Being busy all the time doesn’t mean success; slowing down can actually speed it up. Let’s explore the power of the pause.
“How are you?”
“Busy.”
“Mental”
“Rushed off my feet.”
In our fast-paced world, the idea of taking a break can feel counterproductive. Yet, as someone who has dedicated over 25 years to leadership development, I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact that intentional pauses can have on reducing stress, preventing burnout, and fostering resilience. Taking a break isn’t just about resting; it’s about building stamina and becoming a more effective leader for your team and business. Let’s explore why pausing is powerful and how you can incorporate it into your routine.
Reducing Stress and Preventing Burnout
Stress is a common companion in the workplace. Persistent stress can lead to burnout, a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion. According to a study by the World Health Organization, burnout is an occupational phenomenon that significantly impacts employee well-being and productivity.
Taking regular breaks can help mitigate stress and prevent burnout. A brief pause allows your mind and body to recover, reducing the build up of stress. This recovery time is essential for maintaining long-term productivity and health.
Building Resilience
Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back from setbacks. I’ve got some thoughts on how helpful or not this definition is, but that’s for another article. What’s clear is resilience is a crucial trait for leaders to be able to navigate the uncertainties of business well. Pausing helps build resilience by giving you time to process challenges and reflect on solutions. This reflection period can provide new perspectives and strategies for overcoming obstacles.
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that taking short, frequent breaks throughout the day helps improve mood and enhance resilience. By incorporating pauses, you give yourself the space to recharge and return to tasks with renewed energy and focus.
Enhancing Creativity and Innovation
Creativity and innovation thrive in an environment where the mind is free to wander. Pausing allows for this mental freedom. When you’re constantly busy, your brain doesn’t have the opportunity to make the connections necessary for creative thinking.
Consider the example of Thomas Edison, who was known for taking short naps during his workday. These breaks allowed him to approach problems with fresh eyes, leading to some of his most innovative inventions. Similarly, modern tech companies like Google encourage employees to take breaks, believing that downtime can lead to breakthroughs.
OK let’s not get into the whole people who work from home are idle debate. However expecting people to always be moving the mouse is a sure fire way of reducing the effectiveness of your people and the profitability or sustainability of the company.
Building Stamina
Contrary to the belief that continuous work builds stamina, it’s actually the strategic breaks that help sustain energy levels over time. The concept of working smarter, not harder, applies here. By taking breaks, you prevent the depletion of your energy reserves, ensuring that you can maintain high performance throughout the day.
Becoming a Better Leader
As a leader, your behaviour sets the tone for your team. When you prioritize breaks, you model the importance of self-care and well-being. This can create a healthier work culture where employees feel supported and valued.
Pausing also allows you to be more present and attentive. Instead of being caught in the whirlwind of constant activity, you can engage more fully with your team, listen to their concerns, and provide thoughtful guidance.
Ideas for Incorporating Pauses
- Microbreaks: Take 5-10 minute breaks every hour. Stand up, stretch, or take a short walk.
- Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate meditation or deep-breathing exercises into your daily routine. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short mindfulness sessions. However I like the simple shut my eyes and breath in deeply of 4, hold for 2 and exhale for 8. Do that a few times and then spend a few minutes in my body noticing what’s going on. If I don’t like it, I change it. That’s it, nothing too complicated and I’m back, totally present.
- Nature Walks: Spend time outside. A walk in nature can be incredibly refreshing and help clear your mind. I’m fortunate to live by the sea and know the full power of Blue Mind. Again 5 minutes can make a noticeable difference. I like to go for 20-30 minute walks. All that fresh air, deep breathing and nature resets my mind beautifully.
- Scheduled Downtime: Block out time in your calendar for breaks. Treat these appointments as non-negotiable.
- Creative Activities: Engage in a hobby or activity that you enjoy. This can be anything from drawing to playing a musical instrument. Try to have at least one hobby that doesn’t involve your phone or computer, then you can’t get side-tracked.
Conclusion
The power of the pause cannot be overstated. Taking intentional breaks is a valuable strategy for reducing stress, preventing burnout, building resilience, and enhancing creativity and innovation. By incorporating pauses into your routine, you build the stamina needed for sustained leadership. Moreover, you set a positive example for your team, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
Remember, leadership is not about being busy all the time; it’s about being effective. And sometimes, the most effective thing you can do is take a moment to pause.
And if you want the ultimate pause that really sets you up for future success our leadership retreat is a must.