Headspace_logo_svg
Try for freeTry for free
Mindful ActivityTry a Tactical Pause

Try a Tactical Pause

When surrounded by chaos, we can redirect and reframe our circumstances with a Tactical Pause. Let’s practice together.

Try 14 days free
Share:

Better mental health starts with Headspace. Unrivaled expertise to make life feel a little easier, using guided meditations, mindfulness tips, focus tools, sleep support, and dedicated programs.

Try 14 days free
Better mental health starts with Headspace

You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, in crisis, as if you are surrounded by complete chaos. I'm Dr. Jannell MacAuley, and in this moment we can redirect and reframe our circumstances with a tactical pause. First, stop. Imagine pressing the pause button on your mind. You've sent the SOS to your brain by opening this training session. Now commit to this pause. Settle into the here and now. Second, breathe. Take a big, deep breath, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Focus your attention on the sensations associated with this breath. Feel the body breathe. Third, focus. Filter through the distractions and focus on your breath as it unfolds, moment by moment. Let's practice together. Stop, breathe, focus. Stop, breathe, focus. You are calm. You are present. Stop, breathe, focus. You can handle this moment. Thank you for joining me in this tactical pause. Remember, you can revisit this breathing technique anytime you feel you need to slow your breathing and calm your mind. Lead on....

Details

TypeMindful Activity
Duration2 min

About your teachers

  • Andy Puddicome
    Andy PuddicomeHeadspace Co-founder

    A former Buddhist monk, Andy has guided people in meditation and mindfulness for 20 years. In his mission to make these practices accessible to all, he co-created the Headspace app in 2010.

    More about Andy
  • Eve Lewis Prieto
    Eve Lewis PrietoHeadspace Director of Meditation

    Eve is a mindfulness teacher, overseeing Headspace’s meditation curriculum. She is passionate about sharing meditation to help others feel less stressed and experience more compassion in their lives.

    More about Eve
  • Dora Kamau
    Dora KamauMeditation Teacher

    As a meditation teacher, Dora encourages others to live, breathe, and be with the fullness of their experiences. She loves meditation’s power to create community and bring clarity to people’s minds.

    More about Dora
  • Kessonga Giscombe
    Kessonga GiscombeMeditation Teacher

    Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.

    More about Kessonga
  • Rosie Acosta
    Rosie AcostaMeditation Teacher

    Rosie Acosta has studied yoga and mindfulness for more than 20 years and taught for over a decade. Rosie’s mission is to help others overcome adversity and experience radical love.

    More about Rosie
Your lifelong guide to better mental health

Your lifelong guide to better mental health

Stress, sleep, and all the challenging emotions — care for your mind with the everyday mental health app that's shown to make a difference.

Try 14 days free
Look After Your Mind

Look after your mind

Proven guided meditations and programs to help you stress less, sleep more soundly, and better navigate life’s challenges

Science Backed

Science-backed

Studies show that using Headspace for 30 days can reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve overall well-being

Explore Content

Explore 1000+ 
expert-led exercises

Access our library of meditations, breathing exercises, and guidance videos for stress, sleep, focus, everyday anxiety , parenting, and more.

Frame 370079
Star 1
Star 2
Frame 370079 (2)
Frame 370346
Frame 370079 (1)

Members are enjoying happier and healthier lives

More to explore

Beginning Meditation

Explore-More-Icon-02

Reframe Stress and Relax

Explore-More-Icon-01

New and Popular

Explore-More-Icon-03

Becoming a Mindful Parent

Explore-More-Icon-04
  • Legals
    • Terms & conditions
    • Privacy policy
    • Consumer Health Data
    • Your privacy choices
      Privacy Choices Icon
    • CA Privacy Notice
  • © 2025 Headspace Inc.
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Consumer Health Data
  • Your privacy choices
    Privacy Choices Icon
  • CA Privacy Notice