days, I don’t worry about calories or carbohydrates and can eat as much as I want of whatever I like! My favorite ramen, cakes, and potato chips are all off-limits only on this day. This is how I maintain the motivation to work hard during the weekdays.

2. Exercise should be blended into “daily life”! Refreshing with walking and serious dancing

When it comes to exercise, “moderation” is my motto. Of course, I loved moving my body and was devoted to dance and cheerleading in my student days, but it’s a fact that it’s hard to find a block of time for it now that I’m a working adult. That is precisely why I make an effort to incorporate exercise into my daily life without strain.

I started daily walking a few years ago. I make it a point to walk one station's distance during my commute. Walking in the clear morning air feels wonderful and allows me to get off to a good start for the day.

And dance, which I have continued since my student days, is something special to me. It’s not just about moving my body; it’s an irreplaceable time where I can become one with the music and express myself. Recently, I’ve even been uploading my own dance videos to video sites, which has led to new motivation. Since I can’t find much time to go to a studio, I often practice at home, but even so, moving my body to the fullest refreshes both my mind and body. Sometimes, I connect online with my dance friends from my student days to practice together, which provides good stimulation.

3. Sleep focuses on “quality”! A comfortable sleeping space with aroma and silk pillowcases

Lack of sleep is the enemy of health. And the enemy of beauty! That’s why I focus on improving the “quality” of my sleep.

One hour before bed, I step away from my smartphone and computer to enter relaxation time. This is where an aroma diffuser comes in handy. I burn aroma oils with high relaxation effects, such as lavender or chamomile, to envelop the whole room in a gentle scent.

Furthermore, my recent obsession is silk pillowcases. Not only does it feel amazing on the skin, but it also causes less friction on my hair, so the way my hair settles the next morning is completely different! This is a special item I learned about from a friend who is very conscious about beauty.

While the optimal amount of sleep varies from person to person, I feel that 7 hours of sleep is best for me.

4. Don’t “bottle up” stress, release it in small doses! Boosting self-esteem with weekend solo karaoke and reviewing past videos

In modern society, it is almost impossible to eliminate stress completely. That is precisely why it is important to find ways to release stress effectively rather than “bottling it up.”

I have several ways to relieve stress, but solo karaoke on the weekend is particularly effective. You might think, “Solo karaoke?” but it is incredibly refreshing! Without worrying about anyone else, I sing my favorite songs as much as I want, with all my heart. It’s great to sing a ballad soulfully or shout out a rock song. After singing for two hours, the fog in my heart clears, and I can feel positive again.

And actually, rewatching my dance videos is also an effective way to relieve stress. By looking back at videos of myself practicing and dancing hard in the past, I can boost my self-esteem by thinking, “I was working so hard.” It also leads to motivation to “want to dance even better,” creating a positive cycle.

“Moderation” leads me to freedom and health

Sometimes it might be necessary to work stoically for the sake of your health. But if you push yourself too hard, it can sometimes have the opposite effect. And above all, it’s not fun!

I have realized that by being conscious of “moderation,” I create space in my mind and body, and as a result, I can live a healthy life that is true to myself.

I hope this essay serves as even a small hint for all of you who spend your days busy. Let’s make our minds, bodies, and lives freer, richer, and more fun with a “moderation” health method!