It can be difficult to leave your workplace and simply forget about it, especially if you are an administrative or managerial person; someone's schedule is always in the back of your mind. However, that kind of mind-set can take a toll on you, your family and your friends. While it is not necessary, and may be impossible, to totally forget your job once you leave your place of business, you should be able to give your full attention to something more personal.

Are you one of those people who always worries about your work, even on your day off? There is nothing wrong with loving your job or being a good employee, but you do need some time for yourself.

Is there someone in your office who simply has to leave the office on Thursday or a particular day, no matter what is going on in the office? Why not do the same? Make plans to meet your friends or mate the same day every week after work for dinner. Join a group that meets on a regular basis immediately after work. Commit to attending the meetings, become an active part of the team. Become a volunteer.

You may have noticed that there are some co-workers who are never asked to work overtime on a particular day. Most likely everyone knows her or his schedule. By casual conversation, let people in your office know that you have standing plans.

Take a vacation. While it is great to take long weekends, you also need some real get-away time. Make some solid plans for a vacation.

If you are single perhaps you feel like you don't need time to yourself because you have nothing much to do once you are home. If you are married or married with children, perhaps you are spending extra time at your work place because it feels more peaceful there than at home.

Sometimes people come in early, stay late or neglect their vacations days because they are afraid to be out of the office. This can happen for any number of reasons.

Whatever your reason for not letting go, it may be time to take a close look at your life. Be honest--do you have a life outside of work?