Take Breaks That Energize You:

The way you s end your breaks can either energize you or sap your strength. If you take a brisk walk around the block for 15 minutes in the morning and again mid-afternoon, the fresh air and exercise will arouse your senses and make you feel refreshed. You’ll return with heightened awareness and a sense of well-being. If you prefer, devote your morning break to physical exercise and your afternoon break to mental exercise. Give yourself a fun cognitive workout using a brainteaser book. Flexing your mental muscles can carry over into your work and help you think more creatively. Conversely, if you habit ally smoke and drink caffeinated beverages during your breaks, you will undermine your health. Any temporary pleasure they provide will be offset by the long-term harm they cause. And chat with positive people, not malcontents, to nourish your good mood.

From October 2006 Newsletter