Rather than focusing on what we cannot afford, perhaps we can be reminded that the best things in life are free. Everywhere you go, you are bombarded by the idea that you must only eat organic food, join the gym, get this or that device, use only natural products for your home & body care, and so many other things, in order to be healthy. 

These things are costly, which can be discouraging for those who want to take care of their health & wellness.  So, rather than focusing on what we cannot afford, perhaps we can be reminded that there are still quite a few health & wellness foundations that are FREE, such as: 

Movement

In Dan Buettner’s documentaries on Netflix called Live to a 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, you see how people can live up to a 100 years old, or more, being physically & mentally fit, even disease-free. And it’s not because they go to the gym.

What’s their secret?

One of them is by actively moving their body on a daily basis and getting strength training just by doing everyday chores. Since our body is designed to move, let’s start using it. Because if you don’t use it, you lose it. 

Sleep  

We can fast or abstain from food for days, even weeks, but we won’t survive if we are continuously sleep deprived. Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. Yet so many people are proud to boast of not needing much sleep.

Opt for 8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health.

Having 2 or 3 sleep routines that are easily maintained, such as stretching, breathwork and meditation, can help you get a good night’s sleep.  

Resting 

Resting has become quite uncommon these days. People are always on the go, doing this and that, always too busy and occupied to rest. Of course not everyone can afford to nap in the afternoon, but resting can take many forms, such as reading a chapter of a book, playing with your pets, or sitting down to a cup of tea.  

Schedule small little breaks into your day and notice how your performance, focus, and even mood, can improve. 

Sunshine  

For us living in Bali, there is no shortage of sunshine. So do take full advantage of it. Getting a daily dose of sunshine can help our body absorb nutrition such as Vit D, as well as boosting energy & improving our mood. The sun rising and setting is also helpful in cueing our body to be active or resting. 

General advice is to get about 15 minutes (less if you’re fair-skinned, more if darker) of sunshine within 30 mins of waking up, before 10am.

Did you know that you still get the benefits of sunshine, even on cloudy days? 

Being out in nature  

Ever wonder why you feel amazing after a day spent at the beach or up in the mountains? Nature provides negative ions that our body needs to fight free radicals that can trigger diseases and illnesses.

Even grounding with our bare feet on grass can be healing, as it lowers inflammation in our body. Even more health benefits if you dig your hands in dirt when gardening, as you expose yourself to bacterias that can be beneficial for your microbiome. 

Connection with others 

Humans are social beings. Therefore, it’s only natural for us to want to connect with others. This can be as simple as having dinner with your family, lunch with your co-workers, and coffee-date with your bestie.

Make the time to connect with those around you daily. Connect and nurture the relationships in your life that matter the most to you. Give love and get loved.

What other things that are free, have contributed to your personal health & wellness?