Break time?

[susandennis]

Even after all this time, I still don't quite get how non-smokers know when it's time to take a break and when they do, what they do.

In the good old days, when one tackled a project such as organizing a closet, when it was time for a cigarette, one stopped work, sat down and had one - maybe even with a cup of coffee. Then one went back to work.

But, now, alas - no cigarette... so how does one know when it's time to take a break?

Sometimes I really miss smoking so much. I've tried a puff or two here or there - enough to know that going back isn't an option - it tastes like crap, gets caught in my throat and refuses me the joy it once gave me. But I remember.

I am making headway on the closet and I found a whole giant box of stuff that I had thought was office stuff but, turns out, was closet stuff so I can now put all that away, too.

Comments

[kyrielle]

Hehehe. You get thirsty, or hungry. If you're reading or using a computer, your eyes grow tired. Your back gets stiff. Or you promised yourself you'd take a break every N minutes and your timer goes off. You get so bored you can't stand it, and you've been at it long enough that you can tell yourself honestly it's not merely avoiding the task.

Otherwise - if there's no other reason for it - why bother with the break? Sooner done is still sooner done, and leaves you more time for a true relaxation that doesn't end with returning to the task.... :)

[kyrielle]

And yes, I had to take it literally. *wry* What can I say? I do hope the closet cleaning goes well.

[susandennis]

Your approach to everything is such the opposite of mine that I truly treasure all your entries and all your comments. Really. And, I love that you take it literally. Why take a break indeed. And the closet is done. Thank you!

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

Old Gold!! My parents smoked those.

I miss smoking too. Breaks are no fun without cigarettes. Just a waste of time. Not worth smoking again, however.

[susandennis]

My parents were Camels - unfiltered.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

Whew, hard core.

[geordie.livejournal.com]

My mug is empty... or I'm bored out of my skull.

[rsc.livejournal.com]

Hmm... I'm not sure I should offer this, but...

At my age (which is older than yours, but not by that much), my bladder pretty well ensures that I take freqent breaks. This was true when I was still working, too, which means over seven years ago now.

[shanynrose.livejournal.com]

I've worked in several jobs where non-smokers were often screwed out of breaks - "Too much to get done!" while smokers could go outside every two hours :(