Take a break

When I was an IBEW/CWA (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers/ Communications Workers of America) union member working for Illinois Bell, our work day included a scheduled 15 minute break in the morning and afternoon. And, believe me, you took your break and you took it on time, because if you didn't, it screwed up the workflow of the whole office. One of our requirements in my office now is that everyone has to take five consecutive business days off sometime in the calendar year. While most financial services organizations require this for people in specific jobs so that their books can be audited in their absence, for us, it is mostly about work/life balance for everyone.

In this day of work emails on my cellphone, which is also my only phone, it is difficult to not give into the temptation to stay in touch, to keep on top of things every day, at all times of the day. When I do take a week off, it is usually several days before I sense a change in rhythm and am able to not be in work and office mode. We have all known workaholics who never really do take a break. Whether out of fear that it might be discovered they are really dispensable, or because they are like Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory, who, when forced to take a vacation didn't know what to do. I think that is sad. Those early labor bargainers had it right: we all do need to take a break.

Studies show that productivity goes up when workers have a break in their routine. Students do better with a variety of subjects, not just topics they are interested in. Holidays, autumn and spring breaks give teachers and students a chance to regroup. Rules in sports provide quarters or innings or taking turns so that athletes, both pro and amateur, do not just keep going and going, since people are not the energizer bunny. Interior decorators include a contrasting color, knowing that such a break brings drama or is pleasing to the eye. Plays come in acts and concerts have intermissions.

We wait for a break in the weather, in traffic, from a run of bad luck. We roll our eyes indicating that universal 'give me a break' sigh when someone drones on and on. One friend encourages us to give another friend - or ourselves - a break. Whatever you spend the majority of time doing each day this week, plan to give yourself a break on whatever level you need that to mean. Stop. Breathe. Rest. Or, stop being so hard on yourself. See if it makes a difference.

Marilyn