# How to create a block in a journey pause it

# How do I create a block in a journey pause it?

This article explains how to **use a Wait block** to pause an automation workflow. Follow these steps to hold contacts at a specific step in your journey. This ensures your messages go out at the right time.

### In this article, you will learn how to

- **Add a Wait block** to your journey.
- Choose from three timing choices to pause your workflow.
- Fix setup problems inside the block settings.

## Before you start

Before creating a block in a journey pause it, make sure you have an **existing journey** to **add a Wait block**.

## How to create a block in a journey pause it

1. Log in to your Flownally workspace.
2. Go to the **Journeys** tab.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/02-01-paused-journeys-list.png)

3. Click an existing journey to edit it, or[create a new one](/journeys/create-journey) to open the editor automatically.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/01-01-opened-paused-journey.png)

4. Click on **+** icon to add a new block.
5. Choose the **Wait** block.

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/04-01-select-wait.png)

6. You can choose from three options:
	- On a specific date
	- After a period of time
	- When a specific action happens

![](/help-center/03-journeys/07-journey-blocks/04-02-wait-block.png)

## What happens after creating a block in a journey pause it?

After creating a block in a journey pause it, your workflow will hold contacts at that specific step automatically. The system tracks the time delay or customer actions in the background and releases them to the next block exactly when your conditions are met.

## Troubleshooting

### Contacts skip the wait block

This occurs because the **date option is set to a past time** or the event trigger is misconfigured. You need to **update the block to a future date** or verify the event rules to fix it.

## Related articles

- [How to create a block in a journey to send messages](/journeys/journey-blocks/send-message-block)
- [How to create a block in a journey to split it](/journeys/journey-blocks/split-by-condition-block)
- [How to create a block in a journey to update tags](/journeys/journey-blocks/update-tags-block)
- [How to create a block in a chatbot to wait for a customer response](/chatbots/chatbot-blocks/wait-block)