Whether you’re closing a sale, analyzing data, mixing concrete, or writing the next great American novel, you can mix business and pleasure when enjoying premium cigars.
Even before the pandemic forced many people into working from home, smoking a fine cigar and working were a winning combination.
Business and Pleasure at the “Office”
Before indoor smoking bans, the sight of smoke billowing from office doors was common. The Mad Men era may be over, but sneaking a cigar during work hours has never been easier.
The number of people remotely working has doubled in the past few years. It’s no surprise cigar smoking also spiked during that time. The benefit of remote working is you don’t have to rush a fine cigar. The workplace has evolved. Forget about returning to the office after a quick lunch break cigar. You don’t even need to wait until quitting time. Instead, you can savor a premium cigar- or two- during your work day.
If you don’t already have a custom smoking room in your home, taking a break to enjoy a Robusto is as simple as walking downstairs or out to the garage. With WIFI and cell phones readily available, you won’t miss a meeting or a deadline.
You don’t necessarily need a professional-grade ventilation system. So, grab your laptop and favorite cigar and convert your spare room into a hybrid smoking office. But, of course, you’ll want to crack a window, and there are plenty of options for removing smoke smells when the work day ends.
During warmer months, sitting out on the deck or in the yard with a laptop and your favorite cigar is an ideal way to spend a Monday morning. There are plenty of cold weather options for the winter months as well.
These days the office can be anywhere, including your local cigar lounge. Most lounges are the perfect spot for the working smoker. Daytime hours are typically quieter, and since so many others have the same idea, cigar lounges have become de facto offices. Many recent studies have shown increased productivity with the shift to remote work. That may be because of all that cigar smoking.
Productivity and Cigars
Freud insisted smoking was integral to his work. Mark Twain did as well. Old-time stage comedians like George Burns and Groucho Marx puffed their cigars to stall between jokes. Did cigars actually help them think? Many people claim smoking a cigar does just that. Naysayers say these are psychosomatic effects. It may sound like a myth, but every legend has a touch of truth to it.
Cigars have a meditative effect, too. Smoking a fine cigar provides the perfect time to relax, reflect, and relieve stress. These effects are no illusion. Studies have shown the hint of nicotine improves attention span and alertness and boosts energy levels and happiness. The same study showed an increase in memory and concentration as well. It’s no coincidence Mark Twain caught a case of writer’s block when he briefly stopped smoking. The old magic returned as soon as he resumed his daily cigar habit. Who knows? Maybe the quick-witted Burns and Marx owe more of their talents to their cigars than they thought.
We’re not suggesting everyone pick up a cigar to be more productive. Any reason is a good reason to enjoy a fine cigar. However, it’s no wonder some of the greatest minds came upon their best ideas in the company of a premium cigar.
So go ahead and mix business and pleasure — add that cigar to your regular workday routine. Better yet, add a couple. The “new normal” of the working world has created the time for it. Your boss might thank you for it.
Photo credit: Cigar Life Guy