The importance of taking a Pause!

“I think any kind of hiatus one takes in an artistic journey is going to make a huge difference.” Mel Gibson

You are the artist. What you choose to do in life is art.
Life is an artistic journey. 

The journey you are on right now wouldn’t mean much if you didn’t realize the importance of hitting pause to just enjoy you.

Most days you get up and fall into the same routine without much thought. Oftentimes, the pursuit of your goals, work or even taking care of others overshadow how overwhelmed you may be. 

However, there comes a time where we all must pause and replenish.
Our mind and body require rest; and if it doesn’t get it, our body has a way of forcefully doing it for us.

Have you ever woke up with a headache, body aches, sluggish, heavy tension, easily irritated, or quickly snapping at someone for asking a question? 

Girlfriend, your cup was bone dry.
Your break was way overdue at that time.

Don’t wait until it gets that bad. 

We must “Stop and smell the roses”!

Despite our current pandemic life, there are still many beautiful things in life. 

I challenge you to pause right now and think of just 1 amazing thing in your life that makes you smile. Take in that moment.

There are so many benefits to taking a break from the norm,
below are the ones I felt were most important at the moment.

You become a better YOU

Taking time to yourself helps you better understand who you are, what you want in life, what you need, and maybe even how to get those things met quicker than imagined.

Stepping outside of routines to take a self-care break allows you to discover what has been contributing to your cup and what hasn’t. With so many life changes, a reset is needed to either get back on track or veer off to another destination. 

Taking breaks is good for your mental and physical well being. When we are mentally stable, we are better people not only to ourselves but to the ones around us.

We become more aware, more productive, and happier with a pause every so often.

Improves productivity at work

Short Pause:

You can become burnt out when you don’t take a break, and it will show in your work. Some people take “breaks” but continue to send emails and take calls. This is not a break.

Your mind needs that pause to focus on you and recharge. Go chat with a co-worker about your weekend plans or something. 

Extended Pause:

Sure, you may get Thanksgiving and Christmas off, but you need more than that throughout the year. It is a great feeling to break the cycle of work to focus on you. At that time, you should reflect and take it slow. 

We tend to sometimes keep that same fast-paced energy although we have no set times to be anywhere. Slow down boo. 

More importantly, when you’re on a vacation, don’t forget to turn on your “Out of the Office” automated reply and respect the time with yourself. When you allow yourself time to fully break away from work, you return to work refreshed and happier. That will also show in your work. 

You become a better CEO

I am a business owner and I know all too well how one could forget to take a break. For a long time, I didn’t take breaks and I oftentimes burned the midnight oil. I enjoy what I do, but became overwhelmed and my body shut down. 

Nothing or No one is meant to keep going and going, not even the Energizer bunny. Pause.

Girlfriend, your mind needs sleep and your body needs rest. I  understand the grind; try making a schedule where you can hustle while making rest a priority. 

After that burnout situation for me, I started to plan out my vacations ahead of time. 

I have been growing and glowing ever since I started taking periodic pauses in life. It’s so important for your development as an individual.

With planning out work time and pause time, I became more productive and joyous in my craft.

Things you may discover on your break:

1. New ways to help your clients, new directions or business goals

2. Changes that need to be made personally or business-wise

3. The love of what you do is strengthened 

4. Nothing. Just that you needed a break to recharge.

Remember, you can only give someone what you have available to give.
If you have energy and a rested mind, then that’s what your clients will get. I prefer not to speak on the opposite of that because it’s not a good look.

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Frequency of Pauses:

The length of a pause varies significantly and is based on the person and the type of break. Although every day you should take some time out for yourself, extended pauses are encouraged!

We learn so much about ourselves, our journey, and live more in the moment when choosing to pause and breathe.

For some, extended pauses of a week or more may require some detailed planning of funds and such, it’s always good to do what’s best for you. Just make sure to take your necessary stops to pour into yourself.

My favorite ways to Pause with Intent:

1. Meditate in silence (clear my mind)

2.  Journal

3.  Do something I have never done before

4.   Take a vacation or staycation 

5.   Take a break and do nothing (Maybe go out somewhere and people watch)

6.   Sleep in (Don’t set that alarm)

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Closing Note: 

Plan out your breaks ahead of time. Pull out your calendar and schedule a pause once every quarter, if possible. You will love yourself for it. 

“Every person needs to take one day away.  A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future.  Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence.  Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
-Maya Angelou

Are you due for a break?

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Well rested,

Happi Girl