It's unavoidable -- we're all continuously getting older. Yet at the same time, it seems like the world is obsessed with discovering a fountain of youth. We're more connected than ever, and people are living longer lives. But are our lifestyles aging us prematurely? Are you careening towards old age while you're still in the prime of your life? Here are seven ways that speeding through life is aging you. You can take control today, and reverse the process before it's too late!
1. You Don't Smell The Roses Anymore
Ever notice how much nature is around you? Look outside your window and spend five seconds observing the leaves on the trees outside, vibrant green grass, and colorful flowers. In our rush to stuff as much into our days as possible, we're forgetting to observe the natural world around us. Studies show that spending time in nature is quantifiably beneficial for our mental health! Yet, so few of us allow ourselves the luxury of being outdoors. The solution? Schedule in a quick walk at the beginning of your day. Just five minutes can help you slow down and enjoy the day ahead of you.
2. You Spend Your Time Behind A Camera
When is the last time you held a real, non-digital photograph in your hand? Most of us have photo galleries saved in various places. We're constantly documenting our lives. But if we're behind the camera, are we still genuinely living? The overwhelming response is "NO!". This is an especially painful topic for parents who try to record every second of their children's lives. Would you rather have memories, or photographic evidence? Take the time to put the camera down and just be present. You'll be amazed at what you remember -- no fancy equipment required.
3. You Work For The Weekends
Do you dread waking up in the morning? Complain about your job? Live for the moment the clock strikes 5:00pm? Studies have linked job dissatisfaction with weight gain, lowered immune systems, marital problems, and sleeplessness! The average person spends a shocking 90,000 hours at work in their lifetime. You must ask yourself how your salary can possibly justify staying in an unsatisfying situation. The good news? Job satisfaction is good for your mental and physical health. It is never too late to start doing something you love.
4. You Commute (Mindlessly)
Are you spending hours behind the wheel? Stuck in traffic at least once a day? Getting speeding tickets can be incredibly expensive, and sitting behind the wheel can take a toll on your health as well. Long commutes are linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, and back pain. If you're completely satisfied with your job (#3), and commuting is unavoidable, there are ways to improve the drive. Audiobooks keep you mentally focused and improve your vocabulary. Make playlists for each part of your journey. Notice the scenery around you. Take deep breaths. Stretch before and after you get into the car. Don't let the hours you commute fall into a vacuum. Stay present, and find ways to enjoy each moment of your day.
5. You Don't Communicate in Person
When is the last time you knocked on a neighbor's door? Picked up the phone to ask someone about their day? Used your phone to arrange an in-person meeting? As a technologically-advanced society, we are losing the ability to communicate. But could this really be causing us to age? Absolutely. If your typically human interaction is in the form of social media, you are no longer exposing yourself to diversity. As we sink into our comfortable circles of friends, we lose the ability to empathize with others. This keeps us from growing and learning. The solution? Recognize that technology is a tool. Make your social media work for you to connect with others. Broaden your groups. Seek out new interests. And embrace opportunities to network with people who are different from you.
6. Your Inbox is a Mess
In our fast-paced world, it can be hard to stay on top of your to-do list. Often, we crawl into bed at night exhausted, with much left undone. The downside of this is that our lives are less organized than ever, inviting increased levels of stress and anxiety at the start of the day. Before going to bed at night, try making a list of your top priorities for the next day. This allows you to attack the day with a game plan, and not waste precious minutes on worrying about something slipping through the cracks.
7. You Skim Articles
When is the last time you read for pleasure? Recent studies have proven that social media has made us more visual. This means that we are skimming more, and that our attention wanes halfway through dense text blocks. Are we losing our ability for immersion? Perhaps. We can reclaim it by setting aside a specific block of time to really experience whichever type of media you are consuming.
Life is short enough already. If we're not careful, it will pass us by. Stop speeding through your day, and take the time to be fully present. Quit that job that you hate. Spend your commute singing along to Disney songs. Get organized (finally). Everything will be different tomorrow. Accept the chance to be alive today. Are there other ways that your busy life is making you older? Share in the comments below!
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