A heat wave like the one we’re experiencing right now is a good reminder that it’s OK to pause when the situation calls for it. As we all know, it’s a smart and healthy practice to move to a cool place, drink lots of fluids and take frequent breaks to keep ourselves physically healthy during a period of high temperatures. That’s how a pause can help us during a heat wave.

But the temps don’t have to hover at 90 degrees for us to take advantage of the pause that refreshes. Pausing is an effective strategy for keeping us mentally, emotionally and spiritually grounded at any time, and especially when life hands us the random set backs and obstacles that create challenges and disappointment. Pausing requires us to temporarily set aside our worries and our action list, which creates spaciousness for all sorts of helpful strategies.

Relaxing. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it’s OK to relax. Many of us, myself included, feel guilty when we sit and do nothing. When we relax for a few minutes during the day, we are breaking a habit ingrained in us over a life time of getting things done. But relaxing during the day can provide a healthy reset for us. We just need to overcome the biggest hurdle: giving ourselves permission.

Enjoying Silence. Sitting or standing in silence can also provide a break in our normal routine, especially if we turn off the TV, put down the phone, and power down the iPad or laptop. Just a few minutes of silence can help us recharge our energy and potentially connect with our deepest self. Admittedly, it can be difficult for some of us to find a moments of silence during the day because of a job, a living situation or other responsibilities. If that’s the case, try pausing for a few moments of silence when you first wake up in the morning, or before you go to sleep or when you get into your car.

Being Mindfully Aware. The purposeful act of noticing can itself be a respite as well. Merely witnessing what is happening in the moment during your pause can provide a welcome break in your routine and even a shift in perspective. A squirrel scampering outside your window, a hydrangea in full bloom, the pleasant scent of new mown lawn, or even the emergence of a random thought or emotion are examples of what might be encountered during a purposeful pause.

So, the next time you feel like you need a break, don’t hesitate. Give yourself permission to pause and relax, and then notice what happens.