8 Ways to achieve the Aloha Lifestyle

The Hawaiian phrase "Malama aina" probably best describes the Hawaiians' strong bond with their nature. Literally translated, it means "respect for the earth". The earth provided food, nutrients, and our livelihood, so the indigenous people saw it as their duty to ensure in return that all future generations could live off the abundance of natural resources. There was a deep bond and balance between humans and the environment.

It is precisely this bond with nature that we have lost in our fast-paced world. No wonder, then, that ecological problems are becoming more and more widespread. We have literally alienated ourselves from nature - our basis of life. Yet nature and our happiness are closely linked. Former Hawaii Psychological Association President Darryl Salvador, Psy.D., said, "Spending time in nature allows us to connect with something bigger than ourselves, and our need for belonging is strengthened, which in turn increases our happiness. Whether you live in a cold or tropical climate, enjoy your time in nature. Don't just walk or hike through it, breathe it into your lungs and pores."

If you want to live according to Aloha, it is therefore important to reconnect with the nature around you. In doing so, however, you don't have to go to the deepest wilderness. You can find nature all around you. In every forest, in every park, in every houseplant or even in people themselves. To build a living relationship with the environment, you have to acknowledge it as part of yourself.  

But how can I apply this to my everyday life?

Find a place near your home that is as natural as possible. This could be the bank of a river, a bench in the park, a clearing in the forest or a meadow. Visit this place regularly, for example three times a week. Spend 45 minutes there. Be there in the here and now and experience how the senses adjust to and sensitize themselves to this pristine environment.

Spending time in nature not only strengthens your relationship with the earth, but also your well-being. Did you know that people who regularly spend time in nature cure illnesses more quickly? For example, some mental illnesses can be treated better with a walk in the forest than with medication.

2. Slow down and Live in the Moment

Hawaii is light and airy, so let yourself drift. Take a walk or visit a lake near you. Sit in the shade of a tree, take a deep breath, and enjoy the wind, the sun or feel the air on your skin. Hawaiians are known for their relaxed and slow lifestyle. They live according to the so-called "Hawaii time".

So, try not to make plans. Sometimes it's better to just take the day as it comes. 

The hips too chubby, the nose too big and the career isn't taking off. Forget these visible flaws and instead try to find three things you like about yourself every day. Because self-love is an important prerequisite for your happy life.

What you can do:

- Analyze your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving your strengths.

- Pay attention to your own needs and express them.

- Be happy about all successes, even the small ones.

- Stop comparing yourself with others

- Take time for yourself, take a bath or read a book.

The "ohana" translated as "family" is the main component of Hawaiian life. All people who enrich your life, inspire you and make you a better person belong to the ohana. At celebrations and events, the so-called "calabash cousins", i.e. close friends who are treated like family members, are invited. The family provides emotional and psychological support. Spending time with family gives you a sense of belonging, relieves stress and helps you build your identity.

Even strangers should be treated with the kindness they deserve, and the world will return that kindness to you. If you live by Aloha, you have a better chance of finding the perfect balance in your life. This does not always mean that there will be no conflicts, but it does mean that you will have a tangible peace of mind despite all the challenges that come your way.

Optimism is not about pushing away all bad experiences. It is rather a training to be in the here and now and to approach change with an open mind. Positive thinking has many benefits for our lives. It makes you healthier, leads to greater professional and personal success, boosts self-confidence, makes you open to new things and ultimately makes you happier.

For tips on how to spend your life happier, feel free to visit our blog post: " How to be happy? 9 habits for a happier and healthier life".

A study by the University of Johannesburg has found that people had healthier feet before the invention of shoes. This is because when we wear shoes, the natural mechanism of the feet is affected. The tendons and muscles regress and the sense of balance deteriorates.

Barefoot walking stimulates the reflex zones (sensitive nerve endings) of your feet. This increases the negative electrons in the body, which keep the free radicals in the body under control. These are mostly responsible for pain, fatigue, sleep disorders, autoimmune diseases and inflammation. You also strengthen the muscles, ligaments, tendons and ankles of your feet and posture. Unfortunately, it is not as easy for us to leave the house without shoes as it is in Hawaii. Since your feet first have to get used to the new exertion, you should not overdo it at the beginning and walk barefoot for only one hour per day. For those with sensitive feet, there are also barefoot shoes that protect the foot from the ground.

Open-mindedness means being receptive to a variety of ideas, arguments and information. It is a necessary skill to think critically and rationally. This does not mean that open-mindedness is necessarily easy. Openness to new ideas and experiences can sometimes lead to confusion when we learn new things that contradict existing beliefs. The ability to change and revise outdated or false beliefs is an important part of learning and personal development.

For example, if your days become monotone, why not add some variety to it with spontaneous restaurant visits, walks, cookouts, or maybe learn a new skill. This is a simple and realistic approach!

How to be more open:

- Step out of your comfort zone. Even if you are afraid of such situations, you should slowly get used to new situations. For example, try one new thing every week. After a while, it won't be so difficult for you.

- Stay social. Make new friends and approach strangers. You will get more exposure to new opportunities and try new things more often.

- Don't be afraid to ask questions. Questions are the most effective way to gain new experiences and understanding.

The sound of Hawaii is unmistakable. From the enchanting, beachy melodies to the falsetto vocals. When you turn on these sounds, you are immediately transported to the islands. The neurotransmitter dopamine is primarily responsible for this feeling of elation. When this substance is released in the brain, listening to music makes us happier on the one hand and causes a kind of addiction on the other.

So go out and spread your aloha to the world. Because a little aloha never hurt anyone. :)