Fact: too much work can cause desolation. In fact, there is a term called “work depression”, and this chronic illness affects one in every twenty employees. For a year, at least 30 percent of the workforce will lose their motivation and feel trapped in what is supposed to be a very secure environment, like an office.

Doctors can provide medications, but the best solution is just to achieve a good balance between work and personal life. Here are six ways on how you can do it:

1. Remember to keep your weekends free and holy.
Sometimes you are required to go to work during weekends, especially if there are reports that need to be completed. However, this should not be a habit. The weekend should be yours, and you must make sure you do not do anything work related.

2. Take advantage of holiday leaves.
Some are willing to forgo their vacation leaves in the hopes that it will be converted into cash. Unless you are in a crisis, do take advantage of them. Take a one-week trip to your ultimate destination. Visit friends and family. Discover a new hobby. Pursue the things you cannot do when you are working. You can always work for money afterwards.

3. Do not bring your work at home.
There is a very good reason why you have an office desk. This is so you have a place where you can put all the work-related files. Your time at home should be spent catching up with your family members, such as your spouse and kids.

4. Avoid conflicts.
Conflicts are actually more stressful than an overtime work. Thus, you should avoid it as much as possible. If there are issues among your colleagues, make sure that you can find time to sit down with them and settle the problems immediately before they go out of proportion. If things get worst, ask for a mediation from the management.

5. Reward yourself.
You don’t have to wait for the company to give you a recognition. As long as you know you worked hard on the job, you can reward yourself with whatever you like. This is also how you can keep yourself motivated. But don’t overdo it.

6. Do nothing.
The truth is, this is a hard thing to do. But for someone who is used to have his or her hands full, it is something you deserve.

Life is too short to spend all of it at work. Go out, stop, relax, and smell the flowers.