Gary Goldstein's Blog - Posts Tagged "exercise"

Although I may be old fashioned, there is no doubt that technology is great, and saves us a lot of time and energy in this day and age.

However, at the same time, I think it has also made many of us lazy, which has led to less and less exercise, and, in turn, increased health problems as a nation, if not the world!

So, what to do about it, in order to reclaim your life?

For me, I choose to wake up early every morning to work out, which, when finished, provides me with a sense of accomplishment for the rest of the day that nobody can take away.

Having this workout “in my pocket” before I tackle my daily schedule is something I value and wouldn’t change for the world, since having some personal “me time” has become increasingly difficult in this ever-changing planet we all share.

What about you? Is there something you want to do every day, but just can’t seem to find the time to fit into your busy schedule?

Are you juggling work, family responsibilities and prior commitments, and feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to do all that you would like?

Well, just imagine if there were no computers, smartphones, or other high tech gadgets to make your life easier!

My point is that the more society develops, thanks to advances in technology, the more complicated our lives become, and the less time we have for ourselves to do what is really important, such as care for our loved ones and our own needs.

Is chasing that almighty buck really worth it, if it comes at the expense of other things?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to get ahead in life, and being able to leave your legacy.

But, when was the last time you sat down to read a book, write a letter, or just buried yourself in your thoughts?

Okay, even though today is Sunday, I will end my sermon now, since I think my point is now crystal clear.

We only have this one life to live, so do it without having any regrets.

If working your fingers to the bone is what floats your boat, then I tip my cap to you.

But if your life is in constant turmoil, due to always having such a full plate and not being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor, then I have four simple words for you:

Take back your life!

We all want to feel our best, but sometimes, due to our busy lifestyle these days, that is easier said than done.

We must juggle work, raising a family, running errands, doing chores, etc., and eating healthy and working out or exercising might not be a top priority for some.

However, I believe it not only should be, but can be as well!

As the author of Jew in Jail, and also a blogger and motivational & inspirational speaker on recovery from addiction, I know how important it is to keep in shape - both physically and mentally - and how crucial discipline and focus is in maintaining such a routine.

I wake up at 4:00am each and every day in order to get my workout in first thing in the morning.

Having that done before the sun comes up is a great feeling of accomplishment that I can then put in "my pocket," and carry around for the remainder of my busy day.

Just as important is eating a healthy breakfast, which, studies have shown, is the most important meal of the day.

I always replenish my body after a workout by drinking a glass of juice, and either eating a bowl of oatmeal, cold cereal, or cup of yogurt, topped off by having a banana and spoonful of peanut butter.

The protein and nutrients from breakfast will provide enough energy to last until lunchtime, which I try to eat at the same hour every day, in order to ensure a regular metabolism.

In addition, regardless of where I am on each particular day, I constantly drink water, which has many benefits, including, among other things, improving skin.

Perhaps the best thing I do for my health is what I don't do, namely smoking, doing drugs, or consuming alcohol.

I wasn't always this way, but after enduring some rough times in the past, I have learned my lesson, and do my best nowadays to share my knowledge and experience with others.

There is no denying that life in the 21st century can be complicated, with less time to maintain proper health and exercise than in the past.

However, I, for one, believe all of you reading this right now have greatness and the unlimited potential to conquer anything you put your mind to, so I implore you to get on a health kick.

You will not regret it!

Some of us spend years, if not decades, mulling over our lives, trying to realize what it is that makes up happy and feel fulfilled.

Many never find the answer, while others seem to know from the day they were able
to talk.

Whatever the case, and after careful consideration, coupled with plenty of trial and error, here now is my list of the top five things to do, or not do, in order to be happy.

1)Choose a career you will love:

While this seems like a no-brainer, you would be surprised at how many people go into a line of work, business or job for all of the wrong reasons.

Amount of money to be made, because a family member or friend is successful at it, or simply due to the glamour one feels is attached to a particular job are just a few.

However, what it really comes down to, as far as insuring one's happiness over the long haul is concerned, is doing something you will enjoy waking up every day for and will not even consider work.

