Creating a Pause

Life can be so fast-paced! Often we are overbooked, overworked, and overwhelmed. Not just us, but the people around us too; this can have a compound effect. In life and in the therapy room, this can show up as racing thoughts and speech, feeling disconnected from the present moment, feeling drained and lifeless. Something that can help is creating a "pause!"

A pause can be just a moment by oneself focusing on taking a deep breath. Three deep breaths. A pause can be just a moment of space in a conversation to let the words sink in.  It can be ten seconds of scanning one's body, checking out what sensations are arising. Taking a drink of water while paying close attention. It's really just a manufactured moment of mindfulness. 

Remember that you're allowed to ask for or create a pause at any time! Even in the midst of other people who seem to be in a hurry, even during an emotional conversation, even when there are too many things on your to-do list. You may be surprised that the people around you will benefit from a pause as well! It's a way of micro-resourcing that you can do at any time of the day, in public or in private. Not only is it good for us, but it can usually make us more relaxed, more in touch with ourselves, and more effective in taking care of whatever it is that is overwhelming in the first place. 

Consider this permission to pause!