Why rushing is bad for your health

I live in New York City (well, Brooklyn).  Rushing is built into the very fabric of the culture here.  Everyday, millions of people rush to catch trains, to get to work on time, to beat the Starbucks line and to get to the top of seemingly everything.

NYC is easily one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, but it's also oozing with competition, the pressing desire to get ahead, and, therefore, people live an insanely hurried lifestyle (myself included).

Here's some observations I've made about people who rush. They...

- Make costly mistakes. Tripping down the stairs of the 7 train because I was rushing too fast.  Or worse...walking in front of a taxi. 

- Miss out on the bigger picture. Checking emails on my walk home rather than listening to a podcast or calling my grandparents and enjoying the beautiful Manhattan view. 

- Are generally less happy and more moody. When I'm running late (which is incredibly rare), I'm mean and anxious and everyone else is no good (Hey...just being honest here!)

- Are less satisfied and more stressed. Hello, shoulder knots, back pain and headaches. 

- Age more quickly (GASP). Is that a gray hair? 

- Eat more crap. Which is faster: McDonalds or Cipriani? 

Long story short, I was recently inspired to write this post after spending an entire Saturday morning stressed out because I thought I'd be late to work.  I rushed the entire way there.  I made it with three minutes to spare (thanks to an express train), but really, how bad would being a few minutes late be in the grand scheme of life?  In the moment (to me) being late seems like a life or death situation.  However, though I've only been late a handful of times in my life, I can't even seem to recall exactly what they are off the top of my head.  However, I can recall the little happies that happen when I just look up, enjoy the view and take life for what it is.  So, that's what I'm doing now.  I'm making a very conscious effort to slooooow down and not rush. I'll say this though - it takes much more self-restraint and energy to not rush, slow down and enjoy the ride.  It's a constant challenge for me, but I promised myself that, if ever given the chance to live in New York City again, I'd do it differently.  I'd slow down and not forget to absorb, enjoy, bask and remember why I love this place.

I'm doing just that!  I'm not just trying to...I am actually doing it!  And you know what? Slowing down feels great.