Your executives are breathing down your neck about an upcoming event, your to-do's are behind schedule and your friends are complaining they don't even see you anymore. Even when you're home or at dinner, your phone won't stop buzzing with emails and messages.

Striking the perfect balance between your personal and professional life is no easy feat, especially with deadlines at work running you down, but it's definitely not impossible. Here are 5 tips to achieving and maintaining work-life balance.

1. Exercise

A healthy body is a healthy mind - exercise not only helps you stay in shape, but is also a form of stress relief as it pumps feel-good endorphins through your body. Be it a short yoga session or a full-blown workout at the gym, exercise should be a priority as much as your work is. Exercising every day is ideal and even just a short 30-minute session can make all of the difference. Personally, I make it a point to hit the gym every morning before going into the office so I feel more energized to get through the day.

2. Sleep

According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation, an average adult needs about seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Many people make the mistake of making sleep something that they do after they're done with their to-do list, but instead, sleep should be a high priority task. If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, try incorporating a relaxing bed-time routine. I always make it a point to put away my electronics and read a book before sleeping. Additionally, referring back to my previous point, exercising also helps you sleep better at night.

3. T.G.I.F.

Having something to look forward to every week makes work more bearable and life more exciting. Make it a point to schedule in something that you enjoy at least once a week - it can be as simple as a short dinner date with your friend! This way, you will always have something to look forward to during the week. This will also be your short respite from work, so make sure to turn your work alerts off and immerse yourself in the evening.

4. Life at Work

Who says work has to be just work? We spend a good proportion of our waking time in the office, but that doesn't mean that the 9 hours you spend at work every day has to be strictly for "doing work", which is why company culture is so important. Take the initiative to start or strengthen your company's culture. You can start off with team luncheons or a themed week. Having such company events or practices not only helps build a healthy and happy workplace, but also improve productivity. Check out some of these great ideas Cabinet members have suggested on company culture.

5. Incorporate interests into your job

Not all of us are lucky enough to land a job that fits our interests or hobbies. However, you can still incorporate your interests into your job to make working more enjoyable. If you like designing, design infographics and signs for your office. If you're a foodie, organize team luncheons and events based around food or take charge in stocking the pantry. There are many ways you can make work more enjoyable and related to your interests, you just have to find one!

Keep in mind that work-life balance is not a privilege, it's a necessity. And as the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.