Stress can be become a major factor in our lives as a result of what occurs in our work place or at home in our private lives.

Some of the work events that occur in our lives that rate highly as stress creators are a lack of control, being retrenched or let go, moving office, aggressive and intimidating managers or colleagues and dealing with the public. They all have the potential to severely disrupt our lives in the short or long term.

Too much stress in our lives can create illness which may vary from very slight to hospitalisation.

Symptoms to be aware of may include; a reduction in productivity, a reduced ability to focus on given tasks, a reduced ability to make decisions, poor immunity, overly concerned with minor issues, high blood pressure, aggression, confusion, headaches, muscle tension, an increased consumption of alcohol or drugs and insomnia. You can also ask yourself some key questions; do I look for excuses to be alone rather than around family or friends? and am I short tempered around my family?

If you feel you are suffering from stress then one of the first things you could do is find out what is causing it. Once you have located the cause you can try and take positive action to minimize or eliminate it altogether. Some minor issues can be easily resolved in this manner while others may be completely out of your control. If the cause is out of your control, and it is creating a lot of stress, you may need to think seriously about what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Your health and wellbeing should rate as high on your priority list as your income and position when deciding how you want to live.