In the whirlwind of daily life, it’s easy to react impulsively when frustration, stress or even excitement takes over. Emotions surge, and before we know it, we’ve said something we can’t take back or made a decision we’ll later wish we hadn’t. The reality is, reacting without pausing usually leaves us full of regret. True clarity, control and confidence comes not from acting on impulse, but from the simple, powerful act of taking a moment to pause.
Here’s how pausing can instantly clear your mind.
- Take Control Back
Instead of allowing your feelings to get the upper hand, pause and take control back. By pausing, you create space to intentionally choose how you’re going to react, instead of reacting on instinct. You can do this by taking a deep breath, counting to ten or stepping away from the moment. Give your mind some space to reboot.
- Raise Self Awareness
Taking a pause gives you time to tune into your emotions. Are you frustrated? Nervous? Scared? Having awareness of what you are feeling in the moment will help you choose based less on instinct and more on a sense of what’s happening.
- Gain Perspective
Sometimes a break allows you to step back and see the big picture. An impulsive response in the moment may get you focused on the immediate problem, but a break allows you to consider the long-term consequence and the best response.