School Zones = Slow Down

School zones are not my enemy any more. For years, I have felt stress every time I drive through an active school zone. My shoulders tense; my jaw clenches. In fact, I often drive out of my way just to avoid slowing down. Driving 20 miles per hour does not fit well with the overly scheduled life I lead. Between the kids’ school and activities, running errands, cooking, cleaning, bill-paying, and writing, I am on a tight schedule, and the slightest deviation from that schedule can often result in derailing the whole rest of the day. I feel elated when everything falls into place and works according to plan. When it doesn’t, I feel like I’ve bumped into dominoes that have taken hours to set up, only to come falling down!

After dropping off my high schooler the other morning, I approached the second school zone (which happens to span a pretty long distance) on my way home, and as I slowed down a strange feeling came over me. It wasn’t stress about taking 30 seconds longer to get to my next activity; it wasn’t annoyance at riding with my foot on the brake thinking of all of the other things I could be doing. I was overcome with the urge to take deep, calming breaths. Inhale; exhale. Repeat. A calmness spread over me, and I felt that this 20 mph snail’s pace could be a reminder that I need to take time to slow down and take stock of myself. I believe this was a sign just as noticeable as the flashing school zone sign. I thought about it the rest of the way home and during breakfast.

I am pretty high strung, and the physical slow down I had to make in the school zone really put life into perspective and served as a wake-up call to value MY time. Maintaining a hectic lifestyle can really take its toll on us. Of course, we are all busy. We can’t just shirk our responsibilities, but what can we do to find better balance?

I am trying to implement some combination of these activities into my daily routine to reduce stress in my mind, body, and soul:

Using time while I am forced to slow down (carpool, waiting for an appointment) to reflect on the good in my life will help me be more appreciative of the life I have. This can be done by taking time to focus on the positive, offering a prayer of thanksgiving, repeating an affirmation, or even taking deep breaths (In with the good; out with the bad).
Incorporating some type of exercise into daily life reduces stress and improves physical health. Going for a walk/run, hitting the gym, doing body weight exercises at home, and stretching all serve to promote well-being. The endorphins are a nice bonus!
Pausing for a “time-out” during the day will help me recharge my batteries, so I am better available to help others. Enjoying a cup of tea, reading, journaling, or even watching a tv show are all great options for a little personal time.