How do you prefer to spend your day after getting home? If you’re a workaholic who can make a PowerPoint presentation in less than 5 minutes but who has no clue about how to relax, then you’re in for some disturbing news. Statistics show that all work and no play doesn’t just make Jack a dull boy, it can also cut short his life and give rise to other illnesses. Stressed out employees who burn out frequently are more a headache than an asset to an organization. So, if you are serious about acing that promotion or bonus, get serious about unwinding too.
a) Spend time for yourself, with yourself: A lot of people dread being alone, but you can become your own best friend too. Take some time to do what makes you happy. It could be something small like reading a book in silence, cooking a meal for yourself and for loved ones or just attending a sweaty martial arts session. Listening to music, especially classical or instrumental music is also believed to be gentler on the mind than other music genres.
b) Make time for hobbies: Taking up a new hobby or exploring your current one not only helps you feel more self-satisfied but also helps to keep your brain young. Studies show that the brain is more open to learning and absorbing new experiences when a person is happy. If you prefer to learn with others like in Pilates classes, it also gives you the chance to meet new people.
c) Socialise: Meeting up with friends, family members and loved ones not only makes you feel more fulfilled but it’s a great stress buster too. It may actually help to boost your immunity and of course your ‘happy’ hormones as well.
d) Meditate or pray: Spend a few moments of silence by yourself each day, pray or meditate.  Studies show people who meditated on a daily basis not only solved problems faster but also emerged stronger from personal battles.
e) The best way to ensure that you use your time constructively is by planning a few days ahead. Once you begin to really live each day, you’ll feel the positive effect at work and even within yourself.

A final tip is to make sure you allocate time in your schedule to do the things you love, and spend time with those you love, just like you would for any other important meeting or project at work.  Fail to plan, plan to fail.