One really nice thing about being back at my old workplace is the place that I go to take my breaks. Just a short walk from our building is a park and a river. There are two bridges crossing the river, about 20 feet apart, at the edge of the park. One is a railroad bridge and the other is a footbridge; both have very high walls. Between these bridges is a small forested area that dips down into a little glade on the riverbank. There are large rocks rising out of the river, just high enough to sit on along the bank. The area feels very secluded, with the bridges, trees, and high opposite bank (also tree covered) shielding it from casual view. At the same time, it is public enough to feel quite safe in the daylight....well within earshot and on the path of small boat traffic.
In this little dell, I take my two 15 minute breaks. Sitting on the river, watching the water, canoes, fish, birds, etc. takes me away from even the concept of work. I think of it as a magical spot. 15 minutes of sitting there, and I can return to work refreshed and ready to go. I'd really missed that spot.
