In today's connected world, with so much coming at us, we can sometimes feel a fight or flight response in reaction to the stress, "noise," and demands. If you're facing a fight or flight response, pressing the pause button is an option that shouldn't be overlooked.
Pressing the pause button is important because if we don't, life will come at us in the form of burnout, overwhelm, exhaustion, breakdown and/or illness. Maybe you've experienced a time when you got caught up in all the things and didn't take time to pause. Maybe you're there now, needing this message and needing to hit press pause.
When should you hit the pause button?
1. When you're under the weather. Illness is a strong signal that perhaps you're overdoing it. It's your body's way of signaling to you to take a rest.
2. When you need to make an important decision. Whether it's to "sleep on it" or to give yourself time to make an intentional choice, hit the pause button during this time.
3. When you're not giving your best. When you know your standard of excellence you've set for yourself and realize that you're not living up to your own expectations, you probably need to hit the pause button. Re-evaluate and re-energize before taking on another task.
4. When the busy-ness leads to boredom. Spending time on menial tasks that don't lead to end results can be a sure sign of needing to hit the pause button and take time to re-visit priorities.
5. When you need a break. Consistently pushing yourself without time for rest and recovery can lead to burnout.
What does hitting the pause button look like?
- It may be taking time for deep breathing
- It could be taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- It could mean taking a break from social media
- It may mean spending time doing something you love
- It could mean leaving the email in draft form instead of sending immediately
- It may be closing your office door and turning off the lights for a few minutes
- It might be a walk around the block, building, or parking lot
While you may not be able to slow the pace of your life, you may be able to put some calm in it by pressing the pause button at important and regular times.
I would love to hear how you "Press Pause" in your own life. You can leave a comment below or reach out to me on Twitter or Facebook.
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My last school had the Cahaba River in the back of the property. I went back there once or twice and just threw rocks in the river for a while. I needed to think about nothing for a bit. If you do not find a positive outlet you won't be your best self.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this, Bob. Finding time to decompress and "pause" is very important, and like you said, it helps us be our best selves. Thanks for your comment!
DeleteI definitely needed this reminder about hitting the pause button. As we're fully engaged in distance learning, I find it more important than ever to take a step away from the computer to let my eyes rest. I've sometimes used my lunchtime to turn music on and meal prep my dinner for the evening. Many times as educators, we push ourselves to the max and often put our health to the side. I've aimed to make it a priority to listen to the signs that I need to pause so I can give my all to my students.
ReplyDeleteI definitely needed this reminder about hitting the pause button. As we're fully engaged in distance learning, I find it more important than ever to take a step away from the computer to let my eyes rest. I've sometimes used my lunchtime to turn music on and meal prep my dinner for the evening. Many times as educators, we push ourselves to the max and often put our health to the side. I've aimed to make it a priority to listen to the signs that I need to pause so I can give my all to my students.
ReplyDelete