Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/77926
Put Procrastination in Its Place Ever put off a project, chore or workout session because you’ll “get to it tomorrow?” While it’s easy to procrastinate, managing your time can actually make you feel better and live a more productive life Constant procrastination can lead to you feeling more stressed or panicked during your daily activities, whether you’re interacting with coworkers or spending time with family. To start tackling procrastination: step 1: Log how you’re spending your time. Take a hard look at how you’re spending your time over a couple of days to glean areas where you’re wasting time instead of completing tasks. Then look for places where you can improve—such as cutting back on coffee (or Internet) breaks at work or getting up for that morning run instead of hitting the snooze button. step 2: Make daily to-do lists. Whether you make a list daily or once a week, setting aside time for your goals can help you visualize how to meet them. Rank goals in order of their importance. Or, consider which tasks can be accomplished quickly—checking emails in the morning and afternoon—so you can move on to other tasks. step 3: Break it down. If a particular project—such as cleaning the house— is overwhelming, try working on it a little bit each day. Instead of spending a whole weekend cleaning your house, do a little bit each night after dinner. First thing in the morning, try loading the dishwasher or sweeping so you don’t come home to a mess. Got a complex project for work? Block off 30 minutes a day to work on it a couple weeks before the deadline. You’ll feel much better doing a little bit over time instead of pulling an all-nighter before the day of your presentation. step 4: Focus on the payoff. Find yourself making excuses about why you can’t make it to the gym again or cook healthy meals at home? Picture where you want to be. Look for ways to maximize your time, whether by breaking up your workout sessions or preparing healthy snacks the night before. step 5: Celebrate success moments. Finally tackle the yard work? Complete your PowerPoint presentation two nights ahead of time? Enjoy the feeling of knowing you finished a task without worry or panic. Remember this feeling as you continue to organize your life and say goodbye to procrastination once and for all. Schedule your screening at a TriStar Health facility near you—call TriStar MedLine® at 800-242-5662 or 615-342-1919. Be a Proactive Man It’s important to be organized in all aspects of your life, including your health. Make time for these important screenings. •20–30 and beyond: Routine blood pressure and blood cholesterol screenings •40–45 and beyond: Annual prostate specific antigen and digital rectal exam for prostate cancer, depending on overall risk •50 and beyond: Colonoscopy for colon cancer .