A brief introduction to this topic:
As I explained in the first issue of Master Your Health:
I came into contact with the notion of Ikigai while finishing this work, while watching Dan Buettner's documentary on Netflix about the Blue Zones, regions with the highest longevity rates in the world: the researcher concluded that some of the communities that live the longest and with the best quality of life have in common the establishment and practice of Ikigai by each of their individuals.
Ikigai is about finding your purpose in life and turning it into the motivation that gets you up every morning, pushing you to do your best every day and sustaining you in difficult times, like a lighthouse on the edge of the ocean.
Decades ago, I identified my Ikigai as helping those I work with to have better health, in the most natural way possible. A long time ago, I felt that this ideal would be crowned by making a complete, educational and useful book available, free of charge. Today, that goal has been achieved. - Thank you, God.
They say that life is only complete and full once you've planted a tree, written a book (in my case, nine) and had a daughter... Added to a great love and Ikigai, for me, mission accomplished!
My tip, then, is: find YOUR Ikigai - there are lots of videos and materials on the internet that can help you on this journey; with purpose and by applying what I've taught in this book, your life is much more likely to be happy and healthy!
What you need to do:
The first step is to identify and live according to your Ikigai - what brings meaning to your life and generates motivation to move forward. It arises at the intersection between what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs and what you can be and feel rewarded for.
*Ikigai goes beyond personal satisfaction and financial reward; it can also include voluntary service or activities that bring purpose and meaning, even without generating income.
Why is this important?
Ikigai is a common element in the world's longest-lived and healthiest communities, according to studies such as those in the so-called “Blue Zones”. Having a sense of purpose improves mental health, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system and can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as bringing countless other health benefits to the body as a whole. People who live with a strong sense of purpose tend to have greater longevity and quality of life, and are less likely to adopt or maintain unhealthy habits.
How to do the basics:
- Reflect on your passions and talents.
- Identify activities that provide satisfaction and also benefit other people.
- Find a balance between what you enjoy doing and what can support you financially.
- Develop your spirituality and strengthen your social connections to reinforce your purpose.
- Most importantly, align as many aspects of your life as possible with your Ikigai on a daily basis - knowledge, focus, thoughts, goals, behaviors and habits. Everything that brings you closer to an “Ikigai of Good” naturally contributes to your physical, mental, spiritual and social health.
More advanced aspects:
- Practice gratitude daily to strengthen your connection with your Ikigai.
- Avoid distractions and purposeless tasks that divert you from your path.
- Seek knowledge and continuous learning to align your daily activities with your Ikigai.
- Get involved in communities and groups that share values aligned with your purpose.
- Professional, routine and even family dynamic changes may be necessary to align with your Ikigai - remember that.
How I do it (or advise my patients):
- Use tools to identify and confirm your Ikigai. There are several books on the subject, as well as excellent materials and videos available on the internet.
- Adopt and maintain a more stoic attitude to life. Get to know the foundations and precepts of Stoicism and apply them to the full in your daily life.
- Watch the documentary “How to Live to 100: The Secrets of the Blue Zones” on Netflix.
A brief report of a REAL CASE:
The patient was about 40 years old, female, with good lifestyle habits in general, but with some minor symptoms that weren't improving enough, even with good supplementation, hormonal rebalancing and even some medication. After a detailed consultation, she reported that she had a good job, with a secure and solid career, but that she didn't feel fulfilled, especially after having recently been forced to adopt behaviors she didn't agree with - and felt that this aggravated her general symptoms.
A few months later, she returned for a check-up, visibly better and radiant, practically symptom-free. He attributed his improvement to the fact that he had passed the entrance exam for another university course, in a completely different area of activity from his current one, which gave him a new purpose in life.
Português do Brasil 
English 