I do see how alot of people would appriciate a break though in case they might be working on other animations, school work etc. and would want to keep their mind off from the BSE for a bit. I personaly as the host also appriciate having a break once in a while. I dont see how it would waste people's time as its not like you're bound to not do anything else while waiting for the next BSE round.
I understand what you're saying but what I mean is that people don't take a break at the same time or for the same amount of time since people are getting on with different things as you've said, so I suggest just starting the next round straight away (or as soon as possible) and keep the expected due date the same as what it would've been if you had paused and not released the thread for a week, therefore not wasting anyone's time. That break you took before posting the round could've been used on animating the next round, or yeah as you said take a break if that's when you want to.
I'm pretty sure you can take your own break whenever you want, you shouldn't have to wait for someone else to take their break.