Lucky Dip; Calm For Focus
Some different insights to help at the start of the year
Every star you see is shining with light that began it’s journey long before we were born
This is a lucky dip of a post. A collection of different insights to help at the start of the year.
Did you know that some of the starlight we see began travelling to Earth before humans had built cities? Some stars are so far away their light has taken thousands of years to reach us.
I have been thinking about stars quite a bit since I started short nighttime walks before bed. It has been an excellent way to wind down and gain perspective before sleep.
People exposed to expansive views show increased cognitive flexibility.
Studies in environmental psychology show that viewing wide open landscapes improves big picture thinking and mental reframing compared to enclosed environments.
What are the 3 most effective habits to support hybrid teams?
Hybrid working has many benefits. It also has some significant drawbacks;
57 percent of workers frequently work longer hours
49 percent of workers feel more isolated when working remotely - Source CIPD
This year I am focusing on helping hybrid teams and managers embed protective habits. To find out more about the sessions we offer to support hybrid teams, please get in touch at susan@tinypause.co.uk.
See the mini video I did for managers, suitable for everyone; The 3 Habits That Make or Break Hybrid Teams
There is currently a 25% discount on all sessions supporting hybrid teams until 31st January. Sessions can be delivered at any point during 2026.
The most popular options so far are; Enhance Hybrid Working - for all staff
Stronger Hybrid Teams - team focus
Why is calming the nervous system so important?
An epiphany for me last year was understanding that calming our nervous system is the foundation habit for improved focus, steadier energy levels, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.
We often assume that the answer is more willpower or pushing harder. In reality, when our nervous system is in a stressed state, access to willpower, focus, and self control is very limited. Calming the nervous system restores the mental capacity we rely on to make good decisions and sustain healthy habits.
I am running some fully funded lunchtime pilot sessions of Calm for Focus & Sleep in January and February. If you would like one for your organisation, please email susan@tinypause.co.uk. Dates are limited.
Or if you’d like to book this new session we will give you 25% off prior to 31st January. Sessions can be delivered anytime from 1st Feb onwards.
Why does action come before confidence?
We often wait to feel confident before acting, but confidence usually comes after we take action.
What to do
Take one small action you have been avoiding. Such as sending the email, asking the question, starting the task.
Why it works
Confidence follows action, not the other way around. Behavioural activation studies show that taking action changes self belief faster than thinking alone.
You are already enough
Our culture conditions us to believe that we will be worthy of connection after we achieve certain goals or status. That belief is false.
In this moment, exactly as you are, you are already enough. We are enough.
Nothing needs to be earned before you belong. You do not have to become someone else to be worthy of care, rest, or connection.
You are a good person, doing your best. That’s enough.
“Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
― Epictetus
Need a hand? Feel alone? Don’t wait, contact someone today. You deserve support as much as anyone else. You are not alone. Reply to this message if that’s easiest.
Text Shout - 85258 - simple support via text, I used when I wasn’t sure who to turn to
Call Samaritans 116 123 - no problem too small, I’ve used a couple of times, once during a relationship break up, once when one of my family said they were suicidal and I wasn’t sure who to ask for help
NHS Every Mind Matters - simple and effective resources you can access immediately here