by T.Shaffer

Created on: March 06, 2008

We as Americans are not immune to stress. Often times, we may not exhibit that we are stressed but the stress of our personal life and the environment we live in can have its toll on our psychological well-being. Therefore it is important to know how to cope with everyday stress, and perhaps we can take cue or two from how people do it around the world.

Japan

Even though soaking in the tub more than once a day might sound too good to be true for an average American, In Japanese customs it is typical to relax more than once a day by taking a warm bath. Also it is a common among Japanese people to often visit communal bath houses for a relaxing soak. A traditional Japanese tub is crafted from a wood called "Hinoki", which is a sweet scented wood that generates a calming effect. Even though Hinoki is rare in the United States, we can find Hinoki in oil form.
According to Body and Soul magazine, another way Japanese people keep stress in check is by practicing kampo, which is a medicinal system that is primarily involved with herbs. The Japanese practices this by detoxifying their body by incorporating kelp in to one's diet. Kelp is a nutrient rich sea weed is known to have cancer fighting properties and therefore is known to be filled with antioxidants.
Another interested way the Japanese cope with stress is by embracing the Wabi-Sabi which centers on finding the beauty in simple things. This might be a good start for most housewives as the Wabi-Sabi calls for letting go of the desire to have a perfect house where everything is new and in fashion. Instead, embracing nature and simple imperfections are encouraged.

India
India is well known for mastering the art of relaxation, which is yoga. I have several close Indian friends and when I posed the question, right away their answer was yoga. "People in India don't typically take yoga classes like here" says Jain a PhD student at Medical University of Ohio, "people just like to practice it at home, usually right before dawn and we believe that doing yoga along with meditation helps you not only to relax but also to focus your mind."
Another way of relaxation is achieved by playing a popular sport called cricket. Cricket to Indians is like football to Americans. Even though women don't usually participate in this sport, they too engage in the sport by watching and supporting their spouses and male colleagues.

France
French people typically incorporate socializing as means of relaxation. Family plays an important role

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