Category: Self-development

Support Your Immune System During the Winter Months

Published on by Nikken

During the cold weather months of winter, the body faces multiple viral and bacterial challenges. That’s why colds and flus are common during this time of year, so it’s especially important to support your immune system.

Here are a few things you can do intentionally to support a healthy winter lifestyle:

•          Incorporate ways to manage or reduce stress, so you can help lighten the load on immune cells. Try stretching a few minutes at a time throughout the day, or simply sit quietly and take measured deep breaths. If you can meditate for even 15 minutes, it may be helpful.

•          Fostering an environment conducive to quality sleep helps empower your body to maintain a resilient immune system. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly, so that your body can reap the benefits of rest and reproduce immune cells. Remember, physical and mental restoration often take place during sleep. Check out the Makura Sleep Packs with pillows, mattress toppers and comforters for a comfortable sleep environment. (link to https://store.nikken.com/usa/en/product/makura-sleep-packs)

•          Drink plenty of water. Hydration plays an important role in the circulation of immune cells. Proper hydration also supports mucosal barriers and helps your body function at its best.1

Fill your PiMag Waterfall® with tap water and it dispenses filtered alkaline water, so you can hydrate fully.

•               Handwashing is a simple way to support the immune system, as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before preparing food, eating, and after being in public places.2

•          Eat with essential nutrients that can boost your immune cells in mind. These include foods rich in vitamins A, C and D, as well as minerals such as zinc. Vitamin A can be found in green, yellow and orange vegetables such as yams, carrots and spinach. Vitamin C is in citrus, peppers, broccoli and many fruits and vegetables. Get out into the sun for a dose of vitamin D, which is needed for good immune response. Support your white blood cells and help maintain a strong gut with zinc-rich foods, such as pumpkin and sesame seeds, seafood and legumes.3 Even if you don’t normally take nutritional supplements, the winter months are a good time to try. Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 comes in two formulas, one for women and one for men. They feature a multivitamin and mineral, vegetable superfoods selected for exceptional nutrient content, whole body renewal components, and gender-specific support.*

•          Stay active. Physical activity helps enhance the body’s immune function by helping to improve circulation, which in turn helps flush out bacteria. Incorporating walking into your daily routine is one of the simplest ways to stay active.

•          During the holidays, there is always the temptation to eat and drink. A little of this and a little of that goes a long way, but keep your intake moderate, especially when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Alcohol tends to weaken the immune system.

So, eat, drink and be merry, but make the right choices to stay healthy all winter long! And remember, you can shop for great gifts with the Nikken Holiday Gift Guide through the end of the year.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1 https://bastyr.edu/about/news/boost-your-immunity-winter-lifestyle-tips-and-essential-nutrients

2,3 https://mheds.org/?p=7909

Do You Practice Grounding?

Published on by Nikken

We talk about being connected to nature as a way to get back to the way we were intended to live. In the beginning of time as we know it, humans lived like all other creatures, with nothing separating us from the earth beneath our feet. That means there was direct contact with the ground and its negatively charged electrons. These beneficial electrons help us to stay in balance and creates the effect that is now known as grounding or earthing.

Grounding has been researched over the years, and it has been found that “when connected, the electrons we absorb work as natural antioxidants that neutralize the positively charged free radicals that can damage the body. Exposure to the electrons is vital for functioning at our best.”1 In fact, grounding has been found to improve sleep, support the healing process, and support the reduction of inflammation linked to a variety of health ailments.2

As we consciously work to get reconnected to nature, our contemporary lifestyles pose a challenge in that we spend so much more time indoors than our ancestors did.

The upcoming generations are even more cloistered as they fixate on video games and all manner of electronics rather than on outdoor activities and sports. We can set a good example by taking our youngsters to the beach, to lakes, to natural parks, to wherever being barefoot is safe so connection to earth, sand and natural bodies of water can be made—in order to allow natural grounding to take place. When going barefoot outdoors is not an option, Nikken has an alternate solution.

Nikken is serious about the importance of reconnecting with nature. Our products therefore often emulate or replicate what is found in nature. One prime example is the KenkoGround®. The name really helps to define what the product is about: Kenko means “health” and Ground is for grounding. The KenkoGround plugs into a grounded outlet. When you expose bare skin—whether it’s your feet, arms, shoulders, neck, etc.—to the KenkoGround, you receive the beneficial electrons that neutralize the positive ones that are potentially harmful.

