You've probably heard it - and ignored it - many times: Make health a priority and it will pay dividends. If that describes you, consider this: What if there was evidence that taking your health habits more seriously actually could help you on the job, would that perk up your ears?

Truth is, your job and your health are closely intertwined. Think back on the last time you came down with a common cold. You coughed, sneezed and wheezed, and your work performance probably suffered, even if just a little. And that - sub-par performance - can add to your stress. And when you're under stress, you run the risk of getting even sicker or prolonging your illness.

Many organizations have cut back on personnel. Employees are asked to do more with less support and resources. People who have little control over their job - such as inflexible schedules or not much say in what they do - and high levels of stress are more likely to be absent from work due to an illness.

It's easy to put your health on the back burner to meet a big deadline at the office. However, increased job stress can have a negative impact on your health if it causes you to work long hours, eat poorly, skip regular exercise or not get enough sleep. Some evidence suggests that job stress can lead to long-term increases in blood pressure. You might feel like there aren't enough hours in the day or week, but "you can't let work override staying healthy," says Robin Molella, M.D., a prevention specialist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Let your health slide, and you'll probably have problems in the workplace, too. When you're ill, even everyday tasks are more difficult. For example, recovering from knee surgery may have you moving around on crutches. Managing a chronic condition, such as diabetes or asthma, can keep you on a strict medication schedule. But you can take an active role in helping keep your health on track and your stress level at a minimum. You'll be healthier - and perform better on and off the job - in the long run. Try following these five steps:

1. DETERMINE YOUR PRIORITIES:

Many families are challenged to balance careers, meet financial demands and still have a satisfying home life. Staying healthy can be easier if you set priorities. Make a list of things that you consider important in your life, for example, spending time with your family, succeeding at your job, staying fit or eating nutritiously. Then take a look at how they stack up.

2. TAKE TIME OUT FOR RENEWAL:

Expect difficult days - dealing with the funeral of a loved one or a meeting with the principal because your child's in trouble at school - when your stress level is high. You need extra stamina to make it through these times with your health intact.

"It's hard to keep it all together. Give yourself permission to chalk up the stress as 'just one of those days or weeks,' " says Dr. Molella. Then take time out to renew yourself. You can't keep producing something if the equipment needed for production wears down. Likewise, if you let yourself get run down, you're not going to be as effective in meeting your work obligations.

The key to renewal is to remind yourself that you're important - you are your most important resource. Learn some ways to recharge your battery so that you're ready when the next stressful situation arises. You might try relaxing in a warm bath or curling up with a good book after a stressful day. Or spend a weekend afternoon hiking or walking outdoors to get fresh air and gain perspective.

About the Author: Author: Susan Rutter -- Publisher, Nutritionist, and Instructor who assists patients and the public make healthy choices and changes in their lives. Web Site: Healthy YOUbbies. http://www.geocities.com/healthyoubbies/

Source: www.isnare.com