How often do you catch yourself saying “yes” before you’ve even thought it through?
How many times have you responded to a message, request, or invitation out of habit or pressure, only to regret it later?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I used to be that woman too—quick to respond, quicker to please, constantly available. Until my body said, “Enough.”
With Hashimoto’s, I learned this the hard way.
Constant stress can contribute to flare-ups, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and even worsen immune function. I used to reply to everything immediately, from a sense of urgency and people-pleasing. I thought being fast meant being reliable. But what I really needed was space—space to listen to my body and respond with intention..
Then I began experimenting with something so simple, yet so powerful: pausing before replying.
Yes, something as small as taking a moment—a breath, a beat, a short internal check-in—before answering a question or request is a slow living practice. It’s also a form of self-care. And if you’re dealing with the fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, or overwhelm that often come with Hashimoto’s (and so many autoimmune conditions), this small pause can make a big difference.
Why We Rush to Reply
We’re trained to respond immediately. Social pressure, professional expectations, digital notifications—they all push us into “react” mode. We answer because we think we have to. We agree because we want to avoid conflict. We say yes before we’ve checked in with ourselves.
But here’s the thing: constantly rushing to respond is not just an energy leak—it’s a boundary leak. It’s a pattern that keeps us disconnected from our needs, our capacity, and our health.
When I first started pausing before replying, it felt uncomfortable. I worried people would think I was rude, slow, or unprofessional. But the truth? No one noticed. What did change was how I felt inside: less anxious, more in control, and more aligned with my own energy.
The Pause as a Healing Practice
That tiny pause is where you reclaim your power.
Here’s what I started doing:
- Before replying, I take a breath and check in with myself.
- I ask: Do I have the energy for this? Is this aligned with what I need today?
- If I’m unsure, I give myself time: “Let me think about it and get back to you.”
This is what slow living with Hashimoto’s looks like in real life.
It’s not about doing less just for the sake of it—it’s about doing what feels aligned, sustainable, and kind to your body.
Give Yourself Permission to Be Thoughtful
If you’re a professional woman, an entrepreneur, a leader—you’re used to being responsive. But thoughtful doesn’t have to mean instant. You’re allowed to take your time. You’re allowed to respond after rest. You’re allowed to check in with yourself first.
This isn’t laziness. It’s leadership. It’s living with intention. It’s modeling a more human pace.
Because let’s face it: the fast replies we send when we’re tired, foggy, resentful, or burnt out… they’re rarely our best. They often lead to overcommitment, underperformance, or regret. Taking a pause protects not just our time, but our integrity and wellbeing.
How to Practice the Pause (Even on Busy Days)
You don’t need a whole morning off to take things slow. You just need intentional micro-moments built into your day.
Here’s how you can begin:
- When a message comes in, don’t reply immediately—especially if it’s a request.
- Take 3 slow breaths and ask yourself: What do I really want to say?
- Give yourself permission to delay: “I’ll get back to you tomorrow.”
- Use this space to notice how your body feels—and honor that.
This one small change can create a massive shift in your nervous system, your calendar, and your sense of control.
A Note to the High-Achievers
I see you. The women who get things done. The ones everyone relies on.
But here’s the truth: You’re not letting anyone down by slowing down.
You’re showing up with more presence, more purpose, and more integrity.
The pause isn’t unprofessional—it’s powerful.
It’s how we reclaim space in a world that constantly asks for more.
A Small Change, A Big Impact
So today, I invite you to experiment with this tiny but powerful shift:
Pause. Breathe. Then respond.
Let it be your way of slowing down. Let it be a little act of self-respect. Let it be your new default.
Because the life you want—one with more peace, clarity, and ease—starts in these micro-moments. It doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Just a few new habits, repeated with love and intention.
That’s what Take It Slow is all about.
And if this message resonates—if you’re craving more calm in your work, more clarity in your choices, more energy in your body—I’d love to invite you to explore the Take It Slow book.
It’s full of simple tools, slow living practices that can support your healing, not just your hustle and personal stories. You won’t find unrealistic routines or pressure to do more. Just an honest, supportive guide for professional women ready to live, work, and feel better.
💛 The book is available now on Amazon. Click here to find your Amazon marketplace. If you feel like it’s time to reclaim your pace, your presence, and your wellbeing, this might be your next step.
From my heart to yours
If you are interested in Slow Living, self-care and improving your health with energy practices, subscribe to The Bridge Sunday Newsletter for weekly well-being insights.
You might also be interested in my book Take It Slow: The Slow Revolution for Deeper Connection and Mindful Living, available on Amazon.
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