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 freeBetter 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
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
About your teachers
- Andy PuddicomeHeadspace Co-founderMore about Andy
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.
- Eve Lewis PrietoHeadspace Director of MeditationMore about Eve
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.
- Dora KamauMeditation TeacherMore about Dora
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.
- Kessonga GiscombeMeditation TeacherMore about Kessonga
Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.
- Rosie AcostaMeditation TeacherMore about Rosie
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.

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 freeLook after your mind
Proven guided meditations and programs to help you stress less, sleep more soundly, and better navigate life’s challenges
Science-backed
Studies show that using Headspace for 30 days can reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve overall well-being
Explore 1000+ expert-led exercises
Access our library of meditations, breathing exercises, and guidance videos for stress, sleep, focus, everyday anxiety , parenting, and more.
Members are enjoying happier and healthier lives
- © 2025 Headspace Inc.
- Terms & conditions
- Privacy policy
- Consumer Health Data
- Your privacy choices
- CA Privacy Notice