Why It's Important To Pause, Stop, And Take A Break
Written By Empress Of Pearl
Sarah Anderson Sept 4, 2026
Have you ever been so busy that life seems to just pass you by? We can get so overwhelmed with our daily schedules and striving to get things done, that we forget to take a pause so we can enjoy the beauty that surrounds us.
Pausing and taking a break are a crucial part of self-care and self-preservation. It resets our nervous system, replenishes our brain's capacity to focus and prevents stress.
Neglecting to take time for ourselves can lead to fatigue, stress and anxiety, which is one of the root causes of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, diabetes and many other illnesses.
When you feel like you can't find a pause, this blog can help you manage stressors and cope when overwhelmed.
Reassess The Circumstances
Is this really something that has to be done this very moment? Can it be done a little bit later so you can relax for a few minuets, take a breath and take in your surroundings, do some breathing exercises, meditate, or even just give someone an extra couple minutes of your attention?
When you’re working in your yard or garden, can you stop for a moment to admire what you’re tending to?
When cleaning your house, take a few minutes break here and there to tend to your family? How about when you’re consumed with meetings after work? Will you allow yourself to take a 10-minute walk to clear your head before your next meeting begins?
When you can relax, refresh, and reset, just a few times during the day, you may find you’re even more energentic and productive the remainder of the day.
Prioritize The Order Of Importance
You are important and if you don't take time for yourself, you'll not have enough of you left over to do for anyone or anything else. In other words, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Therefore, make sure you include self-care in your daily routine.
It matters not what you do or who you are, in this world today, we all have stress and we all need to prioritize self-care.
If cannot find time for yourself, schedule a time as if it were a doctor’s appointment. Block off time that is just for you to relax and enjoy. It can be as simple as sitting quietly in a park taking in all the wonders of nature, meditating on positive things, things that inspire love, kindness, and peace rather than hostility, or taking a few deep breaths and doing some stretching exercises to help your mind rest.
Do whatever will help you turn your busy thoughts off for awhile and just enjoy your surroundings. Wake up a few minutes early and practice affirming that you will take a few moments today just for yourself.
Know That It's Okay To Say No
We live in an on-demand world and expectations are high which creates a constant cycle of stress, impatience, and chronic disappointment. You have to understand that it is okay and often essential to say “No,” or “Not at the time,” or “I’ll try to get back to you when I can.”
Many of us are people-pleasers, wanting to make other's happy by putting others needs and desires before our own, which can feel like an impossible task. This can cause anxiety and stress if you cannot get something done in a timely manner that you normally would.
It is okay to say “I may not be able to that this right minute, but I'll try later.” Putting off a task for about 30 minutes or so while you slow down your mind does not mean you are a procrastinator or a bad person.
When you hit a roadblock, that’s the time to sit back, take a minute, and reset your brain so you can then move forward clearly.
Practice The Art Of Gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a form of self-care. Be grateful for all the beautiful things this world has to offer. Stop for a moment when walking into work or getting the kids off to school, and look around you and be grateful.
Whether it's people, places, or things, there is always something to be grateful for. Be grateful for the people who support you and walk beside you. Be thankful for the gift of life and breath. Be grateful for being able to see colors, hear music, feel a breeze, and taste your favorite foods.
Take a break and pause to appreciate the positive moments and practice self-care.
