I took the following stress test, and could not believe that I scored in the highest range (High Stress). I mean, I knew I had some stress, but just didn't realize it was so severe.

You can take the test from the link below (there's no charge, and no obligation to buy anything, and yes! they will give you the answer without charging anything :)

Find out your Stress Level with this Stress Test

Whether you're successful or feel like a failure at work, job stress can cause you to dislike a career you once loved, create additional problems and stress outside of work, including financial and relationship issues. Some people deal with stress by looking for another job, but soon find the stress creeping back in again. They address a symptom (the job itself) instead of the causes for stress (their reaction to situations, their own anxiety and fears, etc.)

So what can you do?

The following article from guest author Marcia Zidle, addresses some of the ways you can manage your job stress:

Job Stress Management Tips By Marcia Zidle

Today’s workplace produces plenty of stress. Life’s little hassles mount up until you say to yourself, “If one more thing goes wrong today, I’ll explode.” Don’t reach for the aspirin bottle, try these stress management tips.

Can we eliminate the stressors of modern work life? No. The trick is learning how to manage the stress versus being overwhelmed by it. Here are seven stress management tips

Know the enemy. What, exactly, is stressing you out? Is it your job? Your home life? Your relationships? Without knowing the root of the problem, you are unlikely to resolve it.

Share the load. Delegate whenever possible. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you are the only person who can do the job right. Your coworkers and boss might start to buy into that concept as well.

Get a fresh outlook. Whoops! I made a mistake. Okay. The world is not going to come to an end. Stress often comes from taking yourself and the job too seriously.

Be a kid again…play. Put your job concerns aside for five minutes and concentrate on something of fun. Use your break time to work a crossword puzzle, play a quick game of Frisbee, listen to some good music, etc. A few minutes spent playing brings renewed energy to the job.

Let go. Recognize the difference between the things you can control and the things you cannot. Make a list of these two categories. Stop stressing about the things in your job you have no control over.

Develop a tough skin. Try not to personalize any criticism you receive. Look at negative comments as constructive criticism that allows you to improve your work.

Don’t make work your life. Job stress builds when our minds are constantly focused on work. Strive for balance in your life. Make time for family, friends, hobbies and, most importantly, fun.

You man need to give your job the heave-ho. You know it’s time to quit when:

You’ve tried all the appropriate channels and methods for resolving your situation, to no avail. You are not challenged and so bored that you hate to go to work every day. Your boss is intimidating, disrespectful or demeaning to you.

Stress is a fact of life, but it need not be a way of life. Every job has stress. It is an inevitable consequence of living and working with others. Effective stress managers know how to reduce the harmful effects while retaining the energy and creativity needed to work and live in a stressful environment.

Marcia Zidle, the ‘people smarts’ coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ­ to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management. Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com/ and get the bonus report “61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers”. Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ­ resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ­ fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Zidle http://EzineArticles.com/?Job-Stress-Management-Tips&id=33970

Closing

In closing, I'd like to let you know that I'm taking a course that teaches the "Release Technique." This is one of the principles of The Secret, as seen on the Oprah Winfrey show. I can't comment on it yet, as I haven't received the material, but keep an eye out for next month's issue, as I will let you know what I think. I really don't buy into a lot of hype, but I researched this one thoroughly and couldn't find anything negative about the program, only positive things.

You can find out more about the program below:

Achieve Wealth, Health and Happiness.

Thank you!

Best wishes to your success,

Kristen

www.career-development-help.com