# 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.
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.
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