by Faraz GafoorFaraz Gafoor is a content strategist, writer, and human-data aficionado. His passion for scientific analysis of everything—from the presentation of data to the way we communicate—is driven by a deep love of understanding how we process and make sense of our surroundings. His curiosity and a never-ending search for prolific and poetic perfection poignantly fit his Prism Personality of a double Scientist.

The Unnoticed FlowersWe may find ourselves pushing through our days, our weeks—maybe even our lives—as we unconsciously prioritize productivity over well-being. While such relentless drive may initially appear effective, it comes at a cost. Amidst our flurry of daily tasks, taking a short break can feel like an unaffordable luxury, constantly out of reach. But when we allow ourselves to—nay, make ourselves—step away from cluttered desks for a stroll outdoors, a social chat with a colleague, or any other type of respite, we clarify our minds. We alleviate subtle yet undeniable stress.As Monica Parker of HATCH Analytics proposes in this Big Think video, when we permit ourselves to experience moments of wonder, we discover greater and more frequent feelings of joy. Neglecting the importance of regular pauses means forfeiting the simple joys of life. We forget to lose ourselves in a good book, tackle that procrastinated fitness goal, or be fully present with loved ones. It’s in these ephemeral moments of respite that our cognitive clarity sharpens and happiness shines.Through such pauses, we can regain our perspective on life and the essential aspects of a happy life. The satisfaction we feel in our lives is directly influenced by our perceptions and our interactions with others, as depicted in this study from the University of Edinburgh. When we acknowledge our boundaries and work at deepening our relationships, daily stress becomes less daunting, less insurmountable. And we become more resilient.Slow down. Intentionally pause. Make time throughout the day, the week—life—to smell the previously unnoticed flowers around us.“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
– Walter Hagen