<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hadesigns/4753128004/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-616" title="lunchtimepedi" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/pedi-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>A couple of months ago I ran into a co-worker who was returning to the office in those flimsy flip-flops they give you after a pedicure.   I asked her why on earth she was wearing them at work.  Because she just enjoyed a pedicure during her lunch hour, that's why.  Duh! </p>

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<p>This would have never occurred to me.  Maybe because I was a teacher for 16 years, and teachers scarf down their food in a nanosecond so that they can return to their kiddos.  (If they don't have lunch duty.)  Teachers don't run out in broad daylight to participate in something luxurious.  Luxury is reserved for weekends only. </p>

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<p>A few weeks later, I witnessed another colleague donning the flimsy flip-flops in the early afternoon.  And after that, I spied one of the MANAGERS strolling around in her f-f-fs.  </p>

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<p>I believe that I mentioned previously that we are blessed with a pretty stellar culture. </p>

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<p>That's when I finally got the memo.  It's O.K. to have a "Calgon, take me away" moment in the middle of the workday.  In fact, I highly encourage it. </p>

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<p>You may now hear the same inner chatter that I once heard:</p>

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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"But I have too much to do!" </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"I need to eat!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"I only have an hour for lunch!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"Spoiling myself in the middle of a workday?  What if my boss sees me?!"</p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"> </p>

<p>As your friend who fancies herself an armchair therapist, I lovingly tell you to tell your anxious inner chit-chat to hit the road, sister! </p>

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<p>And here's living proof why:</p>

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<p style="padding-left: 30px;">"But I have to much to do!"  <span style="color: #ff00ff;">Study after study after study proves that taking proper breaks leads to fresher thinking and more efficient work.  </span></p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"> </span> </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;">"I need to eat!"  <span style="color: #ff00ff;">That's whay a PB &amp; J at your desk is for.  Or take it with you.  Just make sure that you don't drop crumbs in the footbath.  That would be kind of gross. </span></span></p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"> </span></span> </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;">"I only have an hour for lunch!"  <span style="color: #ff00ff;">I achieved pedi perfection in 45 minutes.  You can, too!</span></span></p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"> </span></span> </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;">"Spoiling myself in the middle of a workday?"  <span style="color: #ff00ff;">Yes, you are SuperWoman.  And you DESERVE to take a load off.  You've EARNED it!  </span></span></p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="color: #ff00ff;"> </span></span> </p>

<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="color: #000000;">"What if my boss sees me?"  <span style="color: #ff00ff;">Mine actually congratulated me for shaking things up and escaping to bliss.  If your boss is a real bitch, then hide from her.  Under no circumstances wear our f-f-fs back to the office.  </span></span></p>