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[Mindset] The Power of Pausing: Resetting to Reclaim Your Space

 In our fast-paced, always-on world, it’s easy to let things pile up - whether it’s tasks, thoughts, or even weeds in a garden. This week, I spent time in my garden weeding it. I hadn’t touched it for a month, and in that time, some wild plants decided to come and conquer my space. I won’t let them - just as I won’t let negative thoughts clutter my mind and sap my energy.

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling out those stubborn weeds, feeling the earth in my hands, and creating space for what truly belongs. It’s a physical act, but it mirrors a mental one: pausing to clear out what no longer serves me.

Just like my garden, our minds need regular tending. When we don’t pause to reset, the “weeds” - stress, self-doubt, or distractions - can take root and choke out our clarity and purpose.

Pausing Matters!

Pausing isn’t about stopping progress; it’s about creating space to grow stronger. Research shows that intentional breaks boost productivity, enhance creativity, and reduce burnout. A 2023 study from the “Journal of Applied Psychology” found that employees who took short, mindful breaks during their workday reported 40% higher focus and 25% lower stress levels. Pausing allows us to step back, reassess, and return with renewed energy.

For me, weeding my garden was a reset. It wasn’t just about reclaiming my flowerbeds; it was about reclaiming my mental space. Each weed I pulled felt like letting go of a negative thought or a lingering worry. That weeding time allowed me to browse through all my actions, thoughts, ideas, and allow them to get sorted. And finally it allowed me to focus on my garden.

By the end, my garden looked vibrant again - and so did my perspective.

Some other ideas to Pause and Reset

Here are a few ways to cultivate your own “mental weeding” practice:

  • Schedule Intentional Breaks: Block 10-15 minutes daily to step away from screens, breathe deeply, or journal. It’s like pulling one weed at a time before they overrun your space. And it’s also a great way to zoom out.
  • Reflect on What’s Growing: Ask yourself, “What’s draining my energy? What’s nourishing me?” Write down one thing to release and one to nurture.
  • Engage in a Physical Reset: Whether it’s gardening, walking, or organizing your desk, physical action can spark mental clarity. When I remove clutter from my desk, my ideas flow much more freely.
  • Practice Gratitude: After weeding, I sat back and appreciated my garden’s beauty. Looking at the clean beds gave me one more reason why that small action matters. Take a moment to celebrate what’s thriving in your life.

I’d love to hear from you: How do you pause and reset? Do you have a go-to ritual - maybe a walk, meditation, or even a literal weeding session - that helps you clear mental clutter? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s inspire each other to create space for growth.

Pausing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Just like a garden, your mind deserves care and attention. So, take a moment today to weed out what’s holding you back. You’ll be amazed at how much room you create for clarity, energy, and possibility.
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Dumitrița Mardale said…
For a long time, I believed productivity meant pushing through without pause—hopping from task to task, multitasking nonstop, until my body finally called for an emergency break. But I’ve since learned to embrace active pauses and they’ve been a game changer. Whether it’s a walk in the fresh air, a quick run, playing with my kids, washing dishes, organizing a corner of the closet, cooking something nourishing, or getting my hands in the soil—these moments help me recharge without disconnecting. Pausing, it turns out, is part of the work.
12:32 PM
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