Over the years I have been amazed at how many people tend to associate a relaxed feeling with substances that actually are stimulants. Many people say that cigarettes, coffee or candy help them relax, and unwind. In reality all three of these substances make us more stressful or hyper. So why do so many people associate relaxing with chemicals that are stimulants?

More often than not, we find ourselves falling into the habit of associating objects with taking a break. For example we have all heard statements such as, it is time for a coffee break. A cigarette break would be nice. I am going to take a break and grab something to eat. Many times what is happening is a person may feel that he or she needs to justify why they are taking a break. If I worked for you and said, `I have really been busy, would it be alright is I took a break and had a cup of coffee?´ Or perhaps the request would be, would it be alright if I took a break, and grab a candy bar? Then there is, would it be alright if I took a short cigarette break? Each one of these three requests seems almost normal to us. It seems logical to take a break and overdose on sugar, nicotine or caffeine. Now, if I asked, `Would it be alright is I took a break for a few minutes and did absolutely noting, maybe just stare out of the window? Your response would be, `Do you feel O.K.? Is there anything wrong?´

What is wrong, is that we have forgotten that we do have the right to take a break, and allow our minds, and our bodies to relax, without the association of sugars, nicotine or caffeine. From this moment you will think of breaks, relaxation, and taking care of yourself in a new way. No longer will you associate eating with relaxation or taking breaks.