Press Pause Now: 6 Simple Ways to Take a Break

When things get hectic it can be easy to become overwhelmed and become what I call unnecessarily busy. That is busy, being busy, trying to keep your head above water. However, what I have noticed is the busier I become and the more I focus on being busy and trying to do everything I think I should be doing the less I sometimes achieve. Sometimes when I am most busy what I need most is to press pause. Take five minutes to regroup, start again, and focus on the priorities. We know and it has been well documented that regular breaks can increase productivity. So here are six simple ways to press pause.

1. Press pause and focus on your breath

The benefits of better breathing have been well documented. It can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help you relax. Even just pausing for 30 seconds to notice and deepen your breath can help press pause and stop those racing thoughts. Practice by breathing in slowly for a count of four, hold for a count of four, out for a count of four, and hold for a count of four.

2. Press pause and make and enjoy a cup of tea

Yep, that’s right. The Great British answer to everything is the humble cup of tea. I am a fan of tea (green tea specifically) and think it can help with many of life’s problems and can press pause. When was the last time you made a cup of tea and really enjoyed it? If you are anything like me you make the cup of tea and then jump straight back into what you were doing, 20 minutes later you remember your poor tea which is by now lukewarm at best. So, the challenge is not just to make tea but also to pause long enough to enjoy it. Enjoy and notice the warmth of the tea in the cup. Feel the steam on your face. Take time to saviour the first to last sips. Enjoy the smell and taste. Occasionally, make tea an event, like the Traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

3. Press pause and read a chapter of a book

This one always seems luxurious to me. When it comes to reading it is so valuable for my mental health and well-being yet it is one of the first things to go, I am very guilty of I don’t have time to read. However, if I put my phone away or turn off the TV then there is magically so much more time for reading. A chapter of a good book takes us away from the chaos of our busy lives and gives us that moment of pause. In fairness, if they are long chapters you may need to settle for 3-4 pages, or just 5 minutes worth. However, this comes with the caveat of choose your book carefully. I find horror and thrillers a bit (A LOT) scary, and they have the opposite effect, and do nothing to bring calm into my life. So, it is about finding what works for you. You do you!

4. Press pause and do five minutes of yoga or stretching

As someone who has an office job, this is one of my favourite ways to press pause. It makes a huge difference to the quality of my day and my productivity. The internet is awash with desk stretches or five-minute yoga routines. Yoga with Adrienne has some good ones. It is a good way to press pause and slip in some self-care. However this one comes with a note of caution if you are inactive or have any injuries, please consult your doctor or healthcare professional before taking on a new exercise regime.

5. Press pause and sit in nature

There have been many reports of late about the benefits of sitting in nature. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. Even a quick 10-minute walk around your nearest green space during your lunch break can have amazing impacts on your stress and productivity levels. Even better if you are somewhere clean and safe where you can go barefoot for a few minutes. This grounds you to the Earth.

6. Press pause and power nap

This is one of my all-time favourites, though I don’t necessarily recommend it if you struggle to sleep at night, and that is a good power nap. A good power nap is usually up to 30 minutes long and will leave you feeling refreshed and energised. Incorporating them into your day can be a simple and effective way to press pause.

So here are some of my favourite ways to press pause. All of these I find work best if you can incorporate them regularly into your day. Most of them are easy to incorporate even on a work day. Have an experiment and find your favourite ways to press pause and feel free to share in the comments below.