I take a few minutes playing through the single notes with a pick to limber my fingers and keep them in memory. Then a few scales. Then I practice whatever I'm currently learning - right now I'm really working on the chords and just starting to do some chord changes. Usually my left hand gets sore after doing this for 30 minutes or so, and then I get out some of my music that I've already learned to play the melody lines on, and enjoy actually getting a song to come out of the instrument. After that I practice sight reading. I took that for granted until my teacher gave me the tip to look ahead a measure in my music to be ready so there won't be pauses in my playing. I am doing more and more of that, so that it is becoming second nature and my beats aren't delayed.
I think the coffee break is an excellent idea. I might have to incorporate that into my practice sessions; it would be a great time to get online and catch up with this forum!!
