Focus like a laser on what really matters, learn how to actually get yourself to do it so you can accomplish your goals.
The Problem: You never relax fully if work is always on your mind.
The Solution: Separate work from the rest of your life by choosing a period of time and declaring, “No work allowed!” A great place to start is not checking your work email when you’re not at work.
If an entire evening or weekend is too much, start small. For example, you might decide that you won’t touch work between 7pm and 8pm. (You can always expand your time off when the world doesn’t end.)
The Secret: Turn off work physically. Shut down your computer, leave your cellphone in a drawer and close the door to your office. This sends a signal to you and everyone else that you’ve checked out of work.
Take a deep breath, lower your shoulders, smile and go have fun.
Personally I leave my laptop and cell phone upstairs when I come down after work. By making it harder to sneak a peek at my inbox, I’m thinking about work less and I’m more relaxed. This little tip has made me (and my family!) happier, so I hope you’ll try it.