Haim Factor - BodyMindWisdom

A Four Letter Word

8 January 2023 by Haim Factor Leave a Comment

by Haim Factor

Quite a few years ago, after I met one of those helpful highway patrolmen on the road one too many times, I received an invitation in the mail to take a refresher, compulsory, driver’s improvement course. Full of disdain, I indicated the date in my day timer (this was well before the days of the smartphone). I shuddered at the thought of how I’d be able to sit through all the sessions…

The day arrived and the course started. I saw other poor souls sitting there—more or less like me. But for me, this experience was quite a shock. It was because I really was a good driver. I just didn’t belong here! What’s more, I hadn’t been to any formal driving instruction since I got my license, when I was 16 years old—many, many years ago.

What a waste of time this was going to be…

The instructor kept talking and talking. “Probably justifying his existence.”, I thought, as I doodled in the little instruction booklet I received. Then the instructor started talking about “safe following distance”. Oh no—not that! Even a freshman engineer in Physics 101 knows about accelerations, velocity, and displacements versus time! And here I was, an experienced senior engineer with a Masters degree, sitting in a Driver’s Improvement class and relearning parts of Physics 101 from the lips of no less than a Driver’s Improvement instructor.

What’s more, I really did understand the importance of keeping a safe distance. Over the years, I learned to instinctively keep a good distance between myself and the car in front of me.

Man—this course was real punishment!

Using all of my restraint and trying not to dwell on my bad fortune, I somehow made it through the lecture, just to the point when the instructor asked: “Are there any questions?” I felt my hand shoot up as my patience must have finally worn thin.

“Look”, I gasped, “I’m very familiar with safe driving distance.” Quickly reconsidering that there was no need to antagonize the instructor (who was hopefully going to give me a passing grade and was going to allow me NOT to repeat this boring course) I decided in mid-sentence to talk about what I felt rather than what I knew. Clearing my throat, I explained “What really makes me mad is that OTHER people are always on my bumper!”

That’s it. I told him how I felt! Relieved by the fact that I could tell the instructor my feelings, I slouched back in my seat and relaxed a bit. I gazed at him. He just stood there and smiled back at me. He calmly said one word:

“Don’t.”

“Excuse me?!” I asked incredulously.

“‘Don’t’, I said.” the instructor repeated.

“Don’t what!” I blurted out, beginning to get exasperated.

“Don’t get mad.” He responded, benignly.

And with that, he turned away from me to continue the lesson. I just sat there for a few seconds as he continued to talk about crosswalks-or-whatever. I tried to understand his response to me.

And then it hit me! He was right. He was VERY right! And I really hadn’t seen it at first. I didn’t have any control over the other drivers—something I knew from my years of driving experience and from a point that the instructor had somehow reinforced in his course.

I did, of course, have control over myself. Pretty simple stuff, no? But I never thought of it in this framework.

Well, some time has passed and, as you can see, I survived that course. I was actually quite happy to have learned about the word “don’t”. You see, I ended up not only being a bit calmer when I’m on the road—but also found myself applying the “don’t” lesson to other parts of my life, even when I wasn’t driving.

We very rarely have any control over others around us. That’s the frustrating and beautiful part of organizations and of our society. However, we should have control of ourselves. We should—that is, if we have our act together. I don’t mean “control” in terms of self-denial or any of a list of negative things some people do or try to do to themselves. What I mean is that all of us usually have a clear choice whether to get angry or “take something to heart”—or to let the matter pass us by. Almost every day, and throughout each day, we find ourselves confronted with actions by others—and many of those actions aren’t even too significant.

It’s our choice how we react.

Read it again. It’s our choice—not theirs. We can choose to be kind to ourselves. Or we can choose to punish ourselves for what we feel other people have (or haven’t) done to us.

Nowadays, that “other driver” who is driving too closely to me may be surprised when I slow down and just let him pass me. He probably doesn’t even know that it really wasn’t my intention to just give him a head start of at least a few milliseconds.

I actually let him pass me because I was simply being kind to myself.

I deserve it—-don’t you?

