To break, or not to break? That is the question.

I had the most fantastic conversation with my husband last night about taking breaks. Both of us are comfortable in our A-type personalities and competitive natures and have really done a lot of growing up together. We see, accept, love and mock every side we have to show...Until there was a discussion of breaks.
Not between us. Literally taking a break, a breather, time off, no work, no electronics, just a break from work.
Through fits of laughter (& embarrassment!), we disclosed that we each hid the breaks we took from the other. Whether it was 15 minutes between a meeting or an hour after the day could be done.
There was shame and a sense of being lesser-than by admitting to taking some time for ourselves (note I just deleted "a few minutes" because there I was trying to pretend I don't take breaks again).
In our lines of work, we both preach the value and significance of taking time for oneself. Studies continue to prove whether it be through physical activity, art, reading- anything that gives a slight reprise from the daily stresses benefits us greatly. And yet as best friends we have been mutually hiding (poorly!) these silly secrets from each other.
Do I think less of him because he takes a break? on the contrary- I am envious at how good he is at understanding what he needs and taking that time to regroup and recover. And on his side he feels that I never take breaks making it hard for him to really enjoy and indulge in time off.
So we made an agreement- we will begin practicing what we preach. We shook on it. So, here's to coming out with my white flag waving saying- I'm going out and taking a break. I hope you do too.