Blue Zones Conversations: The Secret to a Happy, Healthy Life with Anna Cortesi

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Perhaps you are familiar with the Japanese concept called Ikigai (生き甲斐, pronounced [ikiɡai]) that means ‘ reason for being”. On my second visit to Japan I went to Okinawa seeking the secret to wellness. The locals helped me understand that living a healthy and happy life is not about finding your passion and eating green salad, omega-3s and strawberries. For them, Ikigai is about discovering the reason you wake up in the morning and the joy of giving back. 

Located off the coast of Japan, Okinawa is also known as one of the five” blue zones” in the world, where locals treat food as medicine and live longer, healthier, happier lives than the rest of us. Women who celebrated their first 100th birthday already, stay active and focus on physical activity. Okinawa lifestyle and diet, believed to be the source of locals’ longevity, who are known for living long, happy lives, include mindful eating, and enjoying meals which are high in carbs but low in calories and fat.