Take a beat definition: to pause before reacting.

Whether it’s feeling frustrated with my toddler or offended upon getting a rude text/email/dm or in the heat of an argument, taking a beat has become one of the best tools in my arsenal. When I don’t take a beat and react in a haste, that’s usually where I find myself engaging with energy that I simply don’t want to be a part of.

Taking a beat isn’t only a way for me to collect and assess how I’m genuinely feeling about a circumstance, but it gives the others involved the chance to think it over, too. I like to think of it as a way to cleanse before you react.

Sometimes a beat is a few seconds, sometimes it’s minutes and other times it may be days. Every situation is different but what I can promise you no matter what the circumstance may be, responding with a clear head and not out of emotion, is a life-changing skill that leads to a chiller life. Try it next time you find your blood boiling and let me know how it goes.