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Think Smoking Breaks Are Just for Smokers? Think Again

Jan12



I want to share a thought that emerged from a recent strategic planning session with a client, which ties together unconventional wisdom and practical insights. This is about learning from smokers - not for the smoking, but for their habit of taking breaks, a concept I like to call 'smoke the stress'.

In high-stress environments like strategic planning, it's easy to get caught in a relentless cycle of meetings and decision-making. During the session, I observed that the smokers on the team would regularly step outside for a smoke break. This pattern highlighted a crucial lesson: the importance of taking deliberate, regular breaks to decompress and refocus, irrespective of smoking.

Here's why this practice is a game-changer for leaders and high-performing teams:

  1. Mental Clarity and Reset: Regular breaks allow us to reset our thought processes, leading to clearer, more strategic thinking.
  2. Reducing Burnout and Stress: Stepping away from a high-pressure environment, even briefly, can significantly lower stress levels and prevent burnout.
  3. Boosting Creativity and Innovation: A change of scenery and a moment of relaxation can spark new, creative ideas.
  4. Enhancing Team Dynamics: Encouraging team members to take these breaks fosters a healthier, more supportive work environment.

So, whether it's stepping outside, taking a deep breath, or simply pausing for a moment, these 'smoke breaks' (minus the smoking) are a simple yet powerful way to rejuvenate and refocus. It's about breaking the cycle, slowing down, and allowing ourselves that crucial moment of pause.

Adopting the 'smoke break' mentality, metaphorically speaking, could be the key to enhanced performance and well-being in high-pressure situations.

By Dean Miles

Keywords: Business Continuity, Coaching, Mental Health

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