In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven world, we often equate success with constant action. The pressure to do more, achieve more, and be more can feel overwhelming, leaving little room to pause and reflect. However, science and psychology remind us that taking deliberate pauses is not only beneficial but essential for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Pausing, even briefly, allows us to reset, reflect, and recharge, leading to greater productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.Let’s explore why taking a pause is vital, how it impacts our health, and the science-backed benefits of incorporating intentional breaks into our lives.

Playfulness goes beyond simply “reframing” situations—it enhances reality by opening up new ways of thinking and feeling. It allows us to adapt, find joy, and grow during even the most difficult circumstances. This emotional flexibility is at the heart of resilience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at Oregon State University, Shen and Crawley, conducted a study to understand how playfulness helps people navigate large-scale disruptions. Their findings shine a light on the transformative power of playfulness and why it’s a skill worth cultivating.

What Makes Playfulness So Powerful?

This experience served as a powerful reminder of the value of deliberately creating opportunities to step into new spaces in life.

These moments allow us to connect with our inner strength, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Last week, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group of educators to explore and define what wellbeing means to us. This process is incredibly valuable, as it equips us to better partner with schools, students, staff, and parents by reflecting on wellbeing across various aspects of our own lives. I always find these discussions deeply enriching and rewarding, especially given the diverse range of community members we engage with daily as educators. Moreover, it’s essential to recognise that our own wellbeing is just as important as that of our students, as it is fundamentally interconnected with their success as learners.