Not everyone can find a great low-stress job quickly. If you're at wits end now, there are several ways to take the edge off your work situation:

Look at your own attitudes. While it might seem like the job itself is the culprit, experts suggest changing your attitudes and the way you adapt, or don't adapt, to job stressors. "If you're confident in yourself and positive about the world and open to new solutions, you'll find it easier to be resilient to stressful situations," Moselle says.

Gain control. Psychologists agree that when people experience less stress, they have some degree of over their environment. Even if it's something as simple as organizing your messy desk at the end of the day, or making a list of tasks, you'll not only clear up the mental clutter, but gain a sense of mastery and control over your job.

Get physical. Physical occupations such as massage therapist are considered low stress, Shatkin says, largely because it's harder to build up stress-generated adrenalin when you're moving around.

What if you have a sedentary job? After a contentious meeting, make time to walk around the block or around the building. Go beyond the stress ball and move your whole body, even if it's for a minute or two. Not only will you experience a decrease in stress-releasing chemicals like cortisol, you may get a fitness boost as well.

Track your accomplishments. A common denominator of many low-stress jobs is tangible results. Construction is considered a lower stress job in many ways because workers clearly see the fruits of their labors. If, like many, you have a job without a clear tangible output, Shatkin suggests keeping a tally that indicates what you've accomplished, or positive testimonial letters or emails from colleagues and customers.

"Besides adding to a sense of accomplishment, all of these documents can be useful at performance-appraisal time or for assembling a portfolio when job-seeking," he says.

Join an employee network. Groups that help employees who care for children or elderly parents, for example, are thriving in many companies. "These networks are a great way to find support and networking and mentoring help, as well as finding the tools to take some of the stress away on the job and off the job," Moselle says.

Make your needs known. Most companies have some feedback mechanisms for letting employees vent constructively. Whether you need child care services, flex time, fewer interruptions in your schedule, or a change in workflow patterns, Moselle suggests taking advantage of all opportunities to share ways of reducing your stress.