Pause/paws each hour for a joy moment
Life can be overwhelming, with constant demands and responsibilities leaving little room for self-care. But what if taking just one minute each hour to pause and savor a joyful moment could transform your day?
This simple practice not only interrupts stress but also boosts your mood and well-being. Let’s explore how this technique can make a lasting impact on your life
Pausing for joy as a stress management technique
It's easy to miss the good things going on right around us when we are busy with deadlines and busy lives.
Tasks, and responsibilities often take center stage, leaving little room to savor the good moments. However, pausing for just one joyful moment each hour can be a powerful stress management technique.
This small, deliberate act interrupts your body’s adrenaline surges and activates serotonin and endorphins—the relaxation hormones that promote calm and balance.
The power of a one-minute pause
I want to challenge you to look around for the fun and the joy, too, for a minute each hour.
Pausing each hour to notice something lovely, funny, or soothing doesn’t mean you have to stop working. It’s simply a brief, mindful interruption – then, you go back to work.
This could be:
A beautiful flower outside your window.
A funny moment shared with a colleague.
A heartwarming memory that brings a smile.
When you feel joy, even for a fleeting moment, you interrupt the adrenaline surging through your body and shut off the body’s stress response. That moment of interruption is a powerhouse. It allows you to tap into your serotonin and endorphin relaxation hormones.
Keep practicing these interruptions all day for regular serotonin stress relief. See what happens over time. I think you will be surprised at how you feel.
How to practice the pause technique
1, Set a reminder
Use your phone or a timer to remind you to pause each hour.
2. Find a joyful moment
Look around for something that makes you smile or feel at peace. It could be as simple as watching a bird outside or enjoying the sunlight.
3. Take a deep breath
Breathe deeply and let the joy sink in. This act alone helps calm your nervous system.
4. Return to your tasks refreshed
After your pause, go back to your work with a lighter, more focused mindset.
Why it’s okay to focus on the good
Remember, there is supposed to be a lot more trash than treasure in the world.
When possible get hung up on how much good there really is everyday. We need not worry about forgetting to pay attention to bad things happening in the world because we cannot possibly do that.
Just look for some treasure every hour, too. Practice this Pause/Paws for joy if you want. I hope you like it!
This is a Pause/Paws moment where Navy, my Therapy Dog, is saying, ‘hi’ to one of her groundhog friends.