Great article! It's much the same in the UK, and seems to be getting worse, given the economic mess we're in. Especially for freelancers and the self-employed, a break can just mean twice the expense and nil income, and it's an argument that I have with friends all the time. But, like you say, it's totally necessary. I not only take my full holidays I make sure that I build some time into every day just for idling, resting, chatting to friends, watching the world go by. I don't know if it makes me better at my job, just I know I'd go crazy if all I thought about was how to be more productive all day long! Enjoy the kayak!