Holidays forever

I know a few people who rarely take holidays, preferring to save up their annual leave for a few hard-working years and then letting it rip with two months overseas. This is not my style, but I do understand how easy it is to work crazy hours for nine or 29 months and then realize you seriously need a break. But by then stress may have become chronic, the cold a common occurrence or you're so wound up that the first three days are spent in bed. Not so fun.

So while you're enjoying this long weekend coming up, take a minute to plan something with your partner or a friend. Spain in Spring? New York for New Years? Or perhaps a week of back-to-nature camping in the mild QLD winter. Besides a week away, try and be open to last-minute long weekends with someone who makes you laugh and isn't afraid to play board games. Your mental and physical health (not to mention relationships) will benefit beyond your wildest dreams.

Just make sure your vacay isn't as busy as the job you're leaving behind. Turn on your phone only occasionally, leave the laptop at home and scrap the to-do list. Life's for living, not for working.