Time outs. We tend to think of those for children. Time outs are a very effective way to discipline your child. When children have done something that they are not supposed to do, put them in a corner, or their room, somewhere safe, for the same number of minutes as their age. So, if they are 4, then they have to be there for 4 minutes. By the way, 4 minutes to a 4-year-old child is an eternity! You cannot start using time outs until a child is at least 2, because they do not have the capacity to understand what is going on when they are younger.

But did you know time outs are also effective for adults? If, as an adult, you are working on something and getting more and more frustrated, take a break. Allow yourself to breathe, move yourself to a different location. Look at a different view. Give yourself some space to calm down. Allow your brain to relax. Then return to what you were working on. Quite often you will find that you can now find a solution.               

Timeouts work for couples, as well. Often as we begin to get agitated and spiral higher and higher, the words that come out of our mouths are not helpful. In fact, they are hurtful and harmful. Separate before you say those things. Give both of you some space. Breathe. Ask yourself what really needs to be said, what is the real issue. Focus on that.

Time outs are not just for children. They are useful for people of all ages. And if used well, can often prevent a great deal of harm in the world!