How and where you use the KenkoGround® is up to you. Some people sit at a computer with the KenkoGround under their bare feet. Others drape it around their neck and shoulders while relaxing on the couch. Many sleep with the KenkoGround underneath their bodies. Grounding researchers recommend doing it regularly and building up to longer periods of time, for example, starting out with 10 minutes a day, then increasing to 20 and more than 30 if you can.3

The KenkoGround® is made of conductive fabric that is silky to the touch: it’s 20% silver and 80% nylon and is made to be anti-radiation, anti-bacterial and anti-odor.

As we are already approaching the hectic holiday season, try out the KenkoGround to help maintain your equilibrium. Also be sure to check out the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!

1, 2, 3 https://www.webmd.com/balance/grounding-benefits

Who Needs More Sleep?

Published on by Nikken

People require different amounts of sleep at different times in their lives. For example, newborns can sleep more than 17 hours a day and once of school age, can sleep up to 12 hours daily. The benchmark for adults is to sleep between seven to nine hours daily. These are generalizations, because sleep is a personal matter.

When it comes to sleep times, one of the most commonly cited statistics is that women require more than men. Women actually require only a very small amount more—11 minutes a night.1

Researchers attribute this small difference to round-the-clock responsibilities, monthly cycles, pregnancy, menopause and middle-of-the-night childcare duties, such as breastfeeding.2 In a nutshell, anyone, not just women, may need more sleep when they do not have the luxury of uninterrupted sleep.

Another group that requires more sleep than others is made up of adults who suffer from insomnia. People with insomnia get less rest, so they require more time to actually sleep. The more sleep is interrupted, the sleep is needed. Another sleep disorder known as apnea, causes interrupted breathing that may feel like choking. About 20% of Americans have sleep apnea and men are two to three times more likely to suffer from it than women.3

As technology takes us further away from nature, sleep becomes more of an issue. When people rely on natural circadian rhythms, sleep time is part of the tempo dictated by day and night. Modern inventions that go as far back as the light bulb, hinder sleep quality by artificially creating longer “daylight” hours. This longer exposure to light can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, leading to poor sleep and hence, needing more sleep. Sleep experts explain that circadian rhythms can be reset or realigned to be more natural by waking up at the same time every morning and going to bed at the same time every night.4 Other helpful reset mechanisms include exercising during early morning and/or early evening, eating meals at set hours and ditching electronics at least an hour to two hours before bedtime.

Figuring out your natural sleep cycle might remedy sleep issues. One way to find out how much sleep is needed is by not setting an alarm clock for three nights consecutively, but going to bed at the same time. By not setting an alarm, you will awake naturally and be able to estimate how much sleep you actually need. Then the trick is to go to bed at the same time nightly that will allow you to reach the number of hours needed—and of course, your bedding can help you sleep wonderfully, so be sure to check out Kenko Sleep Technology, exclusively from Nikken.

Happy Halloween!

1, 2, 3, 4 https://apple.news/AZRPnHbh_Qv-9MqtxiKeaGQ

Junk Food Alternatives

Published on by Nikken

Humans have had a long and beneficial relationship with salt, sugar, and fat that dates back to the origin of the species. Salt is essential for fluid balance, sugar provides the energy for physical and mental activity while fats of various types make up most of the mass of the brain.1 Salt, sugar and fat were necessities to stave off hunger and starvation.

Fast forward to contemporary times and those same magical ingredients are added into fast foods as well as packaged ready-to-eat foods that are convenient and often times, addictive. The packaged food industry spends loads of money to research the “bliss point” for general consumption, and that is how much sugar, fat and salt is added, so that we develop a habit and cravings! Scientists have a relatively new name for such cravings: hedonic hunger, a powerful desire for food in the absence of any need for it; the yearning we experience when our stomach is full but our brain is still ravenous. And a growing number of experts now argue that hedonic hunger is one of the primary contributors to surging obesity rates in developed countries worldwide, particularly in the U.S., where scrumptious desserts and mouthwatering junk foods are cheap and plentiful.2

Research has shown that the brain begins responding to fatty and sugary foods even before they enter our mouth. Merely seeing a desirable item excites the reward circuit. As soon as such a dish touches the tongue, taste buds send signals to various regions of the brain, which in turn responds by spewing the neurochemical dopamine. The result is an intense feeling of pleasure.3 That is why it is so hard to break the junk food habit.

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to replace junk food with healthier alternatives!

