Forget the dining chair — Japan’s traditional floor-sitting style might actually be better for your health 🙌 It aids digestion, keeps your spine aligned, helps prevent overeating, and could even support longevity. Bonus? It naturally improves posture and keeps your body strong 💪 Would you give up your chair for a mat? Full list of benefits — in this article 👇
Today in Japan, people mostly use modern furniture and dishes, and they’re used to eating at a table. But whenever they can, many still prefer to sit on the floor and eat the traditional way. This isn’t just an old habit—our team notes that it’s actually a helpful and healthy practice.
Helps with digestion
Sitting on your knees or cross-legged on the floor is known in yoga as the “easy pose.” It puts your stomach in a good position to work properly. When you lean forward to eat, it even gives your belly a light massage, which helps digestion.
Prevents overeating
When you eat while sitting like this, your body sends signals to your brain more clearly. Your stomach can let your brain know you’re full faster, which helps stop you from eating too much.
Eases pressure on your back
Sitting in chairs for long periods isn’t great for your body—including during meals. But when you switch to sitting on a tatami mat or the floor, the weight on your lower back is spread out better, helping your back stay healthy.
Can help you live longer
People who can sit down and stand up from the floor without using their hands are often in better shape than others. Doing this kind of simple movement every day keeps the body strong and may even help you live longer.
Supports spine health
Chairs were created to help people work at desks, not to support natural posture. Sitting in them for too long puts the spine in a position that can cause problems. That’s why it’s better to spend less time in chairs when possible.
Improves posture
It’s hard to slouch when you’re sitting on the floor—it’s just uncomfortable. On the other hand, sitting in a chair often leads to bad posture. Eating on the floor naturally encourages a straighter back and helps keep your posture in check.
Connects body and mind
Sitting on the floor is also part of yoga traditions. It helps you feel more in tune with your body and mind. When your mind is clear, it’s easier to understand what and how much food your body really needs.
Do you agree with this? Feel free to share your thought in the comments!
