If there is one thing about working in schools, it's that it’s never boring. Typically most days are jam packed with so many tasks that it is difficult, if not impossible, to get them all done. I have long maintained that education is a business where you never get ahead, you only get less behind. 


Because of this, it can be easy to get caught up in it all and spend the day reacting rather than being intentional with your time. Take time to pause throughout your day as it can make a huge difference. Remember, pausing is not about slowing down your productivity, it’s about increasing your intentionality. 


Mindful Pause Breath


When we run on adrenaline it dysregulates our system. Taking mindful breaths to regulate your breathing can help to reset your system. While this is about taking a pause, I would also encourage you to find the pause in your breathing. 


This pause is the part that makes you stop, notice and take a few moments. That intentional moment can help to regulate your system and help to get out of a reaction response and start being intentional again.  


Pause in class


When I am visiting classes I have a habit of walking by or just having a quick look in sometimes. I am trying to train myself to pause and take in more of what is happening. Even a few extra moments can tell you a lot about the climate and culture of the room. Teachers who recognize when their class is starting to fade and do a brain break or switch gears show they are in tune with their learners. It is also a joy to be in a classroom where everyone is engaged in learning and this can be a powerful way to offset all the challenges that you encounter during the day. As an administrator, I can do this often. As a teacher, I suspect many colleagues have no problem with you dropping by for inspiration or ideas. 


Pause in pleasantries


When someone asks how things are going I would encourage you to pause, answer and ask a follow up. This shows interest and sparks a conversation rather than keeping it at a surface level of politeness. Ask the second question, learn about them as people and build those authentic relationships that are the foundation of a healthy school culture. 


Pause and Think


There are very few true emergencies in education and very few things need to be solved immediately. As such, take time to stop, pause, think your way through sometimes before taking action. This is especially true when someone wants a decision made. I find that decisions that I have talked and thought through are typically better than ones I make at the moment. 


There is nothing worse than making a decision involving a consequence to a student only to have to walk it back later because you made it before you were ready or before thinking it through. It damages the relationship with the student, their family and you may lose credibility with your teaching team. I have unfortunately fallen victim to this once or twice in my career and now take the time I need to get the full story, and pause to reflect, before actioning consequences. It seems like an obvious thing, but in the high speed of day-to-day school life you may find yourself falling into the same trap I did of just trying to get it done so I could get to the next thing. 


So pause and give yourself some time before answering. You will likely feel better about the decision you have made and are less likely to have to walk it back.


These are a few places in my day that I have tried to add a pause button. There are many others. You can also set alarms for yourself, set a signal like a bell or anytime you walk into a new room, or any way you like. But taking a moment here and there for yourself to recalibrate will help you more in the long run than whatever small task that you would have tried to do with that same time. In a profession that constantly demands more, taking a pause to reflect may be the most powerful thing we can do for ourselves each day.