forget about outdoor survival.

work related stress is more likely to kill people than a bear swiping a hiker.

How do you guys deal with work related stress?

Well, once I reached 55 years of age and 32 years of service with the company, that gave me more, ah, "freedom" to say exactly what I feel like saying in a work situation. Once you are retirement eligible with full benefits your career becomes more of a "job du jour" and things get a whole lot less stressful.

When I was a younger employee, I found it useful to become a "guru" in a few areas so that others came to me for advice and guidance. That greatly helped my attitude about myself, and with others always coming to you as their goto person, you feel more secure in your job and things just don't seem to stress you out so much.

I continue learning to play guitar.
I watch less TV. It calms me. And, with time, I have skill to show for it. 15 min per night can show a LOT of progress if you focus well.

And I exercise several times a week. To stay fit and it helps me sleep.

work stress me out because I have to kiss everyone rear. They treat me like a scapegoat for anything that go wrong.

I don't have time to focus on my skills instead I have to watch my back all the time.

A few things I've learned through my career about managing job stress:

• eat right
• exercise regularly
• find something that relaxes you and do it regularly (I have pleasure reading, hiking and camping, bicycling, competition shooting and amateur radio, for example)
• always be improving yourself through education and training
• balance the need to not bottle things up with not obsessing about whatever is bothering you at work
• know when to say "enough!" -- I've found that vey few people are willing to look for other jobs even when they are completely miserable, under paid and hate the people they work with
• monitor yourself and make changes when appropriate

I hope this makes sense.

Unfortunately, this is a very timely topic. Chaosmagnet is right on with his suggestions. I have found that bicycle commuting, especially the ride home, is a great way to blow off steam and get essential exercise. Developing non-job related interests is critical. At some point, develop and implement an exit strategy. I am fortunate in that I can say "Only fifteen more days." That is a huge benefit!!!

Wow! Are you hanging up your bullwhip, fedora & satchel, Hikermor?

Ditto both hikermor and Chaos. When I was on active duty and stressing mentally, I found that stressing physically tended to balance it out -- endorphins or some such thing. Anyway not only do you get in better shape (which we all need) but the physiological toll of work related stress is countered.

So my advice is to work-out regularly and I mean to the point that you are physically wiped. You'll sleep better and if you watch your nutrition and fluid intake, you'll be better all around.

Then go look for another job. This one seems to not be a good fit personality-wise.

I retired, pretty much solved many issues.

excellent topic.
and you're dead right - pardon the pun - in this messed up economy "work stress" is gonna kill a lot more guys than hypothermia.

i use a mixture of things. i don't think there is one magic bullet. here's a few things i do ...

1. ride my motorcycle. it works for me. there's an old saying that you never see any motorcycles in front of the psychologists office :-)

2. try not to get hung up about "one thing going wrong". nearly always in life - there are multiple ways to work around a problem. instead of getting stressed out ... i just get out of the office for a couple of minutes, get some fresh air and sunshine, and think about alternative approaches.

3. Never tell myself I'm trapped. Because no-one is ever trapped. I always have a "dam* good getaway" in the back of my head. And if they really drag me into the boss's office in 2 months and fire me - I'm GONNA DO IT. HAHAHA!!! I may not make a lot of money with my future plans - but it will be fun :-) Seriously, you've got to give yourself an "out". Always.

cheers,
Pete2