It can be difficult to separate work from the rest of your life, and after working a full week, it is often exhausting to find time for yourself. However, it’s important to make the effort to unwind because having a good work and life balance is integral to fulfilling a happy life. These practical tips will hopefully have you feeling recharged and refreshed in no time.

Schedule Time to Recharge – Don’t let the days just dissolve into one long, tiresome blur. Take a few minutes to plan out your week and map out some time to recharge. Whether it’s through a night out with those closest to you, date night with your spouse, or a picnic with your family, make any available weekends about spending quality time when you can. Planning these activities ahead of time will give you something to look forward to during the week. Time can be so easily whittled away without having a schedule, and mapping out time to relax will ensure that you can benefit from your time outside of work.

Reprioritize – Drop unnecessary activities that drain your time or energy. Staying up and watching your favorite TV shows till 3 AM might seem relaxing, but more often than not you’ll wake up feeling exhausted and less productive. Take stock of the activities that don’t enrich your career or personal life in any way, and keep the time you spend on them to a minimum. It may also be a good idea to evaluate what you’re spending your time at work on. Perhaps cutting out certain activities, such as time spent on social media sites or making personal calls, will allow you to leave work a little earlier.

Get Active – Although moving around is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re tired, making time to do some light exercise can boost your energy level and concentration. Research has shown that light exercise, such as a brisk walk, can help with alertness and stimulate brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. As many jobs require that professionals sit all day, it’s important to take some time to rejuvenate yourself by getting active.

Inquire About Flexible Schedules – Ask your employer whether flexible scheduling is a possibility for you. Some companies are flexible with work hours and afford their staff the opportunity to rearrange their schedules from time to time. Knowing that you can go to a doctor’s appointment or take care of your children when they’re sick makes the intermix between work life and personal life that much more harmonious.

Learn to Say No – Life throws you curveballs, whether in the form of your child’s soccer coach asking you to organize a party, or a co-worker asking you to head up a new project. It’s okay to say no in times like these. When you stop accepting tasks out of guilt or obligation, you’ll free yourself up to do the things you truly want to do. If you feel powerless to a demanding co-worker or boss, voice your concerns to them or a human resources manager.

Create a Support System – Have a network of people who you know you can turn to at work and other areas of your life. It will come in handy to know which of your friends and family can pitch in with childcare or the occasional household responsibility when your hands are full. It’s also important to have a couple of coworkers you can count on to cover for you when you’re in a tight spot. Just remember to offer the same in return.