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Do you lock yourself in a bathroom when you need a moment for yourself? Or you go for a walk, or a drive maybe?  Above all, do you feel content and relaxed while enjoying the solitude? If the answer to all of the above questions is “yes”, then you can consider yourself to be a lucky person. We have been exploring the stress-relief in Japan and the western world.

Stress-Relief in Japan

Maybe you have never thought about it, but there are people who are so overwhelmed with the stress of their daily lives, that they cannot even find a place to vent. Take Japan, for example. The country that has very strong work ethic. The Japanese have advanced thanks to its perseverance and resourcefulness. They even incorporated many positive methods into their working environment in many industries. This goes to unimaginable lengths. Imagine a self-serving checkout (or cash register) in supermarkets. Yes, they have it and they are using it regardless how tech-savvy they are.

However, not all is shiny in the country of the rising sun. Apparently, the workers are highly stressed. Japanese have even invented the term “karōshi” meaning “overwork death”. Occupational sudden mortality happens even today. The term originates from the 1970s when they noticed the rising number of people dying from strokes or heart attacks associated with work burnout. Working overtime is often considered a public service.

Regardless of the industry they are working in, everyone needs time to break free. Recently, media reported about the phenomenon that rent-a-car agencies in Japan noticed first.  Namely, they noticed that the mileage remained almost the same after renting the cars to drivers. What they found out was that people renting cars actually just needed some time for themselves during the day. They needed to get away from constant hectic lifestyle. Furthermore, renting cars in Japan seems to be quite affordable, around 400 YEN for half an hour, which is approximately US$3.70. Renting agencies operate 24/7.

Work Ethics and Work Burnout

The interesting part about this phenomenon is that large number of cars rented were used for simply having lunch in solitude during a lunch break. Or, hiding away from bullies and annoying bosses. Alternatively, working Japanese use rent-a-cars for setting up a small office. There were also the cases of using rent-a-cars for storage. All in all, it appears that strong work ethic often goes hand in hand with estrangement. Orix Auto Corp i Times24 Co are among the largest rent-a-car agencies in Japan. They reportedly claimed that one in eight cars does not move around or go anywhere when rented. People use them to sort out their thoughts, to take a nap during a break, to reset their minds, or to simply get away from other people.

The western world can hardly imagine that kind of dedication. We cannot even begin to understand it. Therefore, we should not judge it either. What we should do is take care of ourselves and try to find that special private spot where we can take a break from everything that causes stress. Spending time alone is healthy. It gives us an opportunity to rethink the circumstances, relationships and our own acts in order to become better people. Happier individuals. Therefore, more appealing to others, but above all – to ourselves. Once we learn to appreciate our own efforts and time, life will become easier and more enjoyable.

Tell us about your special getaway spots. Is it a bench in the park? A visit to your favorite café? Or maybe, a secluded viewpoint overlooking the city?

 

We are all eagerly waiting for summer vacation. If you can afford to travel abroad, your head would probably spin amid the plentiful offer. Depending on what your preferences are, you will get to choose from a variety of exotic islands to city getaways. We explored hot and affordable destinations.

If you are into good food, there is no cuisine like the Mediterranean one. In case you like adventure, Central or Latin America can be a good choice. Either way, the chances are you would like to get the most out of your vacation experience for the least money possible. These are some of the destinations that work quite well for both well-off and regular guys.

Bali

The trip to Bali takes time and money. Nevertheless, once you are there, you will see that the place is incredibly inexpensive. Simultaneously, it offers incredible natural beauty. Even if you prefer 5-star hotels, the rates are way lower than at some other popular destinations. For example, a night in one of the popular hotels costs approximately between $150 and $220.

Now, the good part. In case you are not addicted to extreme luxury, you can enjoy the quite a classy experience in one of the rented apartments or houses for as low as $14 a night. As for daily costs, they range from $4.00 to $8.00. The Western meals cost a bit more, but not significantly.

Additional activities, such as diving, for example are available for $6.00 or $7.00. Looking for even more affordable vacation? Try heading from the south to the inland areas of Bali.

Thailand

Regardless of the fact Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for years, it has maintained relatively affordable prices. For the best possible rates, try avoiding the most popular spots. That way, you would be able to get by with $2.00 to $4.00 daily. A simple room costs between $5.00 and $8.00. The average cost of a heavy meal is $4.50.

