The 12 Days of Illumination: Day 5

The power of the pause

Welcome to Day 5 of The 12 Days of Illumination, a special daily dose of inspiration and easy-to-incorporate insights running from December 20 through the end of the year. Be sure to check out the archives to catch up on previous issues, and feel free to share this one with your friends. Or better yet, invite them to join our Illuminate Me tribe!

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Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is press pause.

Though it seems counterintuitive, taking a break is the best way to make progress. Research shows breaks are essential to improving our moods, overall well-being, and performance capacity.

Here’s how to maximize the power of the pause:

Get better at listening to your body

Frequent headaches, feeling sick and tired, or unmotivated are red flags.

Master the art of saying no

Simplify, prioritize, and focus your attention on what matters most, and say no to everything else.

Protect your time

Take back your calendar and schedule blocks of uninterrupted time to be quiet, slow down, reflect, and make room for insights.

Prioritize rest

Maintain a reasonable and consistent bedtime, limit screen time, leave your phone outside your bedroom, and keep your bedroom’s temperature cool. 

Use your breaks to replenish your body, mind, and spirit

Nourish your body with relaxation, nutrition, and movement. Enrich your mind with educational and uplifting podcasts, books, TED talks, articles, and videos. Recharge your spirit through meditation, prayer, and reflection, by spending time in nature, and by visiting with friends and loved ones.

View your breaks as essential

Embrace the gift of giving yourself time off as complementary, not contradictory to your progress.

Shine on,

Amy

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