The Smoking Habit

Yes, you heard me right, smoking is a good habit. I envy smokers. They’ve figured out a way to regularly take a break in their hectic lives. And it’s often a social break at that.

It’s not that I think we should all take up smoking – that will likely hurt our lungs and our health and the health of  those around us. But the aspect of smoking where people stop to do something pleasurable for themselves is a good habit.

Too often we get caught up in the proverbial rat race, chasing after some stinky piece of cheese that we’re not that into any way. We go, go, go until we get sick or even suffer an injury. It’s just not healthy. In fact, the stress this lifestyle causes could wield more harm on our wellbeing than inhaling nicotine smoke.

Smoking isn’t quite the right way to go, though. Beyond the harmful effects of nicotine, breaks that are the result of an addictive chemical craving doesn’t exactly empower us. However, non-smokers can stand to learn from those that stop to puff a cigarette several times a day.

Learning from Smokers

Here are some takeaways from the smoking habit we can apply to help promote a healthy lifestyle.

15 Minutes Won’t Kill Anyone

Rarely will people die or jobs be lost over 15 mins (I’ll exempt ER and police and fire personnel some of the time). Scheduling breaks – real breaks, not checking email or voicemail – is a great way to ensure that we recharge ourselves. Our bodies are not designed to keep a fast pace all day long. We need moments of rest, of departure, in order to get our energy back up. Otherwise, the stress could will literally kill us.

> Try blocking out a 15 minute break on your calendar, with a reminder. Treat that block of time as sacred as a board meeting. Leave your desk and go somewhere different. Even walking a few floors up and down in the stairwell will give you a new perspective and help brush away some of the cobwebs that have formed in your brain.

Get Outside

Smokers may not like the non-smoking laws that have forced them onto the streets in numerous cities around the world, but the result of “fresh” air and a changed environment can have some very positive results. By changing our settings we also change our minds. Physically removing ourselves from our place of work and walking outside not only gives us some exercise, it also provides our mind with all new stimuli. This stimulation helps us think more clearly and creatively.

> Instead of just going to the break room and getting more coffee or some M&Ms, on your next break wander oustide. Stretch your legs, arms, and lungs (best done away from smoke). Try and hear, smell, feel, and maybe even taste your surroundings in a new way. You’d be amazed at how refreshed you will feel. And it doesn’t have to take much time. You’ll also feel more connected with the real world, not just what now will seem like the small world of work.

Chat About Non-Work Stuff

We’ve all seen how fellow smokers form special bonds and friendships. That’s because they have an obvious common interest and some idle time to chat. While there must be a lot of work-related conversation, there’s also talking about the latest game, what happened on Lost last night, and how women are wearing ever shorter skirts these days.

> Schedule a regular walk with a co-worker or two to gain the same and more positive results. Talk about your family, upcoming vacation plans, a book you’re reading. Remember that you have passions and interests that go way beyond what you do at work. Why leave all those skills and hobbies at home? They are an important part of who you are.

Make Like a Smoker and Get Outta There!

While smoking is not a healthy habit to start or continue, taking a break from work to get outside, experience a new environment, and connect with people on a non-work level is quite healthy. So learn from smokers and start working a break into your schedule. You’ll be more healthier for it.

What do you think?