by Anamaria Palacios '29 on October 8, 2026
Opinion
I often reflect on my mid-afternoons and find a sense of emptiness, as if something were missing. They are wrought with exhaustion, the combination of long classes and the inevitable early sunset leaving me rather withered. It was not until recently that I may have found a cure for this ailment. Perhaps we as Americans need a cultural shift: the adoption of our own mid-afternoon break.
When examining other cultures, mostly European ones, I have noticed a pattern. Many of these countries have a sanctioned, or otherwise socially accepted, suspension of work and business between the hours of one and four or five in the afternoon. The bustling cobblestone streets of Italy fall into silence as citizens take a “riposo” or “pausa.” Virtually every shop and restaurant is closed, with workers heading home to cook lunch with family or take a long-awaited nap. This pause may seem bad for business, but I believe it is the grease that keeps the gears grinding. In other words, having time for oneself to readjust and meet with loved ones can allow for more focused work at other times of the day. Similarly, many regions of Spain practice what is known as a “siesta.” While many associate this with a sort of city-wide slumber, it is, in reality, more like an Italian pausa. Citizens take these siestas to avoid extreme heat that may occur during the workless hours or to enjoy an extended lunch. Additionally, this supports the European eating schedule that consists of early breakfasts, afternoon lunches, and late dinners.
Though not necessarily government-sanctioned, many Englishmen and women enjoy a “tea-time” in their mid-afternoons. This tea-time is ripe with finger foods, good conversation, and, of course, a wide assortment of tea. English tea-time is a sacred part of English culture. Although it is practiced after normal working hours, it is still a necessary break from the chaos of the day. Like riposos or siestas, English tea is a way of bringing people together, family or friends, in a relaxed manner. Plus, tea is delicious and comes in an abundance of options.
Hence, it would be wonderful if the United States could embrace a similar kind of resting hour, or perhaps hours. Truthfully, we live in a deeply capitalistic society, upheld by the ideas that work equates to success and that human beings are simply cogs in a machine of industry. Potentially, having an authorized break could lead to economic disruption. However, it could also improve business by prioritizing workers’ mental health and reducing burnout. These questions can only be answered through trial and error, but they may be worthwhile to try in the first place. Until our federal or local government allows for these changes to be introduced, I, for one, will be practicing a pausa, siesta, or tea-time of my own. From an afternoon nap to chatting with friends over some Ray Earl Grey, I will try to give myself a break so that, when I am recharged, I can tackle the rest of the day with calm, a sound mind, and a whole lot of energy to grind out Civ!