In todays instant society, we take speed for granted, from instant soup to instant messaging. But technology has its limits we still cant click a button to relax. Yet learning to unwind, especially given our frenetic schedules, is vital for our health and for our productivity.

How can we reclaim the lost art of personal rejuvenation? First, we need to redefine our notion of productivity. Our society values the concept of 24/7more than it values free time, observes Victoria Moran, speaker and author of ten books, including "Living a Charmed Life." Weve come to think that a moment without something scheduled is wrong. But the word recreation means to re-create yourself. We need to resurrect that idea for our emotional and physical well-being.

Setting limits at work is essential, and helps the transitions to weekend relaxation less jarring. Many people just cram in too much into an average day, Moran adds. Allocate more time for each work task to avoid the stress of unfinished business later. If youve been given an unreasonable workload, tell your boss, This project is more detailed than we had thought, and I want to give it the time it deserves. Can we adjust some other deadlines?

Taking breaks may feel like time wasters, but regular breaks make people more productive than people who dont. A ten-minute break every three to four hours to walk, do some deep breathing, or calling a friend who lifts your spirits can replenish your work energy. Frequent "micro" breaks of thirty seconds to a minute can also be as effective than one long break at the end of a one or two hours.

Moran advocates borrowing a vacation mentality even during the week. On vacations, people arent as bothered by long lines, paying full price at a store, and other common annoyances. Remind yourself that a long line isnt that terrible, Moran advises. It will lower your stress level.

Here are other tips:

Drive a different route to work to enjoy different scenery, literally stopping to smell the roses. Notice small things that we take for granted, such as a flowering tree or fall foliage. It only takes a few seconds to enjoy these things, but they help us find delight in our daily lives. You simply cannot afford not to stop and point out a beautiful robin to your children, Moran says.

Allow yourself to really be in the moment during the work week will make transition time to the weekend easier, agrees Dr. Erik Rosegard, assistant professor of leisure studies at San Francisco State University. He advocates that people seek quiet weekends away from the cities, where the bustling activity has been shown to increase stress levels. No matter where you go to relax, Dont feel you have to do it all. Find things you love to do, not just things you think you should do, Rosegard says. If you hate aerobics, why not play ultimate Frisbee or run with your dog instead? Youll get more exercise and have more fun.

Turn off the computer and cell phone for at least part of the weekend, because technology has blurred the lines between work and home life. The concept of 24/7 damages us, Moran says. We cant always be on call. Leave a voice mail message stating when youre available and when you keep the phone off. Chances are, friends and colleagues will admire the fact that youve created private time for yourself, and may begin to do so for themselves.

Make at-home weekends more restorative by doing novel things: If you dine out frequently during the week, cook something special at home. Try the great restaurant across town instead of just going to the old standby because its convenient. Dust off your old bicycle and go for a ride. Find places and events that will bring you joy.

None of us can add more hours to our day, but with practice, we can learn to transcend the idea that life is just a daily grind with a never-ending to-do list. Were here for more than just to have enough money until we die, Moran notes. If you have to, treat recreation like another job that you must do to preserve sanity and continue to be productive. Eventually, its will become second nature to schedule unstructured free time.

For suggestions of things to do in your area, go to www.myleisuretrip.com.