2)Surround yourself with good, positive people:

Again, this seems like common sense, and it should.

However, I am sure all of us know people - if not ourselves - who gravitate to those who are rude, inconsiderate, or even abusive, which is obviously no way to live a happy, healthy life.

3)Eat right, exercise, and take care of your body:

Yes, I know that you see a pattern here, but, again, how many people follow this simple advice?

As the world, and society in general, becomes more and more complex, there seems to be less and less "me" time available for exercise or other stress relieving activities.

4)Smile and laugh as much as possible:

No, I don't mean to fake it for no good reason.

What I do mean is to allow yourself to enjoy the small things in life, such as a warm, sunny day, the sound of birds chirping, the taste of good food, and/or watching children playing outside.

Simply put, smile, laugh, and don't take yourself and life too seriously.

We weren't put on this planet to be miserable, so live and let live.

Studies show that those who smile and laugh a lot lead happier, healthier lives.

And, finally, my fifth way to be happy in life...

5)Do some volunteer work and give to charity if you can;

We can all find some time out of our busy days to give back, and there is no better feeling than seeing another person smile in appreciation of something you did for them out of the goodness of your own heart.

What we do for others comes back to us tenfold, not to mention the good Karma that results as well.

So give it a try.

I am sure you will like how it makes you feel inside, and be proud of how you were able to brighten up another person's day with little effort involved, in this win-win situation.

There you have it.

My top five ways to be happy in life.

If you haven't read my book, "Jew in Jail" yet, I hope you do.

It is chock full of insightful information on how I was able to recover from my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling while incarcerated, and go on to lead a happy and healthful life myself.

http://www.jewinjail.com/

Until next time, everyone, have a great day, and week ahead!

We are now two weeks into 2014, and it is a good time to gauge where you are, as far as new year’s resolutions are concerned.

Millions of people vow to start each year by working out, eating healthy, quitting smoking, etc., but the majority give up on those commitments.

Why is this so?

Well, I am certainly no expert, but can only speak for myself.

First of all, I don’t even make any new year’s resolutions, because, quite frankly, I live the way I want to all throughout the year, and, therefore, don’t need to start doing anything from scratch from day one.

That is not to say that I have my “house in order” completely, but do by best to live the right way on a daily basis.

Perhaps it is because I spent nearly six years behind bars from 1998 to 2004, and do not want to chance returning to the negative lifestyle that I was involved in for so long back then, and now always maintain my focus on my top priorities in life.

Exercising, healthy eating, waking up with a smile on my face, and being grateful for where I am now in my life, are just a few of the constants that continue to keep me grounded and content these days.

Writing this blog, maintaining my sobriety, and delivering motivational & inspirational speeches to help others in their recovery, or anyone not living up to their full potential, are things I began doing once I came home from prison, and have truly become almost as important to me as breathing, since they are my personal ingredients for a happy, productive life.

Now, back to you, my readers.

For those of you who have made new year’s resolutions, and are now having a tough time keeping them, here’s some advice from me.

You might want to start off slow, rather than bite off more than you could chew.

For exercise, try walking a block every day for a week, and then each time after that, increase your distance by small increments until you arrive at a satisfying mark. If you feel that your stamina has built up to a good level, then by all means begin jogging.

As far as eating healthy, start your day off with a nutritious breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime.

Consuming a lunch that is high in protein will insure that you won’t get hungry and have to grab that unhealthy candy bar at around 2:00 in the afternoon.

For dinner, have a sensible meal that will carry you over to breakfast the following morning, including vegetables and a piece of fruit as a snack.

I find that drinking water all throughout the day not only keeps me away from binging on chocolate and chips, but also does wonders for the skin.

If you are a smoker – and I hope you are not – then quitting this nasty habit could very well be the toughest task of your entire life.

However, like anything and everything else, you have the power and the choice to accomplish this!

You weren’t born to lag behind anyone else in the world.

You are a winner and role model to others.

So, start to shine like the star you are!