5 Effective Ways To Step Back And "Pause" in Your Life
I am definitely one of those people who like to "get things done".
I work many hours, plan my days and think ahead, often paying the price of feeling overwhelmed, moody and highly emotional.
Over time I learned to recognize these feelings as a signal to step back, to press the "pause" button and try something different.
I often remind my clients and readers how important it is to take an honest inventory of their lives on a regular basis - and taking an official "pause" is a good opportunity for doing so.
However, for those of you who are like me (I know, the story about a shoemaker's children going without shoes comes to mind), pausing doesn´t come easily and the busy dear old brain keeps working away.
Here I would recommend trying the following steps.
1.
) Give yourself permission to slow your pace.
Allow whatever comes to your life to be there and understand that whatever is missing right now will appear when the time is right.
Giving yourself that permission will make the whole experience guilt-free and enjoyable.
2.
) Make a list of what you love doing and what brings you joy and pleasure.
Then include at least one of those activities in your day.
In my case, I take long walks alongside the ocean; I read my favorite book; I watch my kids´ favorite show with them.
3.
) Reflect back on what it is that drives you on a regular basis to the edge of your physical and emotional boundaries.
Is it really your desire to be involved in something that you love or is it the impression you try to make on others? What is really going on here? Is your perfectionist streak getting the best of you when all you feel inside is a wish to relax and "go with the flow"? Pausing is exactly the right time to ask those questions, and answer them honestly.
4.
) Decide how to alter your life in order to avoid those "burn out" feelings in the future.
Quite often, when people allow themselves to slow down, enjoy life and be happy with what they have got already, the feeling of gratitude is so empowering that going back to the rushing old self seems very unappealing.
If this happens to you (and I believe it might), make a conscious decision to live differently.
If this thought scares you, give yourself a time limit for trying it out.
5.
) If all of the points above are too much for you and you are simply not ready to "take a longer breather", at least make sure that when you recognize the first signs of "putting too much effort in, getting too little outcome", you stop for a while and acknowledge what is happening.
You can then follow with steps 1-4 or do whatever feels right at that moment.
If you are worried that slowing down will slow down your progress too, please be assured that the best ideas often occur when we feel rested and fresh.
I am sure you have experienced it before; perhaps my little reminder is all you needed to put you on the right path again.
I certainly hope so!
I work many hours, plan my days and think ahead, often paying the price of feeling overwhelmed, moody and highly emotional.
Over time I learned to recognize these feelings as a signal to step back, to press the "pause" button and try something different.
I often remind my clients and readers how important it is to take an honest inventory of their lives on a regular basis - and taking an official "pause" is a good opportunity for doing so.
However, for those of you who are like me (I know, the story about a shoemaker's children going without shoes comes to mind), pausing doesn´t come easily and the busy dear old brain keeps working away.
Here I would recommend trying the following steps.
1.
) Give yourself permission to slow your pace.
Allow whatever comes to your life to be there and understand that whatever is missing right now will appear when the time is right.
Giving yourself that permission will make the whole experience guilt-free and enjoyable.
2.
) Make a list of what you love doing and what brings you joy and pleasure.
Then include at least one of those activities in your day.
In my case, I take long walks alongside the ocean; I read my favorite book; I watch my kids´ favorite show with them.
3.
) Reflect back on what it is that drives you on a regular basis to the edge of your physical and emotional boundaries.
Is it really your desire to be involved in something that you love or is it the impression you try to make on others? What is really going on here? Is your perfectionist streak getting the best of you when all you feel inside is a wish to relax and "go with the flow"? Pausing is exactly the right time to ask those questions, and answer them honestly.
4.
) Decide how to alter your life in order to avoid those "burn out" feelings in the future.
Quite often, when people allow themselves to slow down, enjoy life and be happy with what they have got already, the feeling of gratitude is so empowering that going back to the rushing old self seems very unappealing.
If this happens to you (and I believe it might), make a conscious decision to live differently.
If this thought scares you, give yourself a time limit for trying it out.
5.
) If all of the points above are too much for you and you are simply not ready to "take a longer breather", at least make sure that when you recognize the first signs of "putting too much effort in, getting too little outcome", you stop for a while and acknowledge what is happening.
You can then follow with steps 1-4 or do whatever feels right at that moment.
If you are worried that slowing down will slow down your progress too, please be assured that the best ideas often occur when we feel rested and fresh.
I am sure you have experienced it before; perhaps my little reminder is all you needed to put you on the right path again.
I certainly hope so!
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