Do you wake up tired? Does your stomach scream without provocation? Find yourself snapping at people for no good reason? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you've probably got stress. Well, you're not alone.

Stress has become an occupational hazard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, over 3,400 cases occupational stress related illness were reported in 1997. The average time off associated with these illnesses was 23 days.

Who has the most stressful jobs? According to the BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses the most stressful occupations include: bookkeepers and accountants; managers and proprietors; sales people; and cooks. The survey also notes that women outnumber men when it comes to stress-related illnesses (for every male case reported, 1.6 cases involved females).

Stress overload can happen to anyone. People who find their work personally rewarding may be able to handle on-the-job stressors better than those who don't, according to some psychologists. However, whether you love your job, hate your job or fall somewhere in the middle, there are steps you can take to improve your health and your situation.

If you love what you do, reducing stress probably means making some changes in your professional and personal life. Try to determine the sources of your stress. Do they stem from the way you handle situations or from circumstances beyond your control? Are there stressors in your life that you can eliminate?

First, get rid of whatever stressors you can. Often managers try to do too much. If you're one of them, start delegating. Force yourself if you must. If you're a business owner, make a list of everything you do. Eliminate anything that doesn't directly contribute to your bottom line.

What about handling those stressful situations? There are many basic relaxation techniques that can help you handle the tough times. When you're feeling anxious or tense, try deep breathing. Prepare for an upcoming event, whether that means giving a presentation or asking your boss for a raise, by visualizing your success. See yourself behaving the way you want to be, cool, calm and confident.

Source: http://www.career-intelligence.com/management/GotStress.asp