Break or Breakdown

A regular break away from the desk for a walk with the dog is important for both physical and mental health maintenance. Fortunately, we live in a remote, agricultural area and have space where we can walk around in solitude. We have a maze of ‘trails’ on our property and a field next door that give us the steps without going out on public roads which could prove dangerous to the dog.

Breaks are planned for times of the day when missed calls can be returned when we get back to the desk. Phones are not permitted on breaks unless family calls are in order. Morning stroll is usually exactly that unless we have some mail to go out. Then, we head for the gravel road and the mail box. Good Dog Sandy takes her ‘down/hold’ position in the grass while I walk across the road to put the outgoing mail in the box. I flip the red flag up to wave at the mailman and come back to continue our short break. In the afternoon, we stroll directly to the mail box, repeating our routine in reverse when we check for the day’s mail. In summer, unhindered by a coat, sometimes the stroll includes some ‘walking yoga/upper body training moves.’ I don’t need a talking stick or cane for balance, but often have a walking stick along. Who knows we may have to face off a vicious mouse or snake traveling through the grass.

Other shorter breaks include an hourly reminder that pops up to tell me to stand-up and move, even a little bit. A similar reminder tells me I’ve been looking at the screen for more than 20 minutes and should look somewhere else. In reality, neither of these reminders are consistently on the money. I am NOT that organized! They do get the point across and sometimes they are exactly right. Too much time is about to happen where I’ve been sitting in the same position, looking at the screen.




I’ve read where the computer chair is the new cigarette posing as a quiet enemy to health. The breaks and walks keep circulation going. Breathing fresh air oxygenates our brains making us smarter, wiser and more patient when we return to the tasks at hand.

Breaks Can Be Hard To Find

Recently , our walk time found a car parked along the country road. We watched, but wondered if someone needed a little help. I walked up to the car to ask. The lady in the car told me she is a traveling nurse. Her clients needed to talk to her ‘right now’ and her car was her office! She was probably parked along our road for an hour. Read about working virtually on the road at Bar JD. Virtual & Mobile Along Country Roads That break more than made my day…I seldom meet other virtual people by accident!

When you are working virtually, work smart. Take a break so you don’t breakdown at some point. Virtual work can go on into retirement years with many rewards if we will take care of ourselves. And determine to live long beyond retirement.