You are welcome to copy, forward, and republish this article, but only in its entirety and unedited, including this information.

Which Back Jack Chair is Right for Me?

15 December 2022 by Haim Factor

We continually get questions from customers asking: “Which BackJack Chair is right for me?”. The answer depends on what you want to do with the chair and how you want to use it.

It’s not so complicated—so here’s a description of the chairs and some recommendations as to what chair’s right for you:

There are 3 types of Back Jack chairs and each chair type is available in two fabric types (more about fabrics in a moment):

1. “Original”—This is also the “regular” size: 14 in. wide x 21 in. tall x 22 in. deep. The original is the most economical chair and was the “first” Back Jack Chair marketed about 15+ years ago. Points to consider:

· Stays “open” once it’s built — i.e. can only be stacked (for folding, see “Folding”)

· Most economical chair

· Some people prefer a bigger chair (see “Extra Large”)

2. “Folding” —The same size as “Original”, but this chair can be folded. It is excellent if you are tight for storage space or if you have to move around and/or travel with the chair such as by car or by plane. Point’s to consider:

· Folds to size about 14 in. wide x 21 in. tall x 3.5 in. deep — or it can be left unfolded, identical in size to “Original”.

· More expensive than “Original”

· Only available in regular size (see “Extra Large”)

3. “Extra Large” —This is the “large” size: 16.5 in. wide x 23 in. tall x 22 in. deep. Points to consider:

· Stays “open” once it’s built, like “Original” — i.e. can only be stacked (for folding, see “Folding”)

· More expensive than “Original”

Regarding the 2 fabrics, there are: “cotton duck” and “tuff duck”.

· Cotton duck is the traditional heavy cotton duck fabric. It is generally more economical and available in 9 colors. It can only be spot-cleaned on the chair frame. It is generally. Some of our customers prefer the cotton duck because of its softer feel.

· Tuff duck was introduced about 3 years ago. It is a polyester fabric, hand washable, and will sustain rougher use, indoors and outdoors, compared to the cotton duck. Its special coating also makes it much more resistant to stains. It is available in 3-4 colors.

Keep in mind that at BodyMindWisdom.com all of the BackJack chair types and all of the fabrics are stocked. So you only have to do is decide which chair is right for you!

It’s That Time of Year

7 December 2022 by Haim Factor Leave a Comment

by Haim Factor

It’s that time of year again—when everything seems full of hope and love; that seemingly universal time for goodwill to all. Dismissing for a minute all of the commercial aspects and the insincere frills, you can sense the feeling in the air and you can feel it among people. You can hear and see the strong emotions all around. It’s that unique period for a better life for all us.

Of course, we can see on TV those troubling pictures and sounds of Iraq, Palestine, Africa, Korea, and other “trouble spots” throughout the world. But somehow, our hope and feeling at this time of year is that things can somehow work out and that all men and women will live in peace…

But did you ever wonder, I mean REALLY wonder, about what all those other people throughout the world think and feel—especially at this time of year? For them, many who are not Christians or, for whatever reason are not an integral and active part of our Western culture and Christmas-time traditions, this wonderful feeling may just not be there. For many of them, this time could be just another 4-5 week period of cold or misery—if they are located in the northern hemisphere—or maybe another period of heat and misery, if they’re in summertime south of the equator.

Take for example, the hundreds of millions in the Muslim world. A special month of joy and hope for abundance just ended a few weeks ago, as the major month-long holiday period of Ramadan came to a close. And for those of the Jewish faith, many people would be surprised to learn that although the holiday of Hanukah usually coincides with Christmas-time, Hanukah shares few if any of the central themes of Christmas. As a matter of fact, for many other cultures and beliefs throughout the world, this time of year may have a very different significance—or even no significance at all.

I know, you may smile and ask, “How can that really be?”. How can it be that this beautiful, universal feeling doesn’t permeate the entire world and at this same time?

Well, of course, this time of year is special—that is, if your tradition and culture embrace it. But many times, others simply don’t feel and think what we do, when we do. Period.

