By
Wayne Frazier

Today’s fast-paced society is exhausting. Sometimes we forget to slow down and live in the moment. There are distractions at every turn: We gotta hurry here, I’m running late or I can’t miss this deadline. These things happen all too often and we are missing out on the now. Do you often find yourself looking at the calendar and it’s already a new month? I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to not taking time to smell the roses. If you were to look at my daily planner it’s completely filled every day. There is a meeting here or a deadline there. Some things obviously cannot be avoided, like doctor appointments, an audition or acting class. However, there are ways to make our days, weeks, months and year more conducive for better health.

We must learn to pace ourselves. Part of your daily schedule should always include some kind of physical exercise. Start your day with a great stretch or perhaps take a walk or a jog. Get the mind and body warmed up and ready for the day ahead. Whether you work out at home or in your local gym, this is a perfect way to set yourself up for a meaningful day. You must exhilarate your body and soul, which also helps you to think better, feel better physically and sharpen your core. It’s an important habit to create.

Cut the social media in half, immediately. You will be surprised how time consuming checking your status, tweeting or picture taking (selfies) really is. It is baffling how we as a society are so focused on what everyone else is doing. Certainly, I understand keeping up with the news, latest trends (though that dress thing on Twitter was utter nonsense last week) or even keeping up with old friends. I’m not suggesting going cold turkey, I’m simply suggesting slowing down a bit.

Try this simple test: Use your timer on your phone. Every time you check your email, Facebook, Twitter, etc., start the timer. Write down those times and add them up at the end of the day. Try it for the week, and you will be shocked to see how much time you are spending! Now, cut that time by half for the day or week, and bam! You just got some of your life back.

We must get a good night’s sleep. That’s right, sleep is one of the most important building blocks of life! Our bodies need to recoup, they must stop and replenish. According to Dennis Rosen, MD sleep specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, insufficient sleep is associated with a higher incidence of behavioral problems, including attention deficit and weight gain, just to name a few.

So please take a moment for yourselves. Take time to enjoy life by trying these simple things. You will feel better physically and mentally. Your concentration will be sharper and you just might be able to get your work done a little quicker so you can enjoy the finer things in life, like you!!