As 2026 begins, many people in Japan are carrying over stress from the previous year that has built up but not yet been released. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and long hours fuel the sense of being constantly switched on, making it difficult to see the positives in life.
Surveys from the Cabinet Office show that more than half of households feel uncertain about the year ahead, especially financially. That uncertainty often sits in the background of daily life, weighing heavily on families and individuals alike.
But when people talk about what actually helps them feel grounded, the answers are often simpler than they appear.
Time with the people they care about, small routines that provide structure and meaning to the week, moments outdoors, and opportunities to slow down without feeling guilty. These are not big goals or resolutions. These are everyday habits that are also free.
This year, instead of adding pressure to improve, we invite you to choose one thing you can return to throughout the year. Something steady. Something that supports your happiness without costing anything.
Here are some suggestions
A weekly walk in a nearby park
Calling a friend or family member once a week
Eating one meal slowly and without distractions
Setting aside ten minutes to breathe before the day begins
Keeping one day each month for rest or connection
As the year unfolds, be gentle with yourself. Take notice of what helps. Share the year’s ups and downs with people you trust.
And if things feel heavy or unclear, TELL is here to talk.
Sources:
1. Public Opinion Survey on the Life of the People (Cabinet Office, 2024)
https://survey.gov-online.go.jp/202412/r06/r06-life/gairyaku.pdf
2. News Summary of the Same Survey (Barrier Free Japan / Jiji)
https://barrierfreejapan.com/2024/12/21/record-78-percent-in-japan-feel-anxious-government-survey-shows/
3. Monthly Economic Report Executive Summary (Cabinet Office, Nov 2024)
https://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai3/getsurei-e/2024nov.html
4. Survey on Satisfaction and Quality of Life (Cabinet Office, 2025)
https://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai2/wellbeing/manzoku/summary25_eng.pdf
5. Statistical Handbook of Japan 2024 (Prices and Household Expenditure)
https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/pdf/2024all.pdf
6. Long Working Hours and Mental Health in Japan (RIETI, 2023)
https://www.rieti.go.jp/jp/publications/dp/23e069.pdf
7. Social Participation and Life Satisfaction in Japan (Open Medicine Journal, 2025)
https://openmedicinejournal.com/VOLUME/12/ELOCATOR/e18742203432106/PDF/