Permission to Pause: Why HR Needs to Relax to Stay Resilient

Let’s be honest—HR professionals are some of the most giving, problem-solving, people-first folks in any organization. But too often, that means putting ourselves last. We’re so busy holding space for others that we forget we need room to breathe too.

Here’s your reminder: it’s okay to hit pause.

In fact, giving yourself permission to step back and recharge isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you want to be effective, strategic, and fully present at work, you need to take care of the one resource your company can’t replace: you.

1. You’re the Safe Place for Everyone Else

In HR, we see it all. Terminations, personal crises, performance challenges, legal risks—you name it, it comes across our desks. And we handle it with professionalism, empathy, and care.

But behind the scenes, that emotional load builds up. HR carries a quiet kind of burnout—one that’s rarely recognized but deeply felt. Giving yourself even a few intentional moments to reset can make all the difference in protecting your well-being and avoiding compassion fatigue.

2. Burnout Doesn’t Always Look Like Exhaustion

Sometimes burnout isn’t about being physically tired—it’s about being mentally and emotionally drained. You might feel foggy, less patient, or disconnected from the work you usually love. That’s your sign to take a step back.

When you’re always in “go” mode, your brain doesn’t have time to process or reset. Pausing—even briefly—can help you regain focus and restore the energy you need to lead with clarity and care.

3. Small Breaks Can Create Big Shifts

We often think self-care has to be a vacation, a spa day, or a three-hour routine. But the truth is, small moments of stillness or creativity can have a huge impact. Even five minutes away from your screen to stretch, journal, or doodle can help regulate your nervous system and restore your mood.

And here’s the key: you don’t have to earn that break by checking everything off your list. You deserve it simply because you’re human.

4. Your Resilience Depends on Your Recovery

Being resilient doesn’t mean “pushing through.” True resilience is about bouncing back—and that only happens if you give yourself time to recover. That pause? It’s what allows you to face the next challenge with a clear head and a steady heart.

If you want to show up as your best self for your team, your company, and your loved ones, start by showing up for yourself.

5. Permission Granted

Let this be your official permission slip: You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to turn your brain off after hours. You’re allowed to say “not now” when your plate is full.

Because when HR professionals take care of themselves, everyone benefits. You model healthy boundaries. You lead with intention. And you remind others that it’s okay to pause, too.

Looking for a Creative Way to Unwind?

That’s exactly why I created the Stressbuster activity book—designed specifically for HR professionals who need a light-hearted way to decompress.

Whether you want to color out your frustrations, play with word puzzles, or just have a little fun after a long day of serious work, this book is your new best friend. It’s full of activities that help you laugh, breathe, and reconnect with your creative side.

Take five minutes for yourself. Flip through a page. Let your mind relax—and come back stronger.

You deserve it.

Grab your copy of the Stressbuster book here ➜