Unhappily, no one can be at his or her best at all times. And cell phones and other technology almost guarantee that, when we're at our worst, someone else will be certain to find us!

The alternative, of course, to revealing tension or outright misery to bosses, business acquaintances, family or friends is simply to turn off your cell phone. Naturally, you knew this--but how often do you do this?

Unless you need to keep that cell at the ready so that others may reach you in emergencies, it's perfectly fine to turn it off now and then when you need a break.

The same holds for returning emails, text messages and instant messages. As one of my favorite coworkers used to say, "Let the world take a few turns."