Are you a new, junior, or senior bilingual job seeker looking for the next job adventure abroad?
Are you tired of sprinting through life like it’s an endless marathon, where every pit stop is just another challenge waiting to be tackled? I urge you—yes, you reading this right now—not to do anything more. I find myself perpetually running from appointment to appointment, juggling endless trainings and coaching sessions, buried in a flood of emails and feedback (most of it far from positive), managing relentless client expectations, paying bills, filing taxes, and preparing exhaustive summaries for every session. My responsibilities have responsibilities, and the chaos is consuming. So, how do I put the brakes on and refill my batteries in this storm?
Even the best time managers need a break. It’s crucial to turn off the screens, disconnect from the noise, and rejuvenate. Whether you have time for a vacation or not, taking time off is essential. Imagine a computer or phone that’s always on—it eventually dies. You don’t want to get there. This month, I encourage you to embrace some light off-time to recharge. Here are three personal tips to help you rejuvenate, along with insights into the power of pausing:
- Vacation in Nature 🌲
Spend time in nature to clear your mind and refresh your spirit. Whether it’s a hike, a picnic, or just a walk in the park, nature has a way of calming our minds and bodies.
- My personal favorites: Kranjska Gora in Slovenia, Les Vosges in France, Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.
It’s beneficial for Reflection and Thought: Pausing allows individuals time to reflect and think before responding. This can lead to more thoughtful and considered responses, reducing the likelihood of impulsive or poorly considered reactions. Nature amplifies this effect by providing a serene environment conducive to deep thought and reflection .
- Walking 🚶♀️
A simple walk can do wonders for your mental and physical health. It’s an easy way to get moving and clear your mind without the need for special equipment or planning.
- My personal favorites: Walking with or without my podcasts like Sadhguru or jazzy tunes like Jazz femme chanteuses on Spotify.
It boosts Emphasis and Impact: In communication, a well-timed pause can emphasize a point, creating a dramatic effect and ensuring the listener pays attention to what comes next. Walking can create this space for mental pauses, allowing ideas and thoughts to settle, making your next steps more impactful and clear .
- Comedy Café 😂
Visit a comedy café for a good laugh and light-hearted conversation. Laughter is a great stress reliever and helps you see life from a more positive perspective.
- My personal favorites: ComedySportz in Chicago, L’ESPACE K in Strasbourg, Jazz Klub 300 in Ljubljana.
It’s a biggie for Emotional Regulation: Pausing can be a way to regulate emotions, especially in heated or stressful situations. Comedy and laughter provide an excellent emotional reset, offering a break from stress and allowing you to return to your tasks with a lighter heart and clearer mind .
The Broader Power of Pause
Ah, the mighty pause. It’s not just the button on your remote; it’s a secret weapon for many reasons like:
- Tension and Anticipation: Ever noticed how a well-timed pause can make your audience sit up straighter? It’s like the cliffhanger in a season finale—everyone is on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what comes next.
- Listening and Understanding: Pausing isn’t just for dramatic effect; it’s also for absorbing. It’s your chance to become a human detector, reading your audience’s faces like a mystery novel and tweaking your message quickly.
- Clarity and Comprehension: Think of pauses as the commas and periods in the long-winded sentence of life. They help break down the verbal spaghetti into bite-sized, digestible pieces, so no one chokes or sleeps on information overload.
- Control and Confidence: Mastering the pause is like wielding a Jedi mind trick. It exudes calm authority and tells everyone, “I’ve got this.” It’s the conversational equivalent of strolling into a meeting with a triple-shot latte and a knowing smile.
- Respect and Consideration: A well-placed pause is a nod to the other person, saying, “I get you”.” It’s the verbal handshake that builds bridges, fosters trust, and shows you’re genuinely interested in their thoughts.
Whether you have the means for a vacation or just stay home, there are countless resources at your fingertips to take care of yourself. Staying home? Just sit, look outside your window, or go to the local park. Read a book, listen to music, and enjoy the simple pleasures. Remember, even in the midst of chaos, a pause can be your most powerful ally.
I hope this monthly email brings you some inspiration and tips. Have a good rest, and see you next month!
So, how do you plan to recharge this month?
Sources
- The Power of Reflection in Nature
- Benefits of Spending Time in Nature
- How Walking Can Enhance Cognitive Function
- The Impact of Pausing in Communication
- The Benefits of Laughter
- How Comedy Can Help Reduce Stress
