quantum leaps

Cut against the grain by slowing down what is normally rushed through—and speed up what you’re dragging your heels on. If time is elastic, then it’s about time you address how you spend your daily life. To that end, here are a few tips that will help you slow down when you’re moving too fast—and push past all that procrastination for procrastination’s sake.

Slow Down To Savor

With faster phones, express lines and quick fixes, every corner of the globe seems to be pushing and prodding faster. The rush to complete everything and then ask for more, more, more has serious health consequences, including hypertension, weight gain, addiction and depression. Here are some suggestions to s-l-o-w things down.

MINDFUL EATS: Although often portrayed in media to comic proportions (chewing each bite “32 times keeps your tummy from danger,” Bob Newhart’s mom told him), a slow-paced meal results in better digestion and less tendency to overeat. Easing up on the chowing down might even let you savor every flavor that’s in that salad or pizza you’re tearing through.

WALKS AU

NATURALE: Take a walk down the street, through the park or even around your yard without being shackled to an electronic device. Your phone won’t run away without your hand gripping it. Take time to enjoy the miracle that is life.

DELIBERATE GREETS: So much communication today comes through hastily tapped chats and semigrammatical texts. No one is proposing that Emoji Nation needs to step away from the symbols and acronyms, but for your most important messages, take a pause. Re-read that email once or twice to make sure you’re communicating clearly. Even the greatest authors pause to re-read, correct mistakes and make meaning and intentions clear. Your relationships will benefit from a moment of extra care. Better yet? Pick up the phone and really connect with someone from time to time.

hurry-up hacks

It’s not to say that everything in your life should be slowed to a shu e. By procrastinating away important tasks, you’re eliminating stress now that will hit you back later, with interest.

FILE IT UP: Everyone’s had a stretch of avoiding a bill or skipping a thank-you card. But the longer the wait, the more trouble is invited. Sign up for bill autopay through your bank or a third-party service like Mint.com, which takes the danger out of putting o those monthly bills. And simply organizing your paperwork with in-boxes or file folders will help de-clutter your mind.

WILL IT SO: Ignoring a will is the ultimate postponing of the inevitable. Everyone envisions a long life, but accidents happen. Use DoYourOwnWill.com to compile a will for free.

TIME TO VISIT: Not many people enjoy going to the doctor or dentist. Although you don’t have to rush to get a yearly checkup out of the way in the first week of January, find a good time of year to make your routine visits and stick to it. Before you leave the o ce, schedule your next visit—and that’s one to-do o the never-ending list!