•          Replace milk chocolate with dark chocolate, which contains antioxidants as well as magnesium, iron, copper, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium.4 Don’t go overboard because it’s still high in calories.

•          Replace ice cream with frozen yogurt, which is lower in both fat and sugar and contains probiotics to help gut health. Again, eat in moderation to avoid too many calories.

•          Another replacement for ice cream is sorbet. It’s easy to make and you get all the nutrients from the fruit of your choice.

•          Have dried fruit for dessert or snacks. Dried fruit is actually very sweet and can take away sugar cravings.

•          Potato chips can be replaced with kale chips, any other vegetable chip, sweet potato chips and even baked potato chips. Popcorn is also a healthier alternative when you make it with less salt and butter.

•          Replace sugary sodas with sparkling water and fruit slices, or use half carbonated water and half fresh juice. Don’t drink those so-called sugar-free sodas either—they may have zero calories, but artificial sweeteners are simply bad for you.

•          Have nuts on hand for healthy snacking. Nuts have that crunch that is so satisfying, and when you choose unsalted ones, you’re getting the healthy fats without the salt. Even when salted, the high fiber and vegan protein you’re getting more than make up for the salt.

To win the battle against junk food, we have to “reengineer the food environment.” This means removing junk food from wherever we live, which in practical terms means not buying it to begin with. This also means not going to fast food outlets, because once there, the temptation may prove overwhelming. And remember, Kenzen® nutritional and dietary supplements may help you fill in the gaps in your daily regimen!

1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41538-018-0020-x

2, 3 https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-sugar-and-fat-trick-the-brain-into-wanting-more-food/#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20the,a%20sense%20of%20well%2Dbeing.

4 https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/lifestyle-advice/10-healthy-alternatives-to-unhealthy-food

What You Eat Affects How Well You Work

Published on by Nikken

Just about everything we eat is converted by our bodies into glucose, which provides the energy our brains need to stay alert. When we’re running low on glucose, we have a tough time staying focused and our attention drifts. This explains why it’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach.1

Our bodies react to different types of foods in different ways. In other words, not all food is processed at the same rate. High-carb foods such as pasta, bread and sugary cereals, release glucose quickly. This results in a quick burst of energy, but then there is a slump. Even worse are desserts with loads of sugar—the sugar high and ensuing crash that mothers fear from their children often come after ingesting birthday cake!

High-fat meals provide more sustained energy, but require the digestive system to work harder, in effect, reducing oxygen levels in the brain and resulting in grogginess and lethargy. There’s a reason the big steak meal with all the fixings or that double cheeseburger and fries puts us into a food coma. Movement helps digestion; that’s why taking a brisk walk after a big meal can help to keep that heavy feeling at bay.

Research indicates that eating fruits and vegetables throughout the day isn’t simply good for the body—it’s also beneficial for the mind. A recent paper in British Journal of Health Psychology examined the way people’s food choices influenced their daily experiences. After 13 days of observation, the participants who consumed more fruits and vegetables (up to 7 portions daily) were visibly happier, more engaged and more creative than usual.Researchers concluded that because fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that support dopamine production, they support the experience of curiosity, motivation and engagement. Fruits and veggies are also high in antioxidants, which help to improve memory, enhance mood and support the immune system. 2

Ray Merrill, an editorial board member of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, found that those who opt for predominantly unhealthy food choices are 66% more likely to be less productive than those who actively make healthy choices.Professor Merrill contends that proper nutrition promotes increased cognitive function, better concentration, more energy and motivation and decreased depression and anxiety.3

Making consistently good food choices that help us perform at our highest levels requires discipline but can be made easier with a strategy. Here are a few tips on planning:

•          Make food choices early. Don’t wait until you are starving, which is when the worst food decisions are made. Plan when you are going to have your meals and decide in advance what you’ll be having.

•          The more you cook or assemble meals at home, the more control you have. So many people work remotely from their homes now that you actually have better odds of eating healthier and resorting to fast food restaurants less often.

•          Have healthy snacks at hand. A handful of nuts with a piece of fruit in between meals can be your best friend and ward off drops in blood sugar. The more active you are, the more important it is to supplement your main meals with snacks.

•          Be aware of foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar, and keep them to a minimum. Rule of thumb: stay with fresh produce, lean or vegetable-based proteins and whole grains.

The more we choose to eat healthy foods—the better we’ll do in school, at work and in life. And at Nikken, we have Kenzen® Nutrition to support us every step of the way.

