You may be good at what you do and get paid very well for it, but one of the things that many sacrifice is health anenjoyment. Ask yourself: when was the last time you really, really had fun? Office parties don’t count!

If you can’t recall the last time you really had fun with yourself, with family or friends, then you need to make some changes.

Here are 5 things you can do to have more time for yourself, and have fun outside of work:

1. If you’re new on the job, set boundaries by leaving on time whenever possible.

You are not compelled to wait for your boss, nor are you required to do overtime work without pay. Studies show that we are more productive when we are well rested and energized, not when we spend extra hours. Studies also show that when you strive to create good work and play balance, we are more likely to perform better!

2. Talk to your boss about your work hours.

After several months on the job, you’ve somehow proven yourself to your employers. By this time, you can approach your boss and talk to him or her about your work hours. Always start by saying how much you enjoy the job, and you understand that there are days you have to deal with overtime. Explain to her why leaving on time or even early on other days is important for you.

3. Know your work ethic.

You’ve already spent several years on the job so people already have a clear grasp of your work ethic. At this point, it will be easy for you to tell your boss why you’re leaving at exactly 5 pm, and why the rush work he or she is giving you can be dealt with the next day. Remember, you work in order to help you live the life you want. You must never live just for your work.

4. Don’t stop improving your skills.

If you want to have fun outside your job, look for opportunities to increase your skills. Always wanted to learn photography or master a new language? Go ahead and enroll in a class or teach yourself using tutorials online. This may sound like “work,” but when you’re enjoying and having fun, where’s the work in that?

5. Nurture your relationships outside of work.

Plan a salon day with girlfriends. Watch a movie with your kids. Have a fun date night with your hubby! At the end of the day, and at the end of our lives, it’s these relationships that really matter.

Finally, remember this quote from Daisaku Ikeda: “The person who lives life fully, glowing with life’s energy, is the person who lives a successful life.”

How do you have fun outside of work?