Test: What stops you pressing pause?

People who thrive on social connections often put everyone else before themselves. Pressing pause will be a challenge if you find it hard to say no, and when you do get time alone, it can feel unfamiliar or even selfish.

Your instinct to care for others is a big part of who you are, but it’s draining your capacity to care for yourself and to slow down. You may fill your days with calls, commitments, or emotional labour, leaving no space to just be.

What’s more, pressing pause can feel unappealing when you’re not used to prioritising your own needs. You may be well aware that you need clearer boundaries but might find it hard to tolerate the thought of upsetting people. But if you try to pause before you jump in and take responsibility for making others feel OK, you might find that a sense of having more time starts to naturally unfold.

Although allowing small moments to pause throughout the day is important, you could also benefit from more structured time to pause on a regular basis, such as a regular art or yoga class. If guilt creeps in, remind yourself that you don’t have to prove your worth by putting yourself last, and your loved ones will also benefit when you are truly thriving.