I enjoy walking during my lunchtime. When I do, this break away from my desk refreshes me. It helps me re-focus as I breathe in the fresh air and take a few minutes to get out of the “work mode”.
A few weeks ago, while crossing the railroad tracks behind my office, I noticed that someone ran through the railroad crossing bar in their haste to “beat the train”. I see this happen every few weeks – someone hears the signal that a train is approaching; they speed up and try to get through the tracks before the cross bar comes down. It always surprises me that we are in such a hurry that we would risk our lives to save a few minutes.
As my picture shows, the person made it through without being hit by a train but they damaged the safety bar at this railroad crossing – I’m sure their car was also damaged. We called the number of the RR company and the sheriff to report this violation.
I saw another example of stress, haste and anxiety during my morning commute this week. While at a red light, I glanced over at the driver beside me. She covered her face/eyes with her hands as she realized something that she remembered she needed to do. She pulled into a place of business to text, turn around or get re-focused. I was happy she decided to pull over and handle the situation she faced. This was a safe solution to her dilemma.
Why is this important? In the frantic pace of our lives, we make quick and impulsive decisions that may affect many lives in a negative way. Check out these stats from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at U.S. Department of Transportation:
Three out of four crashes occur within 25 miles of a motorist’s home. Fifty percent of all crashes occur within five miles of home.
A calculation of NHTSA statistics on the rate of deaths per collision in vehicle/vehicle crashes versus the Federal Railroad Administration statistics of deaths per collision in vehicle/train crashes reveals:
A motorist is almost 20 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than in a collision involving another motor vehicle.
What can you do to pause the hectic pace of your life?
- Practice a savoring walk where you avoid distractions and focus on your surroundings.
- Explore mindfulness practices to help you tame your mind, relax, or re-focus.
- Slow your pace and practice walking meditation. This relaxed pace can help you focus on your surroundings and the sensations you experience.
- Try a relaxing activity. Tai Chi, meditation, yoga or focused breathing can help you cope with stress.
How can you pause and savor your life? Share your comments below.
Writer: Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, treber.1@osu.edu
Reviewer: Shannon Carter, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Fairfield County, carter.413@osu.edu
Sources:
https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/walking_meditation
https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/savoring_walk#
https://livehealthyosu.com/2016/04/11/taming-stress-using-stress-busters/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/stress/index.shtml#pub4
https://oli.org/about-us/news/collisions-casulties
https://oli.org/education-resources/driving-safety-tips
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/integrative-complementary-medicine/mindfulness-practices
Live Healthy Live Well 
A great article! Thanks for sharing. Appreciate the suggestions as well 🙂
Yesterday a car passed me in a no passing zone even though I was going the speed limit. I took a deep breath to keep my road rage at bay. Five miles down the road, the car was just in front of me. Did it save any time? No. Why are we in such a hurry that we are willing to risk our lives and others? Your article offers good advice