Going back to last week’s post, Finding Self-Worth Outside of Your Job, we know that striking a balance between your work and life is easier once you’ve found some worthwhile activities outside of your employment. After all, there’s no need to be all job, all the time. So here’s your permission to step away from your workstation and find something else to do with your time.

Why do you need a work-life balance? Aside from the obvious -- that no one should be stuck at work 24/7 -- it means you don’t find yourself exhausted and dreading work. If work isn’t seen as a chore, there will be fewer mistakes and missed days. Plus, it means being healthier in mind and body since you won’t be overstressed and run down, so fewer sick days will be taken.

But how do you find a balance and get a life outside of work? Here are some simple things to try.

The first step is to turn off your phone, or at least your work-related notifications if you really can’t do without. If you’re always connected, you never get out of the work mindset, and so you never actually leave the office. There’s no need to be so focused on work that you forget about your life outside of it. And if your boss is expecting you to be on call 24/7 -- at the cost of precious moments with your friends and loved ones -- it may be time to find a new employer. You signed up to be a contributor to the company’s mission, not its slave.

If you work from home, this can be really difficult since you’re constantly in close physical proximity to your workstation, and it might seem more important to get that last project finished than it is to sit down to a meal or visit a buddy. You need to try to shut it off at the end of the day. If you find yourself never getting things finished on time, try reorganizing your work or your own thought processes, but that’s a whole other kettle of fish you need to deal with first.

Bottom line is that you need to step back from work: close the office door, shut down the computer, and turn off your work phone. It will help you to keep your focus and your enjoyment of being self-employed.

Now try finding things to do outside of work. Pick up hobbies -- commit to exploring the things you’ve always wanted to master, like learning how to cook, knit, play a musical instrument, or paint. Get out of the house by golfing or going for nature hikes or wine tours. If you do find something you’re interested in, take the time to actually enjoy it without thinking about the million other things waiting for you back to your office.

Don’t forget to work some exercise into your day, if you can. Physical activity is great for de-stressing and releasing those feel-good endorphins. It will lead to a healthier lifestyle, which reduces your likelihood of illness and allows your body to cope better with the side effects of overworking. And yes, without harmony between your career and your life, you are most likely overworked and overstressed. If you aren’t staying healthy in mind and body, you can’t be at the top of your game on the job.

Remember that downtime is just as important: it keeps you fresh and helps you recharge for the next day. Hobbies and activities engage your brain in different tasks, helping you look at things from another angle when you get back to the office. They’re necessary and pleasant diversions that help you remain present in moments outside the cubicle.

Once you’ve achieved a healthy work-life balance, you’ll feel so much better about yourself, your work, and your life. Try it out; you’ll be thanking us!