Permission to Pause

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Today was pure delight. Three things I’d been wanting for ages finally happened: a creambath, smoked tuna jaw (so good!), and meeting Mba Fit again. Jackpot.

Of course, I still have to be careful not to move around too much (I don’t want to risk spotting again), but honestly, it was safe. Basically just self-pampering, food, and conversations. That’s it. And yet, it felt like a full day.

Mba Fit picked me up at 10am. We went straight to our favorite salon in Bintaro. She had reflexology and a creambath. I had a creambath plus blow-dry. We walked out glowing. Not just from shiny hair, but from that smug little joy you get after pampering yourself.

Next stop: smoked tuna jaw. While waiting for the food, we bumped into the owner, someone we know. He dropped some behind-the-scenes stories and business tips. A side of gossip with our fish. Perfect.

By 2 p.m., I was back home. My husband was still locked in endless meetings, no lunch in sight. I whipped something up and sat with him for a late lunch. Nobody deserves to eat alone in this house.

After that, we both gave in to the afternoon breeze. Naps hit different when the wind feels like it’s rocking you to sleep.

Evening rolled in. Hubby picked up our eldest from campus. We had dinner, listened to her excitement about finishing assignments and planning her holiday. Her joy is contagious.

The day wrapped with Netflix. Tonight’s choice: Ella Enchanted. Anne Hathaway at 22, still sparkling, still magical. Honestly, how does she stay the same? 

Here’s the thing, friend.

We all need to pause more often. Not because we’re weak or lazy. But because our brain and body weren’t designed to run non-stop.

I know some people feel guilty when they slow down. But let me tell you: there’s no guilt in rest. Rest is the secret ingredient that makes the rest of life richer.

Science even agrees. Research in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that breaks (whether it’s naps, chats, or walks) help us come back sharper and more creative. Ever notice how the best ideas pop up in the shower, on a walk, or mid-nap? That’s not coincidence. That’s your brain saying, “Thanks for the breather.”

Another study in the same journal found that even small recovery activities during the day lift your mood and boost how you show up at work. Basically: the pause pays off.

Psychologists also recommend behavioral activation: doing little enjoyable activities on purpose. A coffee with a friend, a walk in the park, a creambath at your favorite salon. These things lift your mood and remind you life is more than to-do lists.

So here’s my encouragement: pause on purpose. Treat it as part of your rhythm, not a luxury.

Some ways to start:

  • Book your pause like an appointment. “3 p.m. nap” is as valid as “3 p.m. meeting.”

  • Keep it small. A slow cup of tea counts. So does lying down for ten minutes.

  • Pair it with a ritual. Your favorite music, a candle, or a cozy blanket. Make it special.

  • Notice how you feel afterwards. Clearer, calmer, more alive. That’s proof it’s working.

When I look back, I won’t remember emails or errands from today. What I’ll remember: the laughter with Mba Fit, the smoky tuna jaw, the nap in the wind, my daughter’s chatter, and Anne Hathaway singing on screen.

These aren’t extras. These are the main story.

So choose one small pause this week. Something you’ve been postponing because you thought it wasn’t “important.” Do it. Savor it. Let yourself enjoy it.

And when life asks what you’re doing, you can answer confidently: “I’m recharging to live better.”

Pausing,
Nuniek Tirta 

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