The Benefits of Finding Your Ikigai: How Purpose Enhances Your Well-being
There are many reasons why you should find your ikigai.
The Japanese ikigai, the concept of living a life with meaning and purpose, is finding its way into the Western world.
This idea, popularized by the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, has helped many individuals to find their unique place in this world, set goals, and work in a job they love.
But ikigai is more than just a career assessment—It has numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
This article will explore the numerous advantages of finding your ikigai, from physiological to emotional and psychological benefits.
What is Ikigai?
The Japanese word "ikigai" comes from the words "iki" (which means life), and "gai" which means "worth." Therefore, Ikigai means "life's worth," "reason for living," "life's purpose," "reason for being," etc. It is your motivation to get up in the morning or to look forward to the future.
Read our article: Understanding the Japanese Ikigai Concept: A Path to Finding Your True Purpose
In the Western world, most individuals familiar with the word ikigai associate it with a Venn diagram—the Ikigai chart. According to this diagram, an ikigai is the sum of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.
Physical and Psychological Benefits of Finding Your Ikigai
Finding your Ikigai Improves Physical Wellbeing
Numerous studies examine the physical benefits of ikigai. It is associated with positive health outcomes, from improving immune function to lowering the risk of disability in old age.
Although science still cannot explain this link, some studies suggest that individuals with a greater sense of purpose and meaning usually engage in healthier behaviors—exercising, refraining from smoking, etc.
Finding your Ikigai Reduces the Risk of Mortality
According to some studies, developing a sense of life worth living (ikigai) reduces mortality risk. Individuals without an ikigai had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and external causes of mortality.
Besides, the concept of ikigai is often associated with the Okinawa Islands at the southern end of Japan. These islands are famous for the longevity of their inhabitants. According to the book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and
Happy Life, there are far more centenarians than the global average. The exact rate is 24.55 people over the age of 100 for every 100,000 inhabitants.
Besides their strong social network, Okinawans have a firm sense of purpose—an ikigai. This trait may contribute to their longevity, positioning Okinawa as one of the world's Blue Zones, the areas with a higher life expectancy.
Finding your Ikigai Improves Mental Health
Finding your ikigai is not only beneficial for your physical health, but it also plays a role in improving your emotional and mental well-being.
According to a study, individuals with ikigai experience decreased depressive symptoms and hopelessness, as well as higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Besides, ikigai plays a role in overcoming stress and other psychological problems.
Finding your Ikigai Improves Social Well-being and Altruistic Behavior
Interestingly, ikigai has been associated with social activities, such as frequent participation in hobby clubs, and altruistic behaviors, including more frequent sharing of skills and experiences.
Finding your Ikigai Prevents Cognitive Decline
Some studies suggest that having ikigai is a significant factor for dementia prevention. Therefore, older populations will benefit from finding ikigai after retirement.
Finding your Ikigai Helps You to Know Yourself
Discovering your ikigai involves an exercise of self-reflection. By creating your ikigai chart, you ask yourself questions about what you like, your hobbies, skills, and abilities, and how you can positively impact the world.
Finding your Ikigai Makes Work Enjoyable
According to a global survey by Gallup, 85% of full-time workers worldwide are not engaged in their jobs. Finding your Ikigai and building a career based on it will make it more likely to work in a job you enjoy. The philosophy of ikigai allows making a living from one's passions while improving the world.
Ikigai Test: The Key to Find Your Ikigai
The Japanese ikigai, the notion of discovering meaning in life, is a groundbreaking perspective for those aspiring to find transcendence and a unique purpose. Living with a sense that life is worth living has been demonstrated to improve overall well-being and increase happiness.
Ikigai can be very helpful in finding direction in life. If you haven’t discovered your ikigai yet, you can benefit from effective tools to discover your mission.
Here at Ikigain, we want to offer you some strategies to help you know yourself better. Try our IKIGAIN: Self-Coach Cards, a playful activity crafted to find your ikigai through questions and simple tasks. You can also take the Ikigai Test, an assessment designed to clarify your purpose and align your career with your values.