Hey besties! Living in Seoul is amazing, but wow, the ‘pali-pali’ (hurry, hurry!) culture can really get to you sometimes. Between classes, part-time jobs, and trying to keep up with the latest trends, it’s easy to feel drained. That’s why I got super excited when I heard about a simple wellness philosophy from a respected Korean psychiatrist named Dr. Moon Yo-han. He says the key to feeling young in both body and mind comes down to three things: Walking, Reading, and Emptying.
It sounds almost too simple, right? But he insists that mastering these three little habits can totally change your life. Let’s dive into what he means!
Step 1: Walk (걷기) – More Than Just Steps
Okay, so we all know walking is good exercise. But Dr. Moon’s point is a little deeper. It’s about unplugging your brain from the digital world and connecting with your physical surroundings. Think of it as a moving meditation. Here in Seoul, so many people love walking along the Han River or through one of our beautiful parks to clear their heads after a long day. It’s not about hitting 10,000 steps; it’s about giving your mind a chance to breathe and wander freely while your body moves. It totally melts the stress away!
Step 2: Read (읽기) – Feed Your Mind
When was the last time you read a book without getting distracted by your phone? Guilty! Dr. Moon emphasizes reading as a way to nourish our minds, just like we nourish our bodies with food. It’s a way to escape, learn something new, and see the world from a different perspective. It slows down our anxious thoughts and replaces them with stories and ideas. Instead of endlessly scrolling through social media, he suggests carving out a little time each day to get lost in a good book. It’s like a mini-vacation for your brain.
Step 3: Empty (비우기) – The Art of Letting Go
This one might be the most important and the most ‘Korean’ concept of the three. ‘Biugi’ (비우기) means ‘to empty.’ It can be taken literally, like decluttering your room, which totally helps clear your mind. But it also means emptying your mind of worries, grudges, and negative thoughts. This could be through journaling, meditating for a few minutes, or just consciously deciding to let go of something that’s been bothering you. It’s about creating space in your mind for positive things to grow. It’s a total mental detox, and it feels amazing!
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, maybe give this a try! Take a short walk without your phone, pick up a book, and take a few deep breaths to ’empty’ your mind. It’s the simple, kind-to-yourself secret I’m definitely adding to my routine!
