Quick Tips:

Play with puzzles. Keep your mind sharp and improve your memory by working on a crossword puzzle during your break. Studies in Australia have shown that challenging yourself with word or number puzzles exercises your mind and can add years to your life.

Concentrate and meditate. Practicing meditation—even briefly at work—can put you more in touch with your environment and help you reflect, relax and recharge your mind at work.

Focus, focus, focus! Instead of juggling 18 tasks at the same time, all the time, why not try (when possible) to block out all distractions and focus on the task at hand. The Journal for Mental Psychology suggests that people who multitask are less efficient than those who dedicate a portion of time to one project.

Don’t let work hi-jack holidays. Create a true work life balance by not thinking about or talking about work on your breaks and vacations. About 30 per cent of adults in North America don’t use all of their vacation days and of those who do, over 3/4 of them check their work e-mail at least once a day while away from the office. Next holiday vow to break free: turn off the cell, Blackberry and computer and relax!