Hola! Bonjour! I hope you've got your passport ready. We're about to copy some life hacks from all over the world. I won't be giving you run-of-the-mill tips like “Drink water to stay hydrated' – at least not today. We’re about to explore different cultural practices, so buckle your seatbelts!
Shinrin-yoku (Japan)
Our first stop is Japan's shinrin-yoku, which means forest bathing. Now, this doesn’t mean bathing in nature (I Googled it). It involves immersing yourself in nature, not hiking a mountain or exercising, certainly not in British weather. It’s just enjoying a calm stroll with fresh air of a forest. I would recommend going to the park for this, given that taking a stroll in front of Big Ben is nothing but a pocket of pollution at your doorstep with tourists like stone statues stuck to the ground unable to move their feet. The point of this exercise is to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. The best part is that it’s free and you get to decide how long you spend on it.
Pomodoro Technique (Italy)
Next, we have the Italian Pomodoro study technique. I think we've all heard about this one, where you do 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. The aim is to reduce burnout and increase productivity without feeling overwhelmed. This is a particularly great technique to use with friends in a study group.
Lagom Philosophy (Sweden)
Moving on, we have arrived in Sweden where we are going to introduce ourselves to the Lagom philosophy, meaning “just the right amount”. It’s the idea that in life we need balance – whether it’s work, school or how much we eat or buy. It’s a hack for a healthier life and perfect for approaching daily life.
Chai (India)
We have a layover in India where we are going to go through the Chai Teatime daily routine. This promotes relaxation and bonding with others. It’s not just drinking tea but taking a moment to slow down and connect with people. It reminds you to spend quality time with others as well as making sure you get your daily dose of tea!
The 10-step Skincare Routine (South Korea)
Now we've hiked all the way to South Korea to learn about the 10-step skincare routine. Korean skincare is unbeatable and the key is layering products in a specific order: cleaner, toner, serum, essence and moisturiser, plus face masks a few times week. While this sounds like a lot, it’s a fun way to unwind and take care of yourself.
Fietsen (Netherlands)
Looks like we still have a long journey ahead of us! Next we are going to explore the Dutch “Fietsen” – biking everywhere. In the Netherlands, biking is the main mode of transportation for people of all ages. It’s not just for exercise but an efficient way to go around the city while avoiding traffic. Although London isn’t exactly the safest biking city, if you can cycle in your local area or in the park it would be eco-friendly, keep you active and reduce stress.
Siesta (Mexico)
We move on to the Mexican siesta, a mid-afternoon nap that’s a traditional part of Mexican culture, usually around 30 minutes and designed to avoid the hottest part of the day. Studies show that short naps improve concentration and boost mood, which is perfect for those afternoons when you're feeling sluggish after school or studying.
Mindful Eating (France)
Next, we have arrived in France where they practice mindful eating. They like eating slowly, savouring each bite and not overeating. Instead of snacking all day, meals are enjoyed at specific times. This approach can improve your digestion, prevent overeating, and help you appreciate food more.
Carnival (Brazil)
Finally, we have reached the Brazilian Carnival. These are large, joyful celebrations that include parades, dancing and singing. It's a time to embrace joy and let go of stress. It's a reminder to let loose, have fun and stay active and even if you don't have a carnival nearby, dancing or celebrating with friends can be more than enough to boost your mood!
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