Stop, Look, and Listen: Treat Yourself to the Luxury of Time
How often do you find yourself rushing through the day, ticking off tasks, responding to emails, juggling work, family, and everything in between—only to realise you’ve barely taken a moment for you?
In our busy, fast-paced world, time can feel like a luxury we can’t afford. But what if I told you that giving yourself even a few moments each day—moments to stop, look, and listen—could gently transform the way you experience life?
🌿 Stop
Stop. Just for a moment.
Pause the scroll. Pause the mental to-do list.
Take a breath. And then another.
Stopping is not about giving up or falling behind. It’s about creating space. When we pause, we step out of autopilot and into awareness. This is where choice begins. This is where care begins.
Try this:
Set a reminder on your phone once a day that simply says “Pause.” When it goes off, stop what you're doing, close your eyes if you can, and take three slow, steady breaths. That’s it. Three breaths. A full stop.
👀 Look
What do you notice around you? Inside you?
Looking is a form of mindfulness. It’s about gently observing without judgment. It’s about seeing what you often miss when you’re rushing—how tired you actually feel, how beautiful the clouds are, how tense your shoulders are, how kind someone was this morning.
Try this:
Pick one “ordinary” moment today—making tea, washing your hands, sitting at a red light—and look. Notice the colours, textures, sounds, and sensations. Let yourself be in that moment, fully.
👂 Listen
Not just to others—but to yourself. What are you feeling? What do you need?
Listening is the part we often skip, especially when we’re used to looking after everyone else. But your feelings matter. Your body whispers before it shouts. Listening now can help you respond with kindness instead of reaching burnout.
Try this:
Before you go to bed tonight, ask yourself:
How do I feel right now?
What might I need more of, or less of, tomorrow?
Write your answers down if you can. This simple act can be incredibly grounding and insightful.
🕰️ The Luxury of Time Isn’t About Hours—It’s About Presence
You don’t need an empty calendar to feel spacious. You need permission—to slow down, to notice, to care for yourself in small, intentional ways. You are allowed to take up time. You are allowed to be your own priority.
So this week, treat yourself to that luxury.
Stop.
Look.
Listen.
You're worth every moment
