Numerous studies show that job stress is the major source of stress for American adults and that it has escalated progressively over the past few decades.

Occupational stress has been defined as a "global epidemic" by the United Nations' International Labor Organization. As for business, The World Health Organization estimates that stress costs American businesses $300 billion dollars a year in absenteeism, lower productivity, staff turnover, workers' compensation, medical insurance, and other stress-related expenses.

More than one-third of American workers experience chronic work stress, according to a 2013 national survey by the American Psychological Association’s Center for Organizational Excellence. Low salaries, lack of opportunity for advancement, and heavy workloads top the list of contributing factors.

Of course, stress is a factor in every one's life, particularly during major events such as marriage, divorce or buying a home. But according to the Holmes-Rahe Life Events Scale, which rates the levels of stress caused by such events, many of the most stressful events are related to the workplace: firings, business readjustments, changes in financial status, altered responsibilities, a switch to a different line of work, trouble with the boss, variations in work hours or conditions, retirement, and vacations.
Stress is not always a bad thing, though. It can stimulate creativity and productivity. No one reaches peak performance without being stressed, whether an athlete or an office worker. A moderate amount of stress keeps people on their toes, enables them to juggle multiple tasks, and puts them on high alert for potential problems. A bit of tension can also help individuals discover innovative ways of resolving challenges, but too much stress may diminish performance.
Stress is normal and facilitates growth. Managing stress requires examining our lifestyles and options, and making choices that are in harmony with our purpose and values.

Have you experienced stressors during the past year?
Check those that apply to you: Fired, Laid off, Retired, Business Readjustment, Change in Occupation, Change in Work Responsibilities or Location, Outstanding Achievement, Change in Partner's Work Status, Change in Living Conditions, Modification of Personal Habits, Change in Marital Status, Death or Illness of Significant Other, Injury or Illness, Financial challenges.

Two or more checks suggest you're experiencing stress, and should consider evaluating your lifestyle:

Managing stress
- Change perceptions. A major stressor is how we see real or imagined threats to our physical or psychological well-being, and the perception that we can't cope and don't have options.

Restructure self talk: "How can I deal with this more effectively?" "What are my options?" Identify three challenging situations and respond to each positively.

- Clarify goals and work towards attaining these. List one career goal that's in harmony with your purpose. Identify potential barriers that may impede goal attainment, and what you can do to minimize these.

Set a schedule for completing your goals, but be open to new opportunities. Break the goal down into small steps. When you can take the first, second and other steps? Every day complete one goal-related activity.

- Reconnect with your inner child. Laugh and play. Develop a sense of humor. Share a funny joke, cartoon or saying with others. Post these where you can see them. Be a kid again. Buy a toy. Play with it.

- Keep a daily work accomplishment record. Review this over several weeks to identify self-defeating habits and patterns. Do you underestimate time needed to complete certain tasks? Identify ways by which you can modify your schedule and tasks. Set priorities. Delegate.

Note how Questers manage stress in Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life by Dr. Carole Kanchier.