Boston swept the two-time defending World Series champions over the weekend.Three games. Three Red Sox victories in picturesque Chavez Ravine. Home of Dodger greats like Sandy Koufax, Tommy Lasorda, Orel Hershiser, who was part of the NBC broadcast team Sunday night, and legendary moments told by the insightful words of Vin Scully. The wins made it more enjoyable, but a sports fan must take time to enjoy it all.I dont do that anymore. I stopped taking a break from worry and deadlines, paying no attention to schedules. For once, I needed to prioritize nothing above my recliner and a ball game.My favorite baseball team, other than the Cincinnati Reds, has been so hot over the last six weeks, youve needed at least 100 SPF sunscreen just to watch them. I wouldnt know. Im still as pale and white now as I was on June 24 when the Red Sox were 14 games under .500 and dragging their way through the cellar of the American League East like me after a 12-hour workday.The same day, Boston seemed to acquire more bad luck when its plane broke down in midair shortly after takeoff from Denver to New York after losing another series to Colorado. Six hours later, the team resumed its flight and promptly swept the New York Yankees. A second travel delay two weeks later led to a full-day wait at the airport, arriving so late in New York that the start of their game against the Mets had to be delayed a half hour.The All-Star Break began 72 hours later, lasting a full four days, all happening in the midst of the 15-game winning streak, tied for the longest in franchise history and a record that stood for 80 seasons. (The last one of that length occurred right after World War II when Hall of Famer Ted Williams wore a Red Sox jersey.)Momentum is a game-changer. Breaks can be good if they arent too long. Fans know and have probably felt the sting of a postseason defeat after a bye week when the extra time away hurt their chances. Teams want to be on top of their game and playing well at the right time. The same goes for everybody, but you cant go full speed every day, or you wont have enough fuel at the end when you crash and burn.I mention the travel delays and the plane malfunctions because Boston encountered another one Sunday night after sweeping Los Angeles as it prepared for a late-night cross-country flight. The Red Sox had an off day Monday, and they probably need it.You could ask if these delays and travel time off lead to success on the field? Probably not. Professional athletes are treated well, make too much money and travel first class, but they still have to perform. A 162-game schedule leaves little time for a break. The Red Sox clubhouse found something to put turbulent times behind them and turn their season around. Perhaps the All-Star Break occurred at the perfect time.Boston entered the nearly week-long break having won nine games in a row, while contemplating an agreement with a new airline. As a fan, you worried that time away could crush their momentum. It seemed to ignite it.During our workweek, even throughout our work year, there are times when we try to fend off a potential breakdown. Who has taken a vacation this summer? Whos still looking for time off?Take the time to turn a breakdown into a breakthrough.The Red Sox are 28-5 in their last 33 games and 23-3 since July 1. I havent watched or taken the time to enjoy one game during that stretch until Friday night. It was the perfect getaway. I didnt have to make travel arrangements. I didnt need a beach or sand in places you cant reach. I didnt need a pool and five-star restaurant.A hot dog, a beverage and a ball game were more than enough. I forgot to include these moments in my weekly agenda.I should have been working with a new fall season upon us and the release of our 54th high school football preview on the horizon. I didnt think of my job once. No deadlines were taking away my focus, and the only schedule that had my attention was the time of the first pitch. There will be plenty of late nights ahead, but once its done, it will be time for another short break.The game has changed for us this year, and its time to make new rules. We didnt take our yearly four-down territory trip to preseason football practice this summer. It returns next year, but weve hit the road with more gridiron destinations planned this week, including a cover photo shoot.A strong work ethic is needed, but most games have an intermission. A school year isnt 12 months long; companies give you vacation days for a reason, and when someone tells you, Gimme a break, say, Thanks. I will take it.Also, listen to your mother. My mom has given me the same advice all year. She does have a calmer tone when the Atlanta Braves win. The NL East leader just completed a four-game sweep of the Nationals, so its smooth sailing.Breaks over. Back to work.