1, 2 https://hbr.org/2014/10/what-you-eat-affects-your-productivity#:~:text=Why?,decisions%20about%20food%20is%20essential.

3 https://www.wellright.com/resources/blog/exploring-the-link-between-productivity-and-food-in-the-workplace

Smart Nutrition the Kenzen® Way

Published on by Nikken

September at Nikken is about smart nutrition: eating healthy food, choosing nutrient-dense ingredients in cooking, committing to whole foods rather than processed ones and avoiding refined pre-packaged items that contain added sugar and salt. With our hectic multi-generational family lifestyles, dietary or nutritional supplementation can make a big difference.

Here’s a summary of what Kenzen® Nutrition is designed to do:

•          Kenzen® Calcium Complex and Kenzen BDZ® work synergistically to support bone health.* Added minerals in the Calcium Complex enhance absorption, while BDZ acts as the perfect complement with patented vitamin K and its unique marine plant complex to support bone structure and strength.*

•          Kenzen® Joint is formulated with high potency cetyl myristoleate, combined with gluosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and boswelia plant compounds—to support joint movement and connective tissue repair.* A topical version is CM Complex Cream that contains the same naturally lubricating properties.

•          Pink Collagen Complex stands out with its naturally pink color and exceptional formulation. Blood peach, rose apple and beet root combine their rosy tint with antioxidant powers and pleasant flavor, so there’s no fishy taste to the powerful type 1 collagen derived from marine peptides.

•          Kenzen® Omega Green + DHA contains heart-healthy omegas 3, 6, and 9 in one formula! The vegan formula is plant-sourced from cranberry seed oil, flax seed oil and red algae. Supporting digestive, hormonal and nerve health, it also benefits eyes and the brain.* It’s a formula chockful of omega fatty acids that even vegans can enjoy!

•          Kenzen Bergisterol® aims to support cardiovascular health and immune response.* Made with an exclusive strain of the bergamot fruit, it is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoids.

•          Kenzen Super Ciaga® powder is a delicious way to support heart health, cellular functions and the immune system for overall well-being and natural energy levels.* It’s formulated with highly concentrated superfruits, such as maqui berry, elderberry, blackberry, raspberry and blueberry.

•          Kenzen® Immunity was providing immune support long before mushrooms became a trending topic.* Made with 14 different mushrooms, it is a standout in the market where supplements only contain single species or just a few.

•          Kenzen® Digestion 4-20 contains 20 different enzymes within the 4 categories of macronutrients: fats, proteins, carbs and fiber. This formula helps the digestive process by optimizing absorption of nutrients, allowing the body to convert fuel into energy.*

•          Kenzen® Cleanse & Detox supports the liver, which provides more than 500 functions!* This formula helps rid the body of toxins and other wastes, utilizing natural ingredients, such as organic chicory root, milk thistle and turmeric.

•          Kenzen Lactoferrin® 2.0 supports gut health while binding and transporting iron, so the body can absorb it.* The formula has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for overall health*.

•          Kenzen Jade Greenzymes® and Jade Greenzymes® Citrus are known as “nature’s perfect food.” That’s because organic barley grass has the full balance of enzymes needed to support healthy bones and tissue, skin elasticity and help maintain natural pH levels.*

•          Kenzen® Clarity supports cognitive function* with a fermented blend of ingredients. The formula is based on the gut-brain connection—fermentation helps absorption and digestibility of nutrients such as organic ashwagandha and organic bacopa leaf, supporting better memory, focus and concentration.*

•          Kenzen® Mega Daily 4 (in two formulas, one specifically for women and one for men) is a formulation of organic vegetables that provide the known types of water-soluble and fat-soluble antioxidants plus nutrients that support celluar function.*It offers gender-specific support for whole body renewal.*

•          Coming in October, new Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix contains 30% of the recommended daily allowance for protein in vegan form. MCTs support the brain while vitamins and minerals come from natural sources, making them more bioavailable. Prebiotics and probiotics promote effective digestion and absorption.*

Try smart nutrition the Kenzen® way for overall health and well-being—easy, effective and extraordinary.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Women’s Equality Then & Now

Published on by Nikken

In 1971, the Joint Resolution of Congress designated August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day in the United States. August 26 is the anniversary date of the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. The campaign for woman suffrage was long and hard—Black and women of other minorities still were not allowed to vote until much farther into the 20th century, due to discriminatory state voting laws. 

