Why you should hit pause more often

Why you should hit pause more oftenWhy you should hit pause more oftenIn early August, Boomerang, the email scheduling tool that affords users a modicum of control over an overcrowded and frequently overwhelming inbox, launched a new feature called Inbox Pause. The new feature allows users to pause (and unpause) your inbox at any time, temporarily hiding incoming messages from appearing in your inbox and preventing notifications.The theory behind the new launch, seems to piggyback off the notion that checking your email less often can both reduce stress and increase productivity. Pretty tempting in theory, right? In practice though, Im wondering about the reactions to receiving an autoresponder midday (or mid-creative streak) letting others know youll be out of touch for a while. It could end up creating a vortex of additional needless emails which could cause inbox chaos for someone else.A short pauseMost of us could probably use some more pauses in our own livesand they dont have t o be long ones.The premise is that the only way to pause is to take long breaks, I dont think thats the case says Rachael OMeara a sales executive at Google and author of Pause Harnessing the Life-Changing Power of Giving Yourself a Break.OMeara told Ladders that she defines a pause as any intentional shift in behavior not based on time, resources or activity. Its what works for you. And taking a pause isnt only for those who are independently wealthy I think its a myth or a misnomer, that you need money to take a break, OMeara adds. Who says you cant dedicate a weekend, or even abflug taking time on weeknights from 7 until 8 and do some journaling. Its about intention and dedicating and committing to what you want. Or at least the notion of facing what might not be working and figuring out what you might want next.Forced breaksOMeara identifies several signs that might inspire your pause. Maybe you used to love your job but now you loathe it. Maybe its worse than that and your boss is the one to tell you that things just arent working out. OMeara defines these as forced pauses.A layoff or unexpected leave can provide a potential opportunity for you to really think, even if it doesnt seem like it at the time. OMeara suggests that in those cases, its important to Reframe and decide what works for you. Maybe that job was the perfect job, but maybe its time to take your career and shift- renew and refreshits all about what works for you.A high-profile vokalzusammenstoIn case youre feeling overwhelmed by the social media vortex of thumb type and madly scroll, youre not alone. Even the queen of overexposure, Kim Kardashian West, took a three-month social media hiatus after being robbed at gunpoint in Paris late last year.She was essentially stalked, says OMeara, who says on some level, I love that story. It probably all became too much for her and maybe she was thinking to herself Youre burning out on that thing. Even if digital media is your job, you need to take a break sometimes. If you think its not possible to take a digital break, OMeara says that most actors or Hollywood stars are pausing all the time, in between movies or gigs, or by literally deciding not to work.In case youd like to hit pause on your own career or social presence, OMeara offers some tips.Own your pauseIts okay to make an announcement and be somewhat vulnerable. Let people know youre in between jobs or taking a few months off. OMeara believes that while you run the risk of being judged, by setting up your communication plan youre potentially opening many doors for people to both share their own stories or potentially find ways to connect or reconnect with you.Dont wait until youre burnt outOMeara says that there are always lots of signs indicating that youre deep crispy fried. She says that when youre in a rutyou might not be aligned with your strengths which could lead to a vicious cycle of dissatisfaction fueled by burn out.If youre not ready for a break or even a pause, ask people who know you what they think is going on with you and theyll give you valuable feedback, OMeara explains. Id take it a step further and suggest only asking people who have your best interests at heart.Try it out Taking a pause doesnt mean committing to anything other than taking some time to reconnect with things that are greater than you. Scandals Joshua Malina is very vocal on Twitter but takes time off from social media on a weekly basis to celebrate the Jewish sabbath with his family. A simple message of Shabbat Shalom lets others know hes off social for a while. Try taking your own tech sabbath for even a few hours every weekendyoud be amazed at what a palate cleanser it can be.The idea of a pause is more about breaking patterns and habits that no longer work so we can emerge and reach our potential. OMeara says at the very least, try to keep checking in with yourself. If youre constantly angry or dissatisfied, try to stay non-judgmental and see what is happen ing, what is not working? What could be different? What can be tweaked?Because most of us feel always on, its important to allow ourselves to hit pause whenever possible. Were always on. Were on autopilot and its important to take breaks to be more conscious in everything, says OMeara. Taking that break allows us to find ways to take care of ourselves or as OMeara puts it Pausing is in service to the doing, be more satisfied, live a fuller life.