If your job creates serious stress in your life, it is imperative that you find ways to relieve the tension. Stress can have a potentially profound effect on your health and well-being. Job stress springs from many sources. Here are just a few ideas for dealing with some of them:

> Layoff fears: Prepare yourself for the possibility by updating your resume, sharpening or adding to your skills, and networking. Consider the possibility of a career change – could it be a good thing?
> Overwork: Set your work hours and leave on time. If you work from home this can be challenging. It is easy to keep on working, losing track of time, but you can turn off that phone and computer and either leave that room or go out! Take a vacation as soon as you can – a real vacation where you go away and enjoy a setting far from work and all the related stress.
> Interpersonal conflict: Hone your conflict resolution skills and proactively put them into practice. Be assertive.

These are just a few of the causes of job stress. Whatever creates stress for you, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to accept the status quo. No one should ever have to choose between their job and their health and well-being.

If you find that stress affects your personal life, it may be necessary to seek professional help. Most large corporations have an EAP program in place. Whether they do or not, be sure to get the help you need and take a leave of absence if necessary.

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