What Netflix doesn't tell you: how micro pauses improve your focus
Dec 19, 2024
Imagine this scene: you have been watching your favorite show for two hours, eyes fixed on the screen, but suddenly... you realize that you have no idea what has happened in the last ten minutes. Sounds familiar, right? It's not that the show is boring (we hope), it's that your brain needs a break.
And this is where something that Netflix doesn’t tell you comes in: micro conscious pauses. Small one-minute breaks that not only improve your focus but also transform the way you enjoy your shows, your work... and, well, life.
Why does your brain need it?
When you’re focused on something for a long time (yes, watching shows counts too), your mind starts to wander. It’s as if your neurons need to stretch their legs. Micro pauses help reset that system, allowing you to return to the task with more energy and clarity.
A study from the Journal of Applied Psychology found that brief and frequent pauses increase performance and reduce mental fatigue. We’re not talking about going to do yoga for an hour (although that would be great), but 60 seconds every now and then.
How to practice micro pauses while watching Netflix (or working)
Stay still between episodes. Before hitting the next chapter, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: How do I feel?
Pause the show during the credits. Don’t skip ahead. Use that minute to look around, move your neck, or stretch.
Mini conscious pause every 30-40 minutes. If you’re working, set a gentle alarm. Get up, breathe, look out the window, do a reset.
Disconnect from autopilot. Occasionally ask yourself: Am I enjoying this or just playing it? That small reflection can bring meaning back to what you’re doing.
And what does this have to do with life?
The same as what happens with shows, happens with EVERYTHING. We get hooked on autopilot, whether working, scrolling social media, or even conversing. Micro pauses are like a refresh button to reconnect with what matters.
Trying it is free, easy, and it might even make you enjoy the next episode more.
