Having a break really does make a difference. I travelled overseas last week and while some of that was for work, the play time really made it feel like much longer time out. I’m now trying to work out how to get more of the leisure travel into my year.

Enjoy your lunch breaks – sounds like you really use them well!

cheers
Melina

The long lunch may be gone, but the idea of connecting to someone over a meal (or even a walk) can be really valuable for your business and networking. I have found that the discussions and ideas shared in this less formal frame sometimes were profound in their effect on the business. Use your lunch productively if you cant justify taking the time for yourself, and the person you have lunch with will appreciate it.

We hear about work-life balance – it is a great reminder to get some of the ‘balance’ back – we all do better with a break, fresh air and a chance to get away from the screen for at least a little while.

Thanks so much for your great comments. I’m not sure how we evolved into a culture of people who just work, work, work without breaks. The Europeans have it sorted with their big lunch and siestas.

Today I am making a conscious effort to stop for a break. eat without working and see what results that brings. I am sometimes guilty of working through and I want to change that!

Here’s to a great break today, and every day…

cheers
Melina

I enjoyed your article and am a strong supporter of lunch breaks. II have found that often our workplace culture, or pressure to get the job done is impacting on the erosion of breaks. I have worked in offices where no once moves away from their desks to have a break, and have found it uncomfortable to get up, walk out and take a break. Personally, if I didn’t get some fresh air during the day I would go crazy!. As a manager of staff I remind staff to take their breaks. It concerns me that issues related to workplace stress will only increase if we don’t slow down on occasion, take a breath or two and reflect on what is truly important – (our sustained health and well being). If people are feeling they are under so much pressure to perform without taking a break – and those in authority expect this, it is a very sad reflection on society.