I'm all for embracing your career and reveling in the rat race. But frankly, all work and no play brings out my inner grouch. That's why I make a point to carve out moments in my busy schedule to call friends, work out and, yes, even watch Grey's Anatomy. Around our offices, we even have special days designated for fun. (Did I mention my meringue cover of SELF won third place in our Valentine's Day baking contest?)

And research backs up this practice. A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that in the long run, people regret picking obligatory business over fun in part because guilt about indulging ourselves eventually fades. And 53 percent of workers say stress makes them less productive, while 32 percent say it prevents them from being lauded by VIPs, according to a poll from MultiHealth Systems in Toronto.

So take five to do something that will make you smile today. I promise you'll remember the fun you had much more than that dreary trip to the post office. If you absolutely can't tear yourself away from your to-do list, why not shake up the monotony a little? Catch up with a business colleague over a power walk rather than a PowerPoint presentation.

Bonus: Stepping away from the office, the kitchen or wherever you toil every day can inspire creativity.

Need another excuse to make merriment? Check out the Trade Happiness Tips forum on Self.com

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