8 Reasons to Slow Down

Feeling on edge when you're stuck in traffic and running late is normal (though no one's arguing that it's fun).But if you feel antsy even during your downtime and are compelled to make use of every spare moment—by text messaging while on line at the grocery store, doing your makeup at stoplights, or reading mail in front of the TV—then it's time to ease up. The reason? You (along with 30 million other American women) are likely suffering from so-called "hurry-up sickness," a modern epidemic of living your life in constant overdrive that makes you more prone to fatigue, moodiness, weight gain, even low libido, says Brent W. Bost, M.D., author of The Hurried Woman Syndrome. The good news: If you can learn to rush just a little bit less, studies show that you'll lower your risk for high blood pressure, have better relationships, and live longer. And no, you don't have to overhaul your schedule. "Slowing down just a few moments a day can be beneficial to your health," says Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., coauthor of Stress Free for Good. Below, the sweet rewards of downshifting—and simple ways to take it slow.

1 Slow Down to Lose Weight
One surprising source of stubborn extra pounds: eating on the fly. Gobbling your food doesn't give your stomach the 20 minutes it needs to signal your brain that it's full, making it easy to unknowingly cram in more calories than you need. What's more, postponing lunch or dinner to finish that one last thing slows calorie burn, according to a British study: If your body can't predict the timing of its next meal, it's more likely to store calories as fat as protection against starvation.

How to take it slow: Instead of wolfing down a meal mindlessly while you're watching TV or catching up on email, turn off the technology and really chew each mouthful mindfully, paying close attention to the flavors and textures, suggests Elizabeth Somer, R.D., author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet. You'll learn to appreciate that eating is feeding your body and spirit. "And when you don't eat on autopilot, you naturally eat a little less," says Somer. Think about it: If you realize you're full before taking those final few bites and drop your fork, you may cut out as many as 100 calories a day—which is all it takes to drop 10 pounds in a year. So give yourself at least 20 minutes to enjoy a meal.