Times Of TIU

Writer: Yukinobu N.
Editor: Natsumi K.
Translator: Natsumi K.

This month’s theme is “May Sickness.” As for this article, I would like to share some insight into the hidden risks of May Sickness in daily life and suggest habits for creating a “good awakening” as a way to combat it.

1. May Sickness from a Japanese Social Perspective

In Japan, there tends to be a rise in May Sickness, and its causes can be broadly categorized into two main factors: social and cultural.

Social factors refer to the environment that influences individual and group thoughts and behaviors. To be precise, in Japan, one notable trait is the culture of “reading the room,” which means understanding things without being explicitly told. This mindset often leads to passive communication and pressure to conform, which in turn can become a source of stress. In both school and work, everyone restarts at once after holidays, which can create pressure for those who feel they’re falling behind.

For the Cultural factors, it refers to the influence of values, customs, and traditions. These include language, religion, family views, social hierarchy, and traditions. In Japan, mental health issues or stress are often viewed as signs of “weakness” or “lack of perseverance.” For example, the idea that “persistence is a virtue” can discourage people from taking breaks or asking for help. This makes it harder for people to casually discuss their health or seek support.

Therefore, we can see that the underlying views on life and work in Japan are deeply connected to the occurrence of May Sickness. It is largely a result of Japan’s unique social and cultural environment.

Meanwhile in the U.S., there is a similar concept known as burnout, but it is slightly different. Burnout doesn’t occur during a specific time of year; instead, it results from long-term stress due to overwork or pressure. The key difference between the two countries lies in the public perception and societal openness towards mental health.

Another hidden risk in daily life is social media or SNS. With easier access to others’ personal lives through the internet, people tend to compare themselves, which can lead to decreased self-esteem and a negative cycle. As a side effect of this information accessibility, people may mistakenly treat what they see online as a standard, leading to harmful comparisons. It’s important to develop digital literacy and the ability to critically assess whether what’s shown online is real or not. How we interact with the digital world should be a conscious decision we each make.

2. Habits That Support a Healthy Mind

May is a season with great weather, making it ideal for taking walks or spending time in nature—both of which can help you relax. Under the theme “Good Mornings Begin with Good Habits,” here are a few small tips I’d like to introduce.

〇 Smartphone Settings
Start by reducing your phone’s screen brightness and activating blue light reduction mode about an hour before bed to minimize eye strain. Nowadays, there are also screen protectors that filter blue light.

Next, think about your alarm sound. While default ringtones work fine, Apple devices, for example, come preloaded with a variety of tones. I personally use “Kettle.” You can also set your favorite music as your alarm, which might help make mornings less gloomy.

〇 Interior Design Tips

Indirect lighting is key. Similar to your phone’s screen brightness, exposing your eyes to bright lights before bed can reduce sleep quality and harm vision. I recommend using warm-colored indirect lighting, which helps conserve energy and calms the brain. A bedside lamp can also double as a reading light. Adding some greenery or houseplants to your room can also help you relax and improve your quality of life.

〇 Daily Routines

Light stretching or a quick face massage can help reduce fatigue. Just five minutes a day can make a difference in physical and facial balance—try looking up a routine and give it a go. Drinking herbal tea or warm tea before bed is also a great way to relax mentally. In the morning, drinking a glass of  water or warm water can help regulate your body clock.

1. Facing May Sickness Together

Humans naturally feel more confident when we experience a sense of achievement. The key is to start with small, achievable goals. Building up these small successes can lead to stronger self-confidence.

At Tokyo International University, we have a Student Counseling Center that is available by appointment. It is open on weekdays (Monday–Friday) during the semester at both campuses. The service is available both in person and online, which is convenient for students. To make an appointment, please use the Google Form or email: counseling@tiu.ac.jp.

The center is open for anything—from minor worries to private matters. All consultations are confidential, so please feel safe using the service.

In this article, we explored the current state of May Sickness in Japanese society and shared tips to be mindful of in daily life. We hope this article helps you reflect on your own lifestyle. We sincerely wish for every student to enjoy a happy and healthy university life.