There will be many challenges for us in 2010 with the financial world in turmoil and many of the world’s top economies facing difficult times.
There is no doubt that we live in a fast, ever-changing world and traditional business working practices are disappearing. So we need to be flexible, creative and dynamic to succeed in these challenging times. But even in difficult times there will also be many opportunities; so we must make sure we are up to the challenge. As Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
When life is challenging, it is important to first take care of yourself and your health as it is your real treasure. Taking care of yourself is not your last priority but your first. And if you get into a healthy routine it will be taken care of without your noticing. Take good care of yourself, eat well and take more exercise
Often our health is one of those things we take for granted in our busy lives. In the bustling cities of the Middle East it is very easy to get caught up in just being busy — chasing the next deal, next goal; dashing here and there; planning tomorrow; while today is just passing by in a flash. And time passes very quickly.
“What is this world so full of care? We have no time to stand and stare?”
“Time is money” is a popular saying in business, but sometimes it is important to stop and remember that money is not everything. As long as you have a roof over your head, you know where your next meal is coming from, and you have your health, then you have riches too.
The human being is both spiritual and material. If you spend time chasing only the material, you may win wealth and social position, but without health, and inner contentment it can be a hollow achievement.
Material success can only bring a temporary high. You think you can buy happiness, but to paraphrase Lennon and McCartney, you can’t buy love. When spending time with your children, it is easy to be there with them physically, but to be miles away mentally — until a little voice says, “Mummy, are you listening to me”?
Women’s lives have changed so much in the past 50 years. My mother stayed at home to look after four children whilst my father was the doer and went to work to bring home the money. Now, women are expected to be able to be both things. The satisfaction of being at home and enjoying the simplicity of making lunch for the family can be lost. It is very easy to lose the ability to take joy from these simple tasks and to hastily prepare the children for school whilst the mind is miles away planning how to tackle the day’s work at the office.
Healthy habits for 2010
Take steps toward eating a healthy diet. Learn about healthy eating by sending queries to [email protected]. (my healthy eating plan).
Take regular exercise in the fresh air and enjoy nature. Exercise releases happy endorphins that relieve stress. Walk for 10 minutes each morning.
Play with your children and really be there and enjoy their games, and sense of fun and joy. It is not OK to answer the phone when you are in the middle of reading your child a story.
Don’t let stressful situations get to you. If you are stuck in a traffic jam and late for a meeting, then relax with your favorite music. Difficult situations come and go like the clouds passing over head. When asking a question, listen closely to the answer. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn. Give up unhealthy habits that damage your health, like smoking, caffeine and alcohol. Try to organize 10 quiet minutes to yourself each day.
Ask Alva
I am ready to give up smoking as I know it is bad can you give me some advice. — Pete
Here are some tips:
l Accept that smoking is dangerous.
l Take daily walks to boost the oxygen in your body.
l Take a swim or exercise to boost your health and make yourself feel confident and strong.
l If you are unhappy about something, talk about it.
l Make a mental note of the triggers that cause you to smoke.
l Introduce a new, healthy routine, so that at those times when you routinely smoke, have a glass of cleansing water, or a piece of fruit instead.
l Avoid places where you are tempted to settle down for a cigarette.
l Reward yourself for the effort. Treat yourself to something with the money you save.
l Keep on trying. Those who succeed are those who never give up trying.
For a stop smoking fact sheet e-mail me at [email protected]. — Alva
