Opinion: “Smoke Breaks” a Healthy Habit

Monday, 27 June 2011 | by Pat's Picks

It’s fair to say there’s a consensus on smoking in this country: it’s bad for you. But Chicago Tribune columnist Barbara Brotman says there is one healthy habit smokers participate in that the rest of the country would be wise to adopt: the smoke break. “Stand outside an office building on any weekday midmorning and watch the pleasantry. People are standing around, talking and laughing. They are enjoying social interactions. They are reducing their stress. They are basking in sunshine.” Part of the ritual’s charm, she says, is the opportunity to chit-chat with strangers. Brotman’s not advocating we all start smoking. Instead, she floats the idea of instituting smoke-less smoke breaks for office workers, otherwise known by it’s more common name, recess.