[bane]

I used to scarf down lunch as fast as possible and get back to work. Then I met my wife (who's South Korean). Koreans, despite being workaholics (in a grossly simplified general sense) have a cultural predisposition to drop everything and savor their meals. It drove me absolutely up-the-wall when we first met. Meals were something to get through as quickly as possible and then back to work.

But over time, as my work responsibilities have increased (and my work stress), I've learned to value meal time as a moment of peace in a stressful day -- an island of solitude. I take meals now with purpose, savoring every bite, spending the time to enjoy the food and simply enjoy the act of eating. I seek out places with nice atmospheres and good quality food.

As a result my health is better, my stress is better managed, and I find the pacing aspect of it keeps my head in the game when I return to work.

It's been an important lesson I've continued to enjoy.

I know other people who don't like this, maybe it's an introvert/extrovert thing. But the 30min-1hr lunch where I really just enjoy my own thoughts really gives me a second wind...especially late in the week.