Pendulum Magazine

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HITTING MUNG || A Korean Wellness Trend and How It Helps With Stress Relief in a Busy City

Hitting mung is a cool South Korean wellness trend where you essentially kick back and relax by immersing yourself in nature, tuning into soothing sounds, or simply jotting down your thoughts. 

Even Green Lab, a popular cafe amongst the younger generation, located near the Seoul Forest, has been featured in multiple local reports for having a spectacular and steady view of the surrounding neighbourhood. Cafes like this across South Korea oftentimes offer blank pieces of paper and stationery for users to write down their thoughts and letters to themselves over the drinks and snacks. As mentioned in the Seattle Times, people lack the time to de-stress after a long day of work and would pay for some free time when they can space out, stare at nature, and reflect on themselves.

It's a stress-relief hack that won't put a dent in your wallet, and you can do it virtually anywhere, even in the heart of a bustling city. Urbanites appreciate it because it's a hassle-free method to unwind and enhance their overall well-being. Moreover, you can seamlessly incorporate it into your busy schedule without any hassle.

Curious about how it works? Well, you don't have to engage in any physical activity to enjoy its benefits. Focusing on something calming, such as ocean waves or rustling leaves, can put your mind at ease and evoke warm, fuzzy feelings.

Looking far out also helps your eyes focus on something instead of your computer or phone screen. It’s also the perfect time for your eyes to get some rest from the blue light.

Here are several benefits to hitting mung:

  • It can help to quiet the mind and promote mindfulness. The repetitive nature of hitting mung can help to focus the mind and reduce ruminative thoughts. This can be especially helpful for people who live in busy cities, as they are often bombarded with stimuli and distractions.

  • It can help to improve sleep quality. When the mind is calm and relaxed, it is easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Hitting mung can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. This can be especially beneficial for people who live in busy cities, as they often have difficulty sleeping due to stress and noise.

  • It can help to boost mood and emotional well-being. Hitting mung can help to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Additionally, the act of taking care of oneself can help to improve one's self-esteem and sense of well-being. This can be especially important for people who live in busy cities, as they can often feel overwhelmed and stressed.

Whether you’re on your lunch break or ride home from work, this is the perfect time to take a moment and visualize peace.

If you're navigating life in a bustling city, here's how to engage in hitting mung:

  1. Seek out a serene spot, far from the urban hustle and bustle.

  2. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

  3. Visualize yourself in a peaceful setting, like a beach or a forest.

  4. Tune in to relaxing sounds, such as waves or birds.

  5. Imagine all your stress floating away.

  6. Continue to breathe and soak in the tranquil vibes until you feel rejuvenated.

But hold on, there's more to mung-hitting in the city, especially if you need a quick break from the fast-paced city life.

  1. Bring noise-cancelling headphones to work or school for quick mung sessions.

  2. Download a nature sounds app for your phone to take your relaxation on the go.

  3. Sneak into a nearby park during your lunch break to recharge.

  4. If you're commuting, play some calming tunes or watch nature videos to transform your daily grind into a daily unwind.

In a nutshell, hitting mung is your effortless way to shed stress and enhance your well-being, regardless of your location in the big city. It's accessible, affordable, and suitable for anyone, anytime.