Let’s talk about walking away—and I don’t mean giving up. I mean walking away when you’re frustrated.

Think about how many times this has happened: you’re trying to solve a problem. Maybe it’s a work issue, a homework assignment, a home repair, or even a recipe that should be simple. You’ve watched all the YouTube videos. You’ve texted or called everyone you know who might have an answer. And still… nothing works.

At that point, frustration takes over.

What Frustration Does to Your Brain

When you stay locked in frustration, your brain gets stuck in a loop. You keep trying the same thing over and over, hoping for a different result. It’s like being a hamster on a wheel—lots of movement, zero progress.

From a mental health perspective, this is important. Stress and frustration shut down flexible thinking. When your nervous system is activated, your brain isn’t great at problem-solving, creativity, or seeing new options. Instead, it defaults to repetition and rigid thinking.

That’s why pushing harder doesn’t usually help.

Walking Away Is Not Avoidance—It’s Regulation

Here’s the reframe: walking away is a healthy coping skill, not avoidance.

Taking a break allows your brain to reset. That might look like:

• Stepping away from the problem entirely
• Getting something to eat
• Taking a walk
• Getting rest or sleep
• Doing something unrelated for a bit

All of these help calm your nervous system and create mental space. And when your brain relaxes, it can finally do what it’s good at— connect dots and think outside the box.

Why Solutions Often Feel “Obvious” Later

Have you ever walked away from a problem and then come back later thinking, “Oh… that was obvious”?

That’s not an accident. When you give your mind a break, you interrupt the thought loop. You allow new neural pathways to activate. This is why so many insights happen in the shower, on a walk, or right before bed.

Walking away doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you’re working with your brain instead of against it.

A Simple Reminder for Next Time You’re Stuck

The next time frustration starts building:

• Pause
• Take a deep breath
• Give yourself permission to walk away

You’re not failing. You’re regulating, resetting, and setting yourself up for clarity.

And more often than not, when you come back with a clearer head, the answer will be right there waiting.