August is a time when everyone, or mostly everyone, is returning from summer vacations, family trips, and moments of pure relaxation. They were able to step away, reset, refocus, and refresh. But what about those of us who did not get the opportunity to do that this summer? How do we refresh, refocus, and reset when we never really stopped?
Maybe you are like me, a workaholic. Or perhaps this summer, you simply had too much on your plate. The task at hand was too big, too important, or too essential to afford you the time to take what I am sure was, and still is, a much-needed break. If this is you, what do you do? How do you steal away, even if only for a moment? Here’s how, and this month’s blog is for you.
I am sharing seven practical ways to take a much-needed break without losing momentum, missing important deadlines, or completely disrupting your schedule. Most importantly, these tips can help you continue moving forward without losing yourself in the process.
If you are like me, you have to find ways to remain peaceful and relaxed in the midst of what can sometimes feel like a chaotic schedule or routine. You may not have an entire week, or even an entire day, to step away, but a little time is better than no time at all. Trust me, it will matter and make a difference. I promise. This is for you: Seven Ways to Pause Without Losing Momentum
1. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time
Hear me when I say this: the perfect time to rest may never come. There will always be another deadline, responsibility, email, appointment, project, or person who needs something from you. Your time for rest has to be intentional. Even if that means scheduling it on your calendar just as you would any other important commitment, because it is important! Even fifteen or thirty minutes can help you breathe, regroup, and return to what you are doing with a clearer mind. PLEASE, do not underestimate what a small pause can do.
2. Decide What Can Wait
In our minds, everything feels urgent, but in truth, not everything is urgent. Take a moment to honestly inventory what’s on your plate and ask yourself: What absolutely must be completed today? And what can be moved to tomorrow, later in the week, or even next month? We can sometimes create additional pressure for ourselves by treating every task as though it carries the same level of importance. They do not. Learn how to choose your top priorities and give yourself permission to postpone what does not require your immediate attention.
3. Create Small Moments of Escape
You may not have the time or resources to take a vacation, but you can still create small moments that feel like an escape. Allow yourself to explore options without the pressure of doing what others are doing or going where others are going. You’ll be surprised by what you begin to envision, like taking a drive with no errands attached. Sitting outside with your favorite drink. Watching a movie “without” working at the same time. Visit a nearby park, bookstore, café, beach, or walking trail. Yes, even taking a long bath, listening to music, cooking something you enjoy, or simply sitting quietly. Remember, the goal is not to do something extravagant, but rather to step away mentally, even if your physical surroundings do not change very much.
4. Protect One Part of Your Day
AN ABSOLUTE MUST! Choose one part of your day that belongs to you. I do not care if it is the first thirty minutes of the morning, your lunch break, an hour in the evening, or a few quiet moments before bed—take it! And, during that time, do not answer emails, return calls, check social media, or work on another task. Use that time to do something that settles you. When every part of the day is available to everyone and everything else, it becomes easy to lose yourself.
5. Give Yourself Permission to Do Nothing
This is by far my hardest struggle as a workaholic. And it may be the hardest step for you, too. Workaholics often feel that if we are not producing, solving, creating, organizing, helping, or accomplishing something, we are wasting time. But doing nothing for a moment is not wasted time; at least I keep telling myself that. But here’s the truth: your mind and body need opportunities to slow down. Whether it is sitting quietly or taking a nap, put the phone down and allow your thoughts to settle. You do not always have to turn a break into another project. You know, a person’s rest does not have to be earned by exhaustion.
6. Ask for Help Before You Reach Your Limit
This is another hard one, but you do not have to carry everything alone. Please, ask someone to help with dinner, errands, household responsibilities, transportation, administrative work, or anything else that can reasonably be shared. Also, delegating does not mean you are incapable. On the contrary, it means you recognize that your time, energy, and health are important. The break we need may be hidden inside a responsibility someone else can help us carry. Let’s not wait until we are completely overwhelmed before speaking up.
7. End the Day Before the Work Is Finished
And here is my last word of advice: there will be days when everything on our list will not get done. Let me say this clearly: that is perfectly okay. At some point, we have to decide that our workday is over, even when our work is not. Write down what still needs to be completed, identify where you will begin the next day, and allow yourself to stop. The unfinished task will still be there when we return tomorrow. We cannot continue pushing without rest. It affects our clarity, energy, and the patience needed to complete our work efficiently.
Vacations do not always require us to leave home. We can create a relaxing staycation right where we are because peace begins from the inside out, and we can choose not to give our peace away. What if the pause you need is closer than you think?
