Why does pausing feel so difficult?
If you’re like most people, the idea of pausing - just stopping for a moment - can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. We live in a world that rewards doing, achieving, and moving forward. Yet, paradoxically, it’s often in the pauses where clarity, creativity, and calm emerge. At Mibo, we explore these small, mindful moments because they are essential for wellbeing, even if they feel tricky at first.
The Busy Mind: Like a Hamster on a Wheel
Imagine your mind as a hamster running on a wheel. Thoughts, tasks, worries, and plans spin round and round, constantly moving. Trying to pause is like trying to stop the hamster mid-run—it can feel unnatural, almost stressful.
This restlessness isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature of our modern nervous system. Our brains are wired to notice potential threats, seek rewards, and keep moving. Pausing, in that context, can feel counterintuitive. It’s literally asking your brain to step off the wheel, even for a moment.
Pausing Isn’t Laziness, It’s Resetting
Pausing is like pressing “refresh” on your phone. You’re not doing nothing - you’re giving your system a chance to clear cached stress, reset priorities, and reconnect with yourself.
Without pauses, we risk burnout, distraction, and reactive decision-making. With pauses, we gain perspective, creativity, and calm. It’s like giving your nervous system a mini-vacation - even if just for a few breaths.
Why Pausing Feels Uncomfortable
Habit Over Awareness – Many of us are conditioned to equate worth with doing. Sitting quietly can trigger guilt or anxiety because our brains are used to constant activity.
Fear of Thoughts – Pausing often brings up emotions or thoughts we usually avoid. It’s like opening a window and noticing dust you didn’t realise was there. Seeing it can be uncomfortable - but it clears the air.
Physical Tension – Our bodies store stress, and when we slow down, tension can rise to the surface. Pausing can feel physically “weird” at first until the body learns relaxation isn’t dangerous.
Simple Ways to Make Pausing Easier
Pausing doesn’t need to be complicated. Start small. Think of it like touching the brakes in a busy intersection instead of stopping the car completely.
Mindful Breathing: Inhale deeply for 4 counts, hold for 2, exhale for 6 🌬️✨💨
Body Scan: Notice your shoulders, jaw, or neck - where do you feel tension? 🌿
Micro-Pauses: Even a few seconds of noticing your surroundings or the sensation of your feet on the ground can reset your nervous system 🌱
Pausing as a Practice, Not a Goal
Pausing isn’t about “doing it perfectly.” It’s about showing up. Think of it like dipping your toes into water before jumping in. Each moment of pause strengthens your ability to handle stress, focus better, and respond rather than react.
Pausing is your power.
The next time you feel restless or overwhelmed, remember: pausing is a skill, not a weakness. Even a 30-second breath, a short stretch, or simply noticing your surroundings counts. These little mindful minutes are like planting seeds of calm and resilience in your daily life 🌱