Your workday is a blur of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists. You’re constantly moving, constantly responding—but are you actually present? Without taking time to reflect, you risk missing big opportunities, making poor decisions, and ultimately burning out. Here’s how to step back without falling behind.

Give yourself permission. Being busy isn’t the same as being effective. Productivity culture rewards constant time commitments—but the most important insights often come from moments of reflection. Recognize that slowing down isn’t necessarily slacking off.

Train your mind. A few moments of mindfulness can have a huge impact on your workday. Try pausing before meetings to focus on your breath or notice the sensation of your feet on the floor. These tiny pauses create space between impulse and action, taking your mind off autopilot.

Make it safer. If your workplace values efficiency above all else, don’t announce that you’re slowing down—just do it strategically. Shorten your meetings, take walking calls, or start asking broader questions that shift conversations toward big-picture thinking (without disrupting the flow).

Keep good company. The people you spend time with shape how you think. Seek out colleagues who bring fresh perspectives and encourage deeper conversations that leave you feeling refreshed—and cut back on interactions that drain your energy.
This tip is adapted from “How to Give Yourself More Space to Think,” by Megan Reitz and John Higgins.
Spread the love