Greece

Greece is a beautiful place by itself and you cannot go wrong whichever spot you choose. However, in order to save up on some serious money, make sure to avoid Mikonos. It can be quite expensive. Justified, but expensive. In general, Greek islands are more expensive than mainland. However, there are plenty islands to choose from, and many of those are quite affordable.

Greece is lovely in September as well. Therefore, if you wish to save even more money, check out the September deals. The rates are way lower than in high season, which is July and August.

Greece offers a variety of hotels. However, you should know that a 5-star hotel in Greece although quite good, does not contain all amenities and services that hotels of the same rank offer in Turkey, for example. Or Bali, for that matter. Hence, make sure to check the detailed offer in advance.

Furthermore, you can always choose one of the quite affordable studios for your stay in Greece. In September, which is still hot in Greece, a nice room can cost you approximately $17.00 a night. The famous gyros is available for less than $3.00. Greece is famous for a lamb dish, which can be found for the price of app. $10.00.

 

Travelling abroad this Summer? Looking forward to hearing your experiences.

There is nothing more challenging in human relationships than telling if the bond is honest and mutually trustworthy. Choosing a partner can be complicated on its own, let alone making the newly added member fit into the well-established routine and circle of family and friends. How to tell if your relationship affects your friendships is the right question.

You fell in love and think your partner is the most mesmerizing person in the world. However, your friends disagree. You are obviously wearing rose-colored glasses. Good for you! However, in order to keep friends by your side you should consider some of the following aspects every now and then.

Try More Balanced Time Scheduling

It is OK to be eager to spend large amounts of time with your significant other.  However, remember that spending time apart can sometimes do wonders for people in love. And who better to spend that time with than your friends? The phrase that “distance makes hearts grow fonder” was invented for a reason. Solitude can also provide the opportunity to reset your mind and take a closer look at your decisions and acts. The basic self-check can come in handy from time to time.

We know that falling in love is all about emotions and very little reasonable thinking. Nevertheless, keep in mind that your friends have been around for a long time, and for a reason. If you had chosen them to be your friends, you must have valued their opinions. There is no reason not to continue valuing them once you fall in love.  Let them be your correction factors.

Make Sure Not to Be Too Focused on Your S.O. in Conversation

Your friends are there to share the news and offer a shoulder to cry on. They are among the first persons to learn about your adventures, doubts, and so on. However, try not to be boring. Although friends usually like to hear about it, they also like to comment on other topics. Remember the things you used to analyze over and over again before you were struck by love? Or the common interests you had, even if it meant carelessly staring at … well, whatever. There is life apart from your new partner. And there is another part of you that needs to feel independent in order t be able to love. The best advice we heard of was not to give up on oneself.

Be Aware of Early Signs of Abusive Relationship

As we have said earlier in the text, it is fine to want to spend all the time in the world with your romantic partner. Nevertheless, one thing to watch out for is the early sign of abusive behavior.

Manipulators are masters in making you believe that giving up on your friendships was originally your idea. This is serious. No one has the right to isolate you from either friends or family. Regardless of the reasons. If someone deserves that you turn your back on him or her, it should truly be your own decision. Moreover, a large warning sign is the moment when you start to feel bad in a relationship. Friends can help you out in situations like that one. If you feel that your self-esteem is getting lower by the day, turn to your friends. If they are your genuine friends, they would know what advice to give you and will always have your back.

Observe How Your Friends React to Your Partner

Although you may think there is no reason in the world for someone not to like your S.O., someone may find him or her repulsive. Observe how your friends are treating your partner. The important distinction you should make here is whether they do not like your plus one or they do not like the way you behave in his or her company. Either way, it is a challenging situation.

If it is the latter, you should go back to the first advice stated above and refer to solitude and introspection. It is important to keep the character features that make you who you are. If you are changing, it should be for the better.

In case your friends simply do not like your partner, you should consider their reasons. If you do not find them legitimate, then the only thing left to do is avoid the situations where the meeting between your friends and your partner is possible. This will complicate your life, for sure. Eventually, one day, you will most probably, need to choose.

 

Do you let your relationships influence your friendships?