Now Women’s Equality Day is recognized as a day of national celebration. It commemorates the women’s suffrage movement and the work to secure and expand equal rights today. Women who are citizens of the U.S. vote in every state, regardless of cultural and religious groups they belong to.

Equality is not just about the right to vote. Currently, many organizations continue to fight for equality. There is still wage disparity. It is the most crucial inequality in the workplace and applies to virtually every industry. Even women athletes win smaller prizes for competing in the same sports as men.

The inequality in pay leads to another inequity: The Gender Equity Policy Institute has found that women, particularly women of color and single mothers, are more likely to spend more than a third of their income on housing. This is more than what economists and financial advisors consider reasonable to make other ends meet.1 Because women are more burdened by housing, they are more exposed to homelessness.

Gender-based violence continues to be prevalent. Worldwide, 35 percent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner or non-partner.2 Gender-based violence also occurs during war and in political situations.

There is still an education gap. In many countries, women are not allowed to pursue advanced education or even limited education. This is changing and in North America, there are even some large cities where more women are obtaining advanced education than men.

There is a general lack of access to affordable and adequate healthcare for all, but especially for women and those is underserved communities. Before 1993, women were rarely included in clinical trials, so even now, the medical field is not clear on how well many drugs and devices work on women due to gender bias. Women therefore experience adverse reactions to medications at twice the rate of men.3

Women have come a long way in obtaining equality but still have a long way to go. The Global Wellness Community is inclusive and welcomes one and all. Let’s spread the word and help sisterhood around the world.

1 https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2022-08-19/california-politics-housing-crisis-womens-issue-ca-politics

2 https://www.codehergirls.org/post/women-are-still-fighting-for-these-basic-rights-in-2021

3 https://www.aamc.org/news/why-we-know-so-little-about-women-s-health

On the Dogged Path to Success

Published on by Nikken

International Dog Day is August 26, and this is the perfect time to consider why most of us love dogs and what we can learn from them! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, homemaker, perennial student or budding philanthropist, you can become the best version of yourself by emulating your canine friend!

Dogs live in the present. They may recall the past but they focus on what is right here, right now. This way of life allows you to wholeheartedly devote energy to the activities at hand. When you live in the present, you are not blaming yourself or others for mistakes made in the past and fearing for what may come in the future. Instead, you are fully participating and making things happen, now.

Dogs thrive on routine. Eat, walk, sleep. Eat, play, sleep. In human terms, stick to a schedule. This requires discipline but it keeps you on task, whether you’re managing a household or building a business. There will always be needed breaks to the routine/schedule, but then a dog’s natural instinct is to return to the routine. At work, maintain a solid but flexible schedule and stay with it consistently.

Dogs are pack animals. In the wild, each member of the pack stays watchful and knows its  role. There may be competition but the alpha lays down the ground rules and usually has proven to be the most capable to lead. An alpha dog is brave and strategic and will do everything to take care of the pack. When parenting unruly teenagers or managing a sluggish sales team, be an alpha dog: be fair, supportive and clear with your directions—always lead by example and take of your family/organization.

Dogs are honest. What you see is really what you get. There is no pretense or facade. In human terms, honesty means being true to yourself and being authentic. Bosses who are transparent and honest inevitably create the most productive and loyal teams. Parents who don’t hide the truth from their kids create future adults who become their friends.

Dogs are curious. All that sniffing and digging is going to help them figure out what’s up! An important part of a dog walk is the smelling. It’s a sensory delight that elevates a dog’s mood. Have you noticed how children are so curious because there are so many things that are new to them? Grownups who keep this curiosity and are open to possibilities seem to become innovators, so don’t be a “know-it-all,” be a lifelong student who is willing to learn.

Nikken is celebrating 35 years in North America this October 18 and 19 in beautiful Long Beach, California. If you’re curious and want to experience what total health and wellness is about the Nikken way, early bird tickets are available through the end of August via our online shopping cart. Or, contact your local Nikken distributor.

Aging Well vs. Anti-Aging

Published on by Nikken

“Aging well” and “anti-aging” are different approaches to aging. Aging well focuses on the positive aspects of aging, such as a healthy diet and a fulfilling social life. Anti-aging focuses on preventative measures to slow down the appearance of aging, which also may involve a healthy diet and fulfilling social life but relies predominantly on external care and less on internal care.

