Easy Ways to Manage Work Stress

With demanding bosses and hectic office environments, it's easy to feel stressed at work. But excessive stress can be bad for your heart. We show you how to de-stress in the workplace with tips from cardiologists, psychologists, and stress-management experts.

By Kayla Craig
Reviewed by Ruth Ann Carpenter, M.S., R.D., 2009

While a little stress can motivate you to be productive and perform at a high level, chronic stress can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease.

"We know that stress is one of the things that can lead to a heart attack," says Suzanne Sorof, M.D., president of the southwest chapter of the American Heart Association. A very stressful event can increase blood pressure, which is a big factor in coronary disease, Sorof says.

"Everyone is feeling stress these days, but the best thing to do is to treat yourself, both physically and mentally," Sorof says.

Our experts show you how to manage work worries with a few simple de-stressing tips.