> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.jelou.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pause

> Temporarily stops the flow before continuing to the next node

With the **Pause** node you stop the flow execution for a set amount of time. Use it to simulate natural wait times, give the user time to read a long message, or wait for an external process.

## Configuration

<Steps>
  <Step title="Define the time">
    Enter the pause duration as a numeric value (minimum 1). This value is combined with the unit you choose in the next step.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the unit">
    Choose the time unit to apply to the configured value:

    | Unit        | Typical use                               |
    | :---------- | :---------------------------------------- |
    | **Seconds** | Brief pauses between consecutive messages |
    | **Minutes** | Short waits for external processes        |
    | **Hours**   | Scheduled reminders or follow-ups         |
    | **Days**    | Long-term follow-up flows                 |
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Use pauses of **1–3 seconds** between consecutive text messages to simulate a natural conversation and avoid them all arriving at once.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  Pauses in **hours** or **days** keep the flow execution active. Make sure your session expiration configuration is compatible with the configured pause time.
</Warning>

## Example

<Card title="3-second pause between messages">
  If you configure **Time** = `3` and **Unit** = `Seconds`, the flow waits 3 seconds before continuing to the next node. This allows you to give a brief breathing room between two consecutive text messages.
</Card>