Sometimes stopping for a moment to catch your breath is a necessity. Focusing on something…like breath, while sitting in stillness, otherwise known as meditating, can open your heart and mind to a new perspective.
According to an article last spring in Psychology Today, The Power of Saying No, “Saying no can create more mental health stability by helping with self-care and build your self-esteem and confidence by setting boundaries.” By adjusting the way our brain thinks and reacts, not just automatically saying yes, gives space for better decision making. Leading to more confidence. Saying no, or allowing a pause, can also create new neural pathways. An essay in Inc. Magazine, also last spring, explains how to not over explain life choices in the pursuit of boosting emotional intelligence and gaining a sense of freedom. And The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, citing multiple research articles from 2014-2017, reports “…the right kind [of breaks] can actually increase productivity.”
So, the research shows that taking a pause can be good for the brain. For me, taking some time to be mindful is all about intentionally finding the path that is right for me. Feeling grounded. Doing what I love in a more meaningful way. Writing my own story.
I will let you know how it works out…on the other side of this pause.