The Power of Pausing: What Social Media Doesn’t Tell You About Rest
🌱 Why Pausing Feels So Hard
In healthcare, we’re trained to keep going. In life, we’re encouraged to keep up. And on social media, we’re shown a highlight reel that makes everyone else look like they’re thriving, organised, glowing, and somehow managing to drink green smoothies at 6am.
No wonder pausing feels like a luxury.
But here’s the truth I keep coming back to — in my coaching work, in ceremonies, and in my own life:
Pausing isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
🌿 Social Media Isn’t the Enemy — But It Is Noisy
I’m not anti‑social media. I love a good dog reel, and Boo (small Shih Tzu princess, professional knee warmer) is convinced she should have her own account.
But social media is loud. It’s fast. It’s designed to keep you scrolling, not breathing.
And when you’re already stretched thin — emotionally, physically, professionally — that noise can tip you from “just about coping” into “absolutely done.”
🌊 What Pausing Actually Looks Like
Pausing doesn’t have to be dramatic. You don’t need a retreat, a spa day, or a silent monastery (though if you find one in Devon, let me know).
Pausing can be:
putting your phone down for five minutes
stepping outside between tasks
taking three slow breaths before you answer an email
choosing not to respond instantly
letting yourself do nothing for a moment
walking Boo and noticing the sky instead of your notifications
These tiny pauses are like little tide pools — quiet pockets where you can reset.
🌼 Why Pausing Helps Nurses (and Everyone Else)
When you pause, even briefly, you give your nervous system a chance to settle. You think more clearly. You communicate more kindly. You make better decisions. You reconnect with yourself instead of reacting to everything around you.
And honestly? You remember you’re human.
🌾 A Gentle Invitation for This Week
Try one pause a day. Just one.
Put your phone down. Step away from the noise. Let the world wait for a moment.
The sea will still be there. Your to‑do list will still be there. And you’ll meet both with a steadier breath.