June 6, 2008

Take a Time Out

Many social commentators have noted that time, in our lives, is moving faster and faster. We're continually being asked to be more productive and to do more things at once. At the same time, our notion of planning is changing, so that instead of planning a few decades out, we plan only a few years out. All of this is just more evidence that the speed of our world is increasing. But how has this affected our lives and our health? Take a moment to think about how you deal with time. Have you ever pushed an already lit elevator button because it's not moving fast enough? Are you continually urging your children to hurry up? Do you hate waiting for a computer download? This frantic pace in our sped-up world contributes to our stress. Think you're immune? Try an "old-fashioned" rotary phone and see how annoying it can be to take "so long" to dial. Most of us will find that we're just used to moving at a certain pace. Unfortunately, this pace is not always the best for us. When you find yourself stressed and hurried, ask yourself if it's really necessary to rush-or is this just a bad habit you should break? If possible, do less and enjoy life more. Practice slowing down by letting others go first in a bank line, or on the highway. Use the extra time to breathe deeply and smile. You'll feel better-and so will the people around you.