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