This is a sobering thought; one that could allow the chills and long shadows of this time of year to creep into our minds and our hearts, even as there is so much seeming hope around us. After all, if the beautiful and rich feelings of this time of year aren’t shared universally by all mankind when we feel them—then what hope do we have? Where do we go from here?

But there is hope.

And like in many other cases, we can find this hope not necessarily in the way we imagine or feel things, or in the way we frame our lives and beliefs. Read on.

The spirit of “this time of year” is, of course, real. No doubt about it. But this “time of the year” may not be their time. And this “spirit”, in our tradition and meaning may not be their spirit. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not proposing we all start to learn non-stop about other peoples and cultures, or that we begin to travel around our country and the world to learn about other places. (Although in my heart, I believe that’s not such a bad idea.)

What I am proposing is that we widen this spirit in feeling. I propose we stretch this “time of year” to encompass not just 4 or 5 weeks, but to have it spread to include nearly 52 weeks of every year. It’s not an easy job, though.

Because when the Christmas lights go out and after the New Year celebrations die down, that’s when the hard work really begins. That’s when all of us, each in his own way, has to keep some spirit alive. That’s when our strong emotions of universal hope and a better life for all us face perhaps the greatest challenge. That’s when it could be their time—even if it’s not our time of year.

In other words, that’s when it may count the most—during the entire year. (I may want to write in the future about what tools we can use to keep this spirit alive.) In the words of Charles Dickens: “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year”.

May this season—and all the seasons of the New year which follow —bring joy and hope to us all.

You are welcome to copy, forward, and republish this article, but only in its entirety and unedited, including this information.

How Sleep Can Improve Your Skin and How to Reap the Benefits

22 October 2022 by Haim Factor Leave a Comment

Sleep is mother nature’s reset button. When you get a good night’s rest, you feel good physically and emotionally. Another added benefit of sleep is its positive effect on your skin. Besides making you look good, your skin plays a crucial role in overall health by helping you absorb vitamin D and protecting you from infections. Find out what you can do to improve your bedtime routine, as well as how sleeping can make your skin even better with these tips from BodyMindWisdom.

Ways to Improve Your Sleep

Establish a good environment

To reap the skin benefits from sleep, you should get at least seven to nine hours of shuteye every night. Establishing a sleep-promoting environment will help you sleep longer.

Make your room a haven for sleep by removing distracting electronics, using blackout shades to drown out light and noise, and decorating your room with soothing, serene decor. Inject some positivity into your home and reduce feelings of anxiety by decluttering and tossing out items that no longer work or that you no longer use.

Exercise

A regular fitness routine has many benefits, including promoting good sleep. Staying physically fit can increase sleep quality and reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep. Moderately exercising 30 minutes a day can do wonders for your sleeping issues.

Set a schedule

Give yourself a regular bedtime schedule throughout the week, and don’t deviate from it. You can have some flexibility on weekends but getting enough sleep during the week can make a huge difference.

Treat overbite if necessary

If you have a deep overbite, this can affect your breathing while you sleep and cause obstructive sleep apnea. While less severe cases of overbite are typically only a cosmetic concern, a serious issue will need to be corrected. Overbite treatments include in-office or at-home aligners, braces, and correction surgery, which is pricey and may include several months of recovery. Before choosing the best option for you, make an appointment with an orthodontist.

Ways Sleep Can Improve Your Skin

Sleep rejuvenates your skin

Experts realize that sleep is a crucial part of helping skin stay beautiful by preventing aging and allowing your skin to rejuvenate. Your growth hormones play a huge part in the aging process; if you get enough sleep, they work to repair damaged cells.

Sleep and hydration work together

When you’re well-hydrated, you sleep better. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your skin maintain its elasticity. Don’t drink too much in the hours before bed, though. A good skin moisturizer can go a long way as well. When you wind down for the night, wash your face and put on some moisturizer that can help your skin repair overnight.

Sleeping away from light sources can boost skin health

From a scientific perspective, even small amounts of UV radiation can damage cells and increase skin cancer risk. If possible, move your bed away from the window. The less sun you have on your face, the better.

