Working intensely and continuously without breaks may contribute to
discomfort and pain. Although we know that frequent breaks provide a
respite, we are generally unreliable in reminding ourselves to take a
break because we get captured by our tasks and only stop working after we
experience discomfort. Reduce discomfort and increase social support by
instituting regular tea breaks LIKE THE BRITISH.
HOW TO BE LIKE THE BRITISH
Twice a day during the morning and afternoon stop work and take an actual
fifteen-minute break. Place a sign on the office door letting people know
the office is closed for a specific time period. During this break, leave
your work area and, if appropriate, take this break with your co-workers
while drinking tea (it appears to have anticancer properties) and sharing
positive experiences.
To increase social support, bring snacks to be shared with co-workers.
Copyright 2002 Erik Peper, Ph.D. and Katherine Hughes Gibney