Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way—an urgent email that derails our focus, a traffic jam that eats into our precious time, or an unforeseen obligation that leaves us feeling drained. What if, just like in football, we had stoppage time to reclaim those lost moments? Imagine if, for every interruption, we were granted additional time at the end of the day to reset and recharge.
While we may not be able to manipulate time, we can create our own version of stoppage time—intentional moments set aside to buffer against life's unpredictability.
Instead of letting daily disruptions dictate our mood and energy, we can proactively carve out time for self-care, preferably in the morning (so it's already in the bank), before the day’s demands take over.
What Does Stoppage Time Look Like?
Stoppage time is interchangeable with self-care, but shifting our mindset can make it easier to implement. Rather than viewing self-care as an indulgence, think of it as a necessary buffer—a way to reclaim balance and restore energy after life’s little disruptions.
Here are some stoppage time practices I love, use these ideas to help you create your own stoppage time:
A Warm Cup of Cacao & Birdsong: Start the day slowly, savoring a warm drink while tuning into nature’s soundtrack.
Meditation or Yoga Nidra: A few minutes of deep relaxation can reset your nervous system and prepare you for the day ahead.
Pranayama & Gentle Movement: Breathwork and a light yoga flow or tapping can help release tension and cultivate inner calm.
Curling Up with a Book: Escape into another world, even if just for a short while.
Journaling: Process thoughts and emotions, setting a mindful tone for the day.
A Walk with No Distractions: Take yourself somewhere beautiful and leave your phone behind—immerse yourself in the present moment.
Implementing Stoppage Time in Your Life
Consider what stoppage time means for you.
Could reframing self-care as a buffer against life’s stressors help you prioritize it more?
By making this practice a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can navigate daily disruptions with greater ease and resilience.
What does stoppage time look like for you?
How can you integrate it into your day to safeguard your well-being?
With love,
Annie