pretend smoke breaks

I am not an advocate of smoking, I do not condone smoking, and I haven't smoked. Ever. It is an expensive, smelly, dangerous habit. But...

It's interesting to me that smoke breaks are accepted - expected - by those who smoke and by those who employ or live with the smokers. A few minutes to step away from the work or the family or the next chore to be done. A few minutes outside either alone or with someone who shares at least one common interest. Completely acceptable. What about a Diet Coke break? Could my bestie and I get away with that? Or a peanut butter M&M's break? Probably not.

And smokers seem so relaxed after their break. It's just the break. Nicotine is a stimulant. Being outside in the sun, having a stretch, breathing deeply and slowly - with intent - , taking a brain break - those are the things I want.

I'm not going to start smoking, but I do plan on starting to give myself pretend smoke breaks. Maybe have that Diet Coke and some of those yummy M&M's. Go outside. Move. Use the time that smokers use with no questions or penalty. They don't sign out or have to otherwise make excuses for their use of that time. The same courtesy should be extended to those of us who don't smoke.

In fact, I'm going to take my first pretend smoke break right now.