Do you ever feel that the increasing pressures at work are sapping your life energy? Yes- I thought so, because that's exactly what happened to me a few years ago. Trapped in a car crash of a career, going nowhere fast, filled with a sense of panic from the increase work load, higher targets and lack of leadership from my manager.

Well if you feel your health and sanity are at risk at work here are some tips to help you. Millions of days are lost worldwide from people who have burnt out with exhaustion, depression and stress. They are what I refer to as Career Casualties, I should know I was one once, but found a way to recover and return to full health.

Emergency Room solutions- take some much needed rest and recuperation. If you are so exhausted and overwhelmed take the time to recover. A short break can help you regain composure, energy and stamina to approach your job in a new light.

Don't be an Emergency Case - Don't wait until you become an emergency case, usually delays result in more time being lost and more serious health issues arising which take longer to recover from. Walking wounded- Avoid the walking wounded, ignore the negativity around you and don't let them drag you down.

Confidence crush- continuous bombarding of insults, criticism and berating can lead to a lack in confidence, to avoid this affecting your performance, think of all the great things you have achieved at work and focus on the feelings that that brings you.

Crash team - Do you have a crash support team around you. If not enlist the help and support of colleagues, friends and family members to help you put the current situation into perspective and see it in a new light.

Ward off - the bullies, company politics and negative speak. It will serve you better in the long term. Check up- on opportunities to improve yourself, get a move to a more comfortable position and one that allows you to recharge your batteries from time to time.

Nursing- You may need some TLC from time to time, when you get it welcome and embrace that someone cares enough to do this for you. First aid box - there are many things you can do to alleviate pressure at work, find techniques and tools to assist you and keep them on hand should you need them.

Oxygen mask- Breath properly, really start to oxygenate your lungs, it will allow you to think clearly, energize yourself and stay calm.

Corporate coma - Are you in a corporate coma? Do you feel stifled and in a trance when at work, if this is the case then maybe a change of surroundings would suit you better?

Assessing weak spots- if you go for a health check up they will do diagnostic tests to assess your weak spots so they can be treated. Work stress and career casualties are no different. Assess the areas you have a weakness in and get some support to improve and rise above them.

Shock tactics- sometimes taking the break can be the shock tactic that your workplace needs, If they see you take command of your own situation then there could be a slim chance they will also recognize your value in the work place and allow you some space to recover so you can return to be your best.

MRI scan (my resource inventory) MRI in this case stands for my resource inventory. Have the resources handy to help you as you go about your busy day.

Avoiding energy bleeds/burns - don't get burnt! Find ways to avoid energy escaping from you, so if you can find a way to keep out of the way of people who sap your energy, tasks that drain you do it.

Overcoming RSI (repetitive stress inertia) if you can come up with a strategy to avoid stressful situations, you can overcome RSI, and repetitive stress will slow you down permanently if not addressed.

Remember you only have one life you have to live it. Do you work to live or live to work, if the answer is the second one, remember you too still need time out for leisure and relaxation, don't be the next career casualty.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jacqui Tillyard