Power of the Pause

How much of your day do you spend being intentional, versus habitual?

It might surprise you to learn that research shows about 88% of our daily actions happen on autopilot.

And in many ways, that’s a good thing. If we had to consciously think about every step we took, every keystroke we typed, or every time we brushed our teeth, we would be exhausted before noon. Habits allow us to conserve mental energy for the decisions that actually matter.

But there’s a catch.

The same autopilot that helps us move efficiently through the day can also cause us to react automatically to stress, discomfort, or frustration.

Ever grabbed a snack midday, only to realize you weren't hungry once you started eating?

Ever get home from a long day and immediately pour yourself a glass of wine without even thinking about it?

Ever find yourself scrolling through social media, and wonder "when did I even pick up my phone?"

Food, alcohol, and screens are just a few of the most common things we reach for when we are stressed, but the list goes on.

This is where the power of the pause comes in.

Every reaction happens in a tiny space between trigger and response. And in this space lies the power for you to change your habits.

When you learn to pause, you give yourself the chance to choose instead of react.

That pause might be the length of just one deep breath.

Or maybe it's long enough for you to count slowly to ten.

Or maybe its enough time for you to ask yourself, “What do I actually need right now?”

Because maybe you’re not actually hungry, you’re just tired.

Maybe you don't actually need the glass of wine. But maybe you do need to sit in silence for a moment.

Maybe you don't need to pick up your phone. But maybe you do need to lie down and close your eyes for a few minutes.

When you pause, you stop letting old habits and emotions steer the ship, and you put yourself back into the driver’s seat.