The Herald-Dispatch

Debbie Mandel offers the following tips to prevent burnout and stress overload. Mandel is a stress-management specialist from Long Island and author of "Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul."

Exercise. Some workplaces have a gym or pay for gym membership.

Don’t vent. Reinvent your job. Put your creativity to work. No one can think about your work like you. Your boss doesn’t have the time. Work on becoming an expert, which means: Have a good self-concept. Most conflicts at work are ego-driven.

Make sure to take frequent, short vacations -- like a long weekend to relax. Creativity and energy levels accompany you to work on your return.

Delegate when you can.

Tap into team energy. Give help and ask for help.

Eat right, avoid stimulants and get enough sleep. Otherwise, anything will set you off.

Change your routine and rearrange your office furniture or at least your knick-knacks to get a new perspective. Treat yourself to a new briefcase or gadget.

Post an affirmation on your screensaver.

If all else fails, embark on a new career.