What's the Rush?

Are you constantly in a rush? Out of control, with total disregard for anyone or anything around you. I see it everyday, people in panic mode, trying to beat the clock. Why? Is life meant to be a competition? Is a few more minutes going to make that much difference? Next time, you better think twice...before you seriously hurt someone, yourself included.

On the highways, in their neighborhoods, at work, the grocery store, in restaurants, everywhere you turn, adults scurrying around like tomorrow's the end of the world. SLOW DOWN!!! Don't you realize how much stress you're adding to an already hectic life? And, if that isn't bad enough, your reckless, thoughtless behavior is endangering the lives of others in the process (sometimes your own family members). Rushing to get to work, to get home, running in and out of the local market, picking up the kids, making and eating meals, everything is a race. Living your life at breakneck speed is for Formula 1 racers, not you. RELAX!!!

Let me give you a perfect example that we've all experienced. Driving in normal city traffic, a car zooms past you, nearly taking your left side rear bumper with him, zipping from lane to lane, obviously in a huge hurry. Minding your own business, you drive on. A few minutes later, at a stop light, that same car is in the lane next to you. All that craziness didn't get him or her there any faster than you ( usually I'll try to make eye contact and grin). Ironic? No, just the way things work. Being in a rush isn't worth the possible physical harm or, for that matter, an expensive speeding ticket. Is it? It definitely pays to think twice.

Have patience and purpose, let life come to you. And be astounded by the result.

Why are we always in a hurry? Do we have to look busy to be successful? Is being a go-getter better than being laid back. Being in a hurry really compromises your quality of life. Doing things quickly and mindlessly totally eliminates the pleasure and sense of accomplishment when we successfully get something done. Let’s take a closer look at the physical effects of being in a rush:

• a sudden sense of panic
• Stress levels skyrocket
• the adrenaline causes our minds and bodies to go berzerk
• the possibility of mistakes greatly increases (making hasty decisions usually causes bad judgments)
• the risk of affecting others (rudeness, injury, poor job performance, car accidents etc.) enters the equation

And, worst of all, we don’t enjoy what we’re doing.

We all need to step back, take a deep breathe and realize nothing is that important. Things will get done.

And, suddenly you find that life becomes more fulfilling.

The next time you feel in a rush, try some of these techniques. Your stress levels will subside and your sensibility will return.

1. SMILE
This really works. It sounds so simple but if you just force yourself to smile the tension seems to ease. And sometimes it will lead to laughter which breaks the ice immediately

2. STRETCH
Do simple stretches like a neck and shoulder shrug. You won’t believe the amount of tension that area of your body holds. Or, if you can extend overhead This again targets the shoulders but also the back.

3. SING A FAVORITE SONG

4. EXERCISE
This isn’t always an option, but if you can, it really clears the mind.

5. BREATHE
Just reflect for a second and take a deep breath. It completely slows you down.

6. IF NONE OF THESE WORK , SLAP YOURSELF IN THE FACE.
It reinforces the reality of the situation. Because unless it’s a life or death situation,
nothing is so serious to affect your overall happiness.

I know the pace of life is challenging but, if we recognize that and do a little
planning, we can breeze through the day feeling great.

These tips and suggestions are proven to work in stressful situations. And, with the Holiday season just a few months away, we all need techniques to slow down and de-stress. Everything becomes much more enjoyable. Taking a few extra minutes to do things, when you really think about it, won't affect anything. You'll be doing your fellow human beings a favor.

What's the Rush?

Ciao!