"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."
~ Guillame Apollinaire, French poet/writer
What if...I gave myself permission to hit 'Pause'?
Our culture prizes hyper-productivity. We celebrate the hustle, the grind, the never-ending to-do lists. Responsibility becomes synonymous with busyness, and we wear our full schedules like badges of honor. But what if a lifetime of this constant motion results in fatigue and burnout? And what if I allowed myself to hit 'Pause?'
Even in retirement, I find myself caught in this cycle. My schedule isn’t as packed as it used to be, but I still maintain long to-do lists. Of course, those lists now include more of the things I love doing, but the drive to be productive is ingrained so deeply that I often judge myself harshly when I’m not “accomplishing enough.”
But this pace isn’t sustainable. Even the things I love doing can become overwhelming if I don’t take time to rest. I’ve learned that taking time out—hitting pause—is crucial for sustaining health and mental clarity. It’s a lesson I revisit often, especially when I find myself as busy in retirement as I ever was before (if not busier - lol).
Over time, I've repeatedly learned the importance of building rest into my routine. It might seem counterintuitive, but pausing throughout the day and planning time away in solitude and nature has been key to maintaining my momentum. These moments of stillness are essential for recharging and resetting. One of the ways that I do this is to spend time in nature. Whether it’s a walk in the local park or a weekend retreat, these breaks allow me to reconnect with myself and the world around me. They provide a much-needed respite from the constant urge to be productive.
Despite the benefits, many of us struggle to hit pause. We often feel we can’t afford to take breaks because our responsibilities demand our constant attention. But are these beliefs valid? Let’s explore some common underlying beliefs that might keep us from hitting pause and how to work around them.
One common belief is the fear of being perceived as irresponsible. Many people, especially parents, worry that taking time for themselves might be seen as neglecting their duties. However, taking time to recharge can actually make us better caregivers. When we’re well-rested and mentally clear, we’re more present and attentive to the needs of our loved ones.
Another belief is the fear of falling behind. In a competitive world, the idea of pausing can seem like conceding defeat. We worry that taking a break might cause us to miss out on opportunities and that others will surpass us. However, constant busyness often leads to burnout, which can be far more detrimental to our progress. By taking intentional breaks, we can return to our tasks with renewed energy and creativity, ultimately improving our performance.
Some may struggle with internalized guilt. We’ve been conditioned to equate rest with laziness, believing that every moment not spent being productive is wasted. This mindset is particularly prevalent in cultures that glorify the “hustle.” But rest is not laziness; it’s a necessary component of a balanced life. Just as our bodies need sleep to function optimally, our minds need regular periods of rest to maintain clarity and resilience.
To overcome these beliefs, we need to start small and build the habit of resting into our routines. Here are a few suggestions for making time to do nothing:
Start Small: Dedicate an hour each week to simply being. Turn off your devices, find a quiet space, and allow yourself to relax without any agenda.
Plan Downtime: Schedule a day or weekend each month for solitude. Use this time to disconnect from your daily routine and reconnect with yourself.
Annual Retreat: Consider taking a week or more each year to retreat into nature. This extended pause can be profoundly rejuvenating, providing clarity and renewed energy.
Allowing ourselves to hit pause isn’t about abandoning our responsibilities. It’s about recognizing that rest is an integral part of a healthy, productive life. By making time to do nothing, we can sustain our momentum, maintain our health, and enjoy a deeper sense of clarity and purpose.
So, what if you allowed yourself to hit pause? What might you discover in the stillness?
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