The Stress of Running Late

I'm a huge fan of promptness. I think repeated tardiness is rude and I also think that being far too early isn't fair either. Especially, if arriving for a dinner party, you don't want to ravel the hostess by arriving 30 minutes early while she hasn't had a chance to put together the finishing touches that makes every party host proud.

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Being late can cause stress, worry, anxiety and turn into frustrations or anger. With everything already on your plate, why add stress with tardiness. Elevated levels of stress, can have physical effects on your body:

• Anxiety
• Headache
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Mood swings
• Muscle tension
  
• Intestinal problems
  
• Poor diet choices

If you are always running on the late side, take a look at your family and friends, and maybe even colleagues. It might be causing them stress or putting strain on your relationship. For some people, they truly are not phased by being tardy, but for those of you could use less stress try committing to fixing any tardiness problems.

• Admit that you have a bit of a problem with punctuality and commit to your loved ones that you will make a valid attempt to squash it. Show that you value and respect their time. {note: they may not take you seriously...at first} ;)

• Try to stop over scheduling yourself in a single day. Spread out your commitments for more achievable time frames.
  

• Set yourself up for success by being honest with how much time it really does take to get dress, do your hair, make up, get your little ones lunches ready, drop them off , etc.
  

• Come early until you find a happy medium. Wait either in your car, walk around, or catch up on your emails, or just enjoy some quiet time to yourself before meeting at your scheduled time.