The two perspectives on aging often depend on cultural biases. In many Asian countries such as Japan and China, age and signs of agingrepresent knowledge, wisdom, and respect. On the other hand, in some Western cultures, beauty is intertwined with youth—a factor that contributes to ageism. A report by the World Health organization (WHO) shows prejudice towards older people hinders the process of accepting old age.1

Skin care, personal care and other beauty products have been marketed over the years as ways to cover up the signs of aging. In fact, natural aspects of aging including wrinkles, less elastic skin, discoloration marks and so forth have been called “signs of premature aging.” The question is, when is aging considered “premature” vs. time-appropriate?

British scientist and researcher Aubrey de Grey, who studies aging from a biological standpoint, coined the terms “pro-aging” and “well-aging.” He is the author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging as well as Ending Aging, showcasing his embrace of aging as natural and positive.

Aging well calls for skin care, personal care and beauty products to serve as tools that celebrate each stage of life rather than attempting to disguise aging.2 Aging gracefully means different things to different people. Whether you’re looking to keep that youthful glow or just to take better care of yourself as you get older, here are some tips for aging well:

•  Help to regulate your nervous system. Nerves are the pathways that carry signals to and from your brain and the rest of your body, including skin cells.3 To help the nervous system operate smoothly, practice deep breathing, be in nature as much as possible, practice grounding, get plenty of restful sleep and maintain a positive state of mindfulness.

• Practice positive thinking. This seems like such a simple thing to do, but how many times do you catch yourself thinking poorly of yourself? Positive thinking begins with the self.

• Eat whole, nutrient-dense, mineral-rich foods focusing on antioxidants, fiber, greens, omega-3 fats and quality protein. Focus on foods that help to balance blood sugar levels, support a healthy and diverse microbiome and enhance efficient digestion. In other words, eat a wide range of colorful fruit and veggies with a healthy dose of lean protein.

• Drink filtered, mineral-rich water for effective hydration.

• Use natural skin care and personal care products as much as possible. This will help to decrease the number of chemicals you are exposed to. Try to incorporate natural alternatives to your cleaning products as well, for example, lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and mineral salt.

• Your sense of touch helps keep you feeling youthful. This is why petting a dog or cat can help reduce blood pressure. Rocking a baby, hugging a family member or friend—these acts are sensory aids that tend to foster feelings of well-being—similarly to massage.

Nikken products are inspired by nature, so whether you need to supplement your diet through Kenzen® nutrition, stay hydrated with PiMag® water or pamper yourself with True Elements® Marine Organic Skin Care, you can feel confident as you embrace aging well.

1, 2 https://shopsimpleorganic.com/blogs/simple-blog/pro-aging-well-aging-and-anti-aging-what-are-they-why-does-it-matter

3 https://sandythinnesbeautyflow.com

Smart Mindset

Published on by Nikken

Mindfulness has been trending for years. In 2018, The Courage to Be Disliked became a best seller. By Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, this book presents what can be perceived as a “smart mindset” with basic lessons each reader can choose to learn over time. Based on the teachings of the famous psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the lessons take place in the form of conversations between a young man and a philosopher.

Here are a few lessons from the book:
1. Happiness is a choice, not a result of external factors. We can find happiness within ourselves by taking responsibility for our own lives and decisions.

2. Understanding what our tasks are is crucial. We need to clearly separate our tasks from those that belong to others. Focus on our own tasks and avoid interfering in others. This is how we can decrease stress and conflict.

3. Adlerian psychology suggests that all problems are rooted in interpersonal relationships. Improving the quality of our relationships with others significantly enhances our mindset and mental well-being.

4. Self-acceptance leads to true self-esteem and confidence. Accept the flaws along with the strengths.

5. Rejecting comparisons with others will help us overcome any inferiority complex. Feelings of inferiority can drive us to strive for superiority, creating unhealthy behaviors that impact our relationships. This aligns closely with the self-acceptance mentioned above.

6. Live fully in the present moment. Don’t hold onto the past or worry about the future. A present mindset increases mindfulness and reduces anxiety.

7. Be brave enough to be disliked by others. Be true to yourself and make decisions based on our values, not based on receiving approval from others.

8. Setting clear cut goals can help us take positive action. Recognizing our goals can help us understand and create beneficial habits.

9. Contributing to society and feeling connected to others provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

10. Take responsibility. Acknowledge that our current circumstances are the result of our own choices and actions. We can always change and become who we want to be.

The Courage to Be Disliked is really about self-acceptance. As long as we are true to ourselves, we can like ourselves and continue evolving to become better. The lessons align closely to the Nikken Humans Being More philosophy as well as the Five Pillars of Wellness.