Homework - Summarize the passage about measures to reduce stress in about 100 words. For many years, stress was considered an imaginary complaint that lazy employees would use as an excuse for skipping work. Now, stress has finally made its way into medical books -- and into company accounts too. More and more firms are realizing the effect that stress-related illnesses are having on their bottom line. The causes of stress are manifold. Just getting to work on time may be a major cause. At the workplace, stress can be caused by not having enough to do, not facing sufficient challenges or simply being in a job that does not suit the person. At the other end of the scale is overwork and job insecurity. There may also be ergonomic reasons for stress such as cramped working conditions, a faulty chair, a desk at the wrong height, a smoky office or defective air-conditioning. Stress manifests itself in many ways. The most common symptoms are headaches, backaches, and shortness of breath, skin disorders, heart palpitations, gastric problems and sleeping disorders. There is also poor concentration, poor memory and loss of self-confidence. Other major health problems such as depression, repetitive strain injury and heart problems may follow these symptoms. All these symptoms give rise to inefficient work practices, increased medical leave and consequently loss of productivity. Companies are finally beginning to take notice and are starting to invest in their employees' health as a natural cost of doing business. Companies are taking the necessary measures to overcome stress-related problems with the hope that there will be heightened efficiency at the workplace and lower absenteeism. But at the end of the day it is up to the individual. The art of stress management is not something that can be picked up overnight. It is something that an individual has to perfect and improve on throughout his lifetime. The key is 'healthy body, healthy mind'. Diet should be kept in check with smoking and drinking under control. Consider i