One of most obvious symptoms of stress is, of course, constant worrying. In fact, that is, in many ways, stress itself. Being perpetually concerned about money, work, lay offs, your kids, your health, or anything at all is a sure sign of stress. This can also be called anxiety, and it is not good for you. Worry is sometimes unavoidable, but consistent worrying is a problem that can produce health problems.

As well, one of most obvious symptoms of stress is headache. Everyone knows that too much stress can cause your head to pound as though it was being attacked by a jackhammer but not many people know that too much stress can cause headaches when you relax. In fact, if you are under constant stress all week and you finally relax on, let's say, Saturday, you are going to have a wicked headache one day you are relaxing. If you find that you have consistent headaches on weekends, cause is probably stress.

Another symptom of stress is high blood pressure, caused by constricting blood vessels. When stress occurs, circulatory system tightens arteries and speeds up heart. This is one of scarier symptoms of stress because high blood pressure can be very dangerous. In fact, consistent stress can cause an increase in risk for heart attacks and stroke. You want to avoid this, so try to avoid stress.

As well, stress can also cause ulcers. There is some research showing that ulcers are actually caused by infection and stress weakens immune system. Thus, bacteria that causes ulcers is allowed to run unchecked and bleeding in stomach and esophagus can occur. Though you may not end up with ulcers, stress can also make you more susceptible to colds and flu, which will leave your body in a much worse state that it was in previously. Nobody wants to get sick, but stress can make you more vulnerable to illness.

Workplace stress usually takes form of everything needing to get done right now. You know situation, there are a dozen things on your plate and they all need attention, but there are only so many hours in day and you cannot attend to everything all at once. On top of that, boss is breathing down your neck, asking you where report/plan/program is and he also has a pile of other tasks for you once you finish that. It is a never-ending cycle, but it can be managed.

The first thing you need to do to avoid workplace stress is to focus on one task at a time. Do not try to multi-task, as it jars your system. Switching gears between projects does make demands on your brain and it takes a moment to change your thoughts from one place to another. Instead, if you focus on one project, you can keep your thoughts and energy in one place, preventing you from having to shift gears too often.

However, big problem with trying to keep your focus is your coworkers. They will always be asking you for a quick minute or they will want you to answer their question, or they will want you to come over and help them on something. Try to deflect these as much as possible, as these can distract your focus. Thus, you must learn to say, "no." This is a highly effective word, though you may want to change it to, "No, not right now," or, "As soon as I am done with this." These little phrases can at least buy you some time to finish what you are doing, then switch comfortably to needs of your coworkers.