I am one of those people who rarely thinks about their breaks at work. Unless I make specific other plans, I eat my lunch at my desk. I forget that I’m supposed to take breaks during the day. I just stay at my desk, working on whatever it is I’m working on, until my stomach tells me I’m hungry or I realize it’s time to go home.

Or, at least that’s how I’ve been for the last few years. I did take my lunches while I was in my MBA program, because it was prime studying time. But since then- I eat at my desk.

However, this last summer, I made a conscious effort to make a change. I now take my morning and afternoon breaks whenever I can. (And I’m actually more likely to make sure I get them if I’m really busy.) Instead of getting up and going to the cafeteria, or even going to sit in the lobby for 15 minutes and read, I have decided to go walk.

Every morning and afternoon, I take a 10-15 minute walk around the block my building is on. I even have a poncho hanging in my office at work so that the rain isn’t an excuse. (If I let it be, I’d never walk during the Seattle winter.)

And to be honest with you, those walks make me a better employee. I am able to work smarter and faster by simply getting up twice a day and walking around the block. I don’t think of this as exercise so much as stress relief.

Walking not only relieves stress on it’s own, it gives my brain time off from thinking about whatever spreadsheet I’ve been staring at all day. I don’t necessarily direct my thoughts during my walks, I just let my mind wander. And if I’ve been struggling with something, chances are, during the wandering, I’ll actually come up with the solution.

I know a number of people for whom the fact that they never take a break is a point of pride. It shouldn’t be. They are actually working less effectively by refusing to take some downtime.

When you’re a professional/salaried employee, no one is going to be standing over you insisting you take your breaks. In fact, bosses and co-workers love that you’re always at your desk, because you’re always available for them when they need you. But you don’t do your best work sitting in a cube or office with no breaks. Our brains need down time, and our bodies need movement. It’s just the way things work.

And on the stressful, balls to the wall days, I make less mistakes and get my work done faster if I remember to take those walks. Someone may have to wait a few minutes to get an answer from me, but no one has to wait any longer to get the finished product. I am more productive by giving myself some non-productive time.