Peeke Blog

Hey everyone, were all having tough and challenging times. Everywhere you look for good news: at your grocery store, opening your tax bill when it comes in the mail, up to the stock market, and even from the White House; we keep hearing gloomy news.

But that doesnt mean we cant help ourselves. As Einstein said In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity. I agree. Even though every place you seek good news disappoints you, you dont have to disappoint yourself.

So, how about you think of clever ways you can save money. This is the perfect time to pitch processed foods and cook at home. Its cheaper, it tastes great, and its better for you. And take it from me: when youve created a meal and set it in front of a family that swiftly devours it, you gain a sense of real pride knowing youve created something good. Even though the kids never salute your creation, their salivating is praise enough.

Another way to save money is to brown bag your lunch. Dont lay down your money at the deli down the street. Use the extra time to walk outside and stroll around, enjoying the Spring days. But day by day youll know that youre saving money. I can still hear my mother reminding me about the importance of being frugal: at the dinner table and at lunch-time. Well, her words resound today, dont they?

Cant afford the health club anymore? Turn your neighborhood into a gym. Walk! Youll get reacquainted with neighbors you only saw at a glance as they race by in their cars with the windows rolled up. Youll see that cute little house around the corner with the fancy porch you never noticed before. Youll develop a richer kind of affection for your neighborhood and those you share it with. And Ill bet youll find a new friend.

Cant afford your yoga class? No problem. I recommend that you rummage through your bookshelves and find that Yoga DVD you purchased a few years back. Pop it in the player and have your own private yoga class.

In my book Fit to Live, I talked about the relationship between health and wealth. Successful people take care of themselves. Their health is a reflection of their work habits. With good health comes clear thinking. With clear thinking comes the ability to recognize opportunities that pop up around you. Healthy people use clear thinking to increase their wealth.

And dont shrug this off-think about a successful acquaintance of yours. He is cheerful, positive and exudes a can-do attitude. Hes managing his money and his health. The same thing can happen to all of us. A healthy attitude inspires healthy habits.

So even in these challenging economic times, you can still hold onto your health. For that matter, use this opportunity to get healthier: home cooking, eating whole foods, and walking outdoors are recipes for that success.