The Best (Wellness) Things in life are FREE in 2023
Greetings 4am Fitness Crew.
Some things in life are still free
I can see your eyes rolling … “Free?”
I can empathize with your cynicism. We have totally bought into the idea that our joy and fulfillment is some commoditize item waiting to be found on a google search.
But as our 4am Fitness Crew sacred space is filled with free (emotional) goodies – so too is life after 4am. So much of what we need to live our best lives – 4am and beyond - is free, abundant and easily accessible. And yes, this saying has been repeated, but we also have repeatedly ignored this truism; the best things in life are free. Let us commit to making 2023 the year we fully embrace the freedom and freeness of our wellness journey.
So, put away your credit card and liberally embrace these treasured wellness freebies.
Friendship
Hey, I really love my family – unconditionally, but there is something about friendship. You consciously, deliberately choose your friends. These angels who come from nowhere and you embrace them and they you. Many of our friendships go way back and are as enduring and protective and steadfast as an immoveable rock. Some friends are more recent and are as reliable and supportive and reassuring as the morning sun. But all our friends are priceless treasures. Comforting us in our sadness, reveling in our achievements, encouraging us through our doubts, speaking truth to us when no one else dares or cares to. And loving us still.
FREE suggestion: pick up the phone and call a far-away friend you have not spoken to in a while. I assure you, ten minutes into the call – you will be lol like you were back in 10th grade.
Laughter
As kids we were always laughing. Laughing is just something kids do all the time. Childhood has that instinctive joy - the joy that comes from not having to pay a mortgage, go to a job, all while not having to balance such weighty matters as, squeezing in that yoga class at the gym. Adulthood can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and we often relate to laughter as a scarce commodity. But it is not. And it is still totally free.
4am Fitness Crew, laughter is as important to our health as our early morning workout and the smoothie that nourishes us afterwards. Please check out my “Best” smoothie recipe. “Best” might be a little exaggeration – but check it out. Ok, back to this blog.
Laughter releases stress.
Laughter improves heart function.
Laughter relieves pain.
Laughter boosts our immune system.
Laughter relaxes our body and our mind.
Free suggestion: Surround yourself with friends, family and colleagues who uplift and value humor.
Ensure your music, movies, books, and social media are flavored with laughter.
Sleep
Imagine this trifecta of joy: a wonderful evening with friends that was full of laughter, followed by a blissful night’s sleep. Priceless! Nothing even comes close to a good night’s sleep. You get up full of energy and optimism. From your 4am Fitness Crew hour and throughout the day, a quality night’s sleep is that FREE wellness gift that keeps on giving (Check out our blog on sleep and fitness).
FREE suggestion: Skip alcohol, tobacco, and caffeinated products close to bedtime. Also, turn off the TV and unplug from social media one or two hours before bedtime. If it helps put on relaxing music and be prepared for a priceless experience. If you are consistently experiencing problems sleeping, contact your physician.
Love
Yes, I agree with John, Paul, George, and Ringo, “All you need is love.” We are at our happiest when feeling, giving, articulating, and accepting love. In the presence of love, we feel secure, accepted and emotionally nourished. Aww love, like a child on Christmas morning I wish you to never leave.
I am told there are many different types of love; from sharing a passionate kiss with one’s lover to walking on freshly fell spring leaves with your faithful canine; from sharing an evening of boisterous laughter with cherish friends, to a heartfelt morning greeting to one’s neighbor. Yes, love is indeed a “many varied thing.”
It is not an oversimplification; love invigorates our bodies, our relationships, and our communities. Reject Hate! Embrace Love!
FREE suggestion: Often someone slips through the cracks in our deliberate expression of love. And we often live to regret it – not expressing that sentiment. Find that person; “I love and appreciate you.”
Gratitude
A couple days ago, I was watching an Australian comedy-drama, “Five Bedrooms” and the scene that unfolded was, the plumbing in the house busted, with total confusion ensuing among the housemates. Not surprisingly, chaos rarely leads to solutions – only more drama – until one of the characters shouts above the futility – “let us express gratitude” – or something like that. And then everyone begins to express gratitude – a little hesitant at first but then it picks up and … Wow!
That is the potency of gratitude, even when our day seems to be spiraling out of control, when we pause to be grateful, perspective and emotional equilibrium is often restored to that space.
Free suggestion: Have a notepad and pen ready, because sometime today – either a major or minor drama will unfold. To this muddle of emotions, you will have to respond with a gratitude timeout. It is priceless and it always works.
These are a few of the numerous soul warming FREE wellness gifts that the universe is eager to share with us new every morning. Embrace! Enjoy! No waiting lists.
Ready to start your wellness journey?
Visit our Wellness Coaching page to learn more and schedule your consultation today!
