Last week we blogged about the possible link between hours at work (10 or more) and increased risk for heart attack. We also suggested that this link is likely due, in part, to stress associated with working long hours. Long-term stress has been linked to a variety of health problems including: mental health disorders (like depression and anxