I might have come up with the perfect excuse to get more sick days from work. A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that job-related stress may boost the risk of Type 2 diabetes as much as the well-known risk factors of high body-mass index, smoking, and poor exercise regimens.

We have been hearing for years that job stress can be a cause of, or contributing factor toward, a variety of illnesses, and this is just one more thing to add to the list. Researchers speculated that people who do not cope well with job stress might also not be coping well with other stressors in life, and might have bad compensating habits such as smoking and overeating.

Techniques for reducing stress might, then, be a life-saving tool. It will make you feel better overall, and reduce your risk of developing a number of illnesses. Here are some tips that I find helpful for relieving stress:1. A daily "stillness" practice. Some might call it spiritual practice, but it need not be religious to have the desired effect. Meditation, prayer, reading an inspirational book, or listening to music can all quiet your mind.

2. Listening to music. Different types of music evoke different feelings. Use music to create the mood that you desire. Be open to trying different kinds of music; my husband is educating me on the joys of classical music, and while I still can't listen to it for hours, a little here and there can be calming.

3. Take mini-breaks at work. A minute or two alone in the staff room, going to the bathroom on a different floor, getting a breath of fresh air, or even having a glass of water can all re-energize you.

4. Stretching, yoga, or tai chi. I know, I know, everybody preaches about the benefits of these gentle, yet challenging exercises, but they really do work to revitalize the body and the mind.

Come up with your own list of stress-reduction techniques; it will make you calmer, happier, and healthier.