Your exercise routine is more effective

Sleeping well can make your workouts more effective. Exercise can help you reduce stress, which will help you sleep better and improve your skin. When you exercise on a regular basis, you’re able to experience these benefits more easily. Exercise also helps your skin by increasing blood flow and nourishing the skin cells. It’s just as important to shower after a strenuous workout. One tip from the Mayo Clinic to keep skin hydrated is to moisturize directly after showering, especially if you live in a dry area.

You’ll manage stress better

Stress can trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body, which can lead to breakouts or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions. There’s a cyclical relationship between sleep and stress. When you reduce stress in your life, you sleep better; and you might notice that on days you slept well, you handled stressful events a lot more easily. You have patience for some of the more difficult issues you typically face. This, in turn, helps you sleep better.

Sleep boosts the immune system

It’s been scientifically shown that microbes on our skin specialize in protecting us from invading organisms, providing nourishment, and existing in a beneficial symbiotic relationship. When you sleep well, your immune system has time to heal your body, including your skin. Your skin does a great job of warding off disease and illness. Getting enough sleep is a simple method for helping your body maintain its peak health.

No matter your genetics, sleep still makes a difference

It’s true that genetics can influence skin health, but the activities we engage in can determine which genes are expressed or turned over at different points in life. Having good sleeping habits can make a big difference.

Many people simply want to look younger and are trying to identify a good skin care routine that supports looking younger. Sleep is an important part of that routine, as is regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. Start with having a healthy sleep routine and build habits around it. Doing so will help your skin stay healthy.

Photo credit: Pexels

Busy Entrepreneurs Should Practice These Self-Care Tips

19 August 2022 by Haim Factor Leave a Comment

Entrepreneurs often have some of the most satisfying careers. Working for yourself and building something from the ground up can be deeply rewarding. Unfortunately, it can also be incredibly stressful. It’s common for many self-starters to suffer from mental health strain as they sacrifice sleep and social lives in the name of their ideas, and it can easily take a toll on even the most successful individual.

The good news is, there are things you can do to mitigate the damage and take care of your mind and body. Whether your efforts are concentrated on the business side of things–such as hiring services that will save you time–or on the personal end, you can be sure that making a few changes will help you flourish.

Give yourself some personal time
It’s not always easy for entrepreneurs to find personal time organically. You may have to work at it and carve moments from your day that are just for you. A few easy ways to do this include practicing self-massage, learning relaxation or meditation techniques, or picking up a new hobby, such as painting or photography. If you want to get more active but find yourself with a full schedule, consider outsourcing services to take over tasks that don’t require your personal touch, such as handling research or making phone calls. This way, you’ll have more time to dedicate to going to the gym or finding a great new workout you can do at home.

Invest in your physical health
One simple way to care for yourself is to boost your physical health, which is especially important when you have a busy schedule. The most obvious practices are healthy eating and exercise, and these should be at the top of the list, but there’s even more you can do. You might try a health supplement, such as a collagen powder that improves skin, hair/nail growth, and supports your immune system and joint health, or you can find tools that will help you improve your yoga skills. You can even invest in a posture support device to ward off muscle tension and back pain for those long days at your desk.

Sleep quality is an important aspect of your health, as well, so give it some attention–especially when you encounter increased stress. Update your bedroom with blackout curtains, remove television and computer screens, and refrain from looking at your phone before bedtime.

Give yourself a break
Most entrepreneurs rarely take a vacation because they need to be available at all times to run their business or to oversee it. On the other hand, it’s important to listen to your body and give it a rest now and then.

Take little breaks during the day; step outside and boost your mood, or read a book rather than looking at a screen. While a true vacation could be far into the future, taking small, daily breaks are necessary when you can’t get away because it mitigates the potential for burnout.

Investing in self-care isn’t just about your health and well-being; it also allows you to bring your business into sharper focus so that you’re the best version of yourself. By making a few small changes in your lifestyle, you can make good choices that will affect you for months or even years to come.

by Katie Conroy
Photo via Pexels