Permission to Pause: Why Rest Is a Power Move in a Go-Go-Go Industry

If you’ve been following our Summer Blog Series, you know we’ve covered the dangers of over-working, over-committing, and over-spending your energy. It’s an easy thing to do, especially in high-powered, constantly moving, over-demanding industries.

I’ve shared tips on how to avoid burnout that are super simple to implement (if you’ve missed the series, be sure to check out June and July’s blogs!) And while the pitfalls of burnout can be easy(ish) to avoid, there’s a bigger story to this rest and recovery thing. 

In order to fully thrive, we have to learn how to slow down (just a skosh). 

We have to learn how to pause – and not just in the moment – but as a major shift in our everyday strategy.

• You want to feel energized each day, yes? 
• Be around to watch your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews grow, yes?  
• You want to kick butt at everything you do and be the best version of yourself, yes? 

Well, that takes a commitment to your health and longevity, which means taking a little time to do less. To pause. To rest. To refuel.

Redefine Busyness

As a fellow Type-A lady myself, I get it. You may already be tuning me out on this blog. But I encourage you to keep reading, with an open (and eager) mind. 

You may be thinking…

• Who has time to rest? 
• Who can slow down with so many demands, priorities and overflowing to-do lists?

Here’s the thing…that list isn’t going anywhere. And equally important to keep in mind, that list is never really done. As you finish one task, you’ll end up adding another, and another. 

Same goes for the inbox. One email gets knocked out, only for three emails to take its place. 

Our strive to keep accomplishing, without pause (aka rest), isn’t sustainable. 

Sure, some of us are built like machines. But even the best machines require maintenance to avoid the inevitable breakdown.

Redefine Rest

I’ve been sharing an idea lately with my coaching clients and adrenal fatigue patients. 

What if resting, or pausing, doesn’t have to be an event?

Sometimes we look at self-care (aka refueling) as this major thing that needs to happen in our day or week:

A 30-minute meditation session

A 60-minute massage

A 45-minute run or walk

Those things are lovely, and please do them as much as you can. But if getting that long of a break is the reason you’re not taking one, it’s time to shift the perspective on what resting means.

Resting, aka pausing, aka refueling, doesn’t have to be an event. It can be a moment, or series of moments throughout the day that give your mind and body a quick reset before moving onto the next major task or project. 

Redefine Your Options

As I shared in earlier blogs this summer, just taking 5 minutes to look away from the screen, and maybe even do some parasympathetic breathing, can help reset your nervous system and provide the rest that your body needs before forging ahead.

Taking 10 minutes to do a mindfulness activity (yes, you can stop for 10 minutes), or just eat your food away from your desk also serves as a much needed rest and reset for your mind and body. Taking that 10 minutes will make you more productive, more focused and less cranky in your next call, meeting or task.

We can even break this down to meaningful and restorative seconds:

• Taking 30 seconds between errands to sit in your car and do a few rounds of deep breathing
• Using 10 seconds between calls to clear your mind
• Taking 5 seconds to think and breathe before responding to a triggering comment or email

These small moments can work wonders in calming your nervous system, oxygenating your body and reminding your brain that everything is cool, and everything is within your control.

Redefine Your Pace

The simple act of rushing sends constant messages to our nervous and limbic systems of urgency, worry, busyness, lack (of time, energy, control), etc. 

These are stressful messages to your body, which will keep your sympathetic nervous system activated. That’s what we call fight or flight, and your body wasn’t built to sustain that.

By incorporating these moments of rest, or pause, throughout your day, you’re doing so very much for your body, your mind and your long-term health.

And you know what…by prioritizing these moments for yourself, you just may start a revolution within your business or circle of influence. 

Imagine pausing the start of a meeting to have everyone do 15 seconds of deep breathing. Clearing your minds, creating a nurturing space for your body, and setting the tone for the conversation ahead. Man…that could go a long way in this go-go-go industry. 

Reclaim Your Value

Pausing doesn’t have to be an event, yet it can be a monumental moment. 

Learning to pause, rest, and slow down at home will also teach your kids, family members, even your pets, that this is a safe space. 

• A space where our bodies are nourished and supported. 
• Where being in the moment is valued. 
• Where our minds are allowed to take a break, to enjoy the abundance all around us.
• Where doing and producing isn’t our source of worth or value.

Believe me, I know the dichotomy that arises when envisioning a workday where you have permission to pause and rest, even just for a moment. Yet the reality that soon sets in where it feels intangible. 

Reclaim Your Control

If you feel like you can’t, the truth is that you’re the one placing this restriction on yourself.

I used to think the same thing. Until I realized that I was in control of my time. 

• Not the meeting reminder
• Not the “urgent” email that just came in
• Not the person asking for something that needed to be done yesterday

I’m in control of the decision to pause – even if for just 10 seconds. To take a moment to reset my nervous system, give my over-worked brain a break, and treat myself to a much needed (and deserved) rest. 

Then, and only then, was I in a better position to answer the urgent email, kickoff the important meeting, lead the exhausted team.

I mean, come on y’all, we’re talking about seconds. Minutes if you can. It doesn’t take much. I know firsthand the effects of not taking this time (burnout, adrenal fatigue and years of healing ahead of me). That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing this with you! 

We deserve to live a life worth living. To enjoy the life we worked so hard to create. 

The best way to do both is to give yourself permission to take these moments of pause, of rest, of resetting and refueling. Not just because we need it, but because we deserve it.

Through this series, I’ve provided tons of examples of how to get these moments of rest in your day. 

• In addition to what’s here, check out June and July’s blogs for more tips
• Have a conversation with your teammates or housemates around how you can do this together
• Make a change. Start a revolution! 

Prove to everyone that resting is the ultimate power move to productivity, happiness and overall health. You have the power to do this! Go make it happen.

Here’s to your health, happiness and permission to pause!

PS…If you’re struggling with how to balance pausing or resting with your busy schedule, you don’t have to go about it alone. I’d be happy to connect and share some guidance. No pressure to join a program or work with me. Just an honest conversation about how to reclaim control of your day and your life. 

Leah Livingston is a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach, Trauma-Informed Coach, and advocate for holistic wellness as the key to living with vitality. She is the founder of Transform with Leah, helping clients create lasting transformations through holistic health and wellness coaching. Leah also serves as a wellness coach for Christine Centeno, founder of Simplicity Wealth Management, where she supports the development of an energetic, aligned, and purpose-driven business.