MESSAGE FROM MAINE STATE CHAMBER: Did you know workplace stress is responsible for up to $190 billion in yearly health care costs in the U.S.? That’s why stress is the No. 1 workforce health risk. It actually beats out obesity and physical inactivity.

Seventy percent of American employees consider the workplace a significant source of stress and 51 percent reported job stress reduces productivity, according to a 2009 report. Too much stress reduces immunity to illness and increases the risk of weight gain and diabetes. The good news is there are things your employees can do to make a big difference in their well-being.

Show your employees how much you care by encouraging them to take care of their well-being. Help your employees learn how to deal with stress and what to do if they’re depressed or have an addiction. Health and wellness experts believe in a mind-body connection — that there’s a link between your mental health and your physical health, and vice versa. Stress, depression and addiction can affect your health. And your health can affect other parts of your life.

Too much stress can affect your health. Use the following tips to help keep stress from getting the best of you.

• Mind your health

No one can completely avoid stress, but physical activity, good nutrition and plenty of rest can help you keep your energy level high and ready to face life’s challenges.

• Reduce stressors

Make a list of the things in your life that cause you stress. Beside each one, write down one or two ways you can lessen the stress and then work toward those goals. If you have trouble finding solutions, talk with your doctor.

• Plan ahead

Stress can be caused by having too many things to do, in too short a period of time. Instead, break larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks; delegate at work and at home when you can. Set priorities. Spend the most time on those things you feel are important and less time on things that are lower priorities.

• Be positive

If you demand too much of yourself or let negative thoughts run through your mind, you’re setting yourself up for added stress. Each time this happens, take a minute to redirect your thoughts to something more positive.

• Get away

When stress seems to be getting the better of you, take a break. Even a quick five-minute walk away from your office or home can help you relax.

• Relax

Relaxation exercises, which combine deep breathing with releasing muscle tension, are simple to do anywhere and can help lessen the negative effects of a stressful situation. Talk with your doctor about stress reducing exercises and breathing techniques you can practice.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber networking events include the Midcoast Edge Mixer on April 8, starting at 6 p.m. at the Brunswick Hotel and Tavern, Noble Street, Brunswick. This young professionals group supports living, working and volunteering in the SMMC and Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce region.

•The April 19 B2B (BusinesstoBusiness) Marketplace features networking from 1-5 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport. There are 42 exhibitors with products and services to enhance your business, two learning sessions and “Happy Hour” cash bar with snacks.

All of these events are at no charge. SMMC members and all regional business people are invited.

OUR MEMBERS: Our members are located in and around these communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich. Go to www.midcoastmaine.com to find just the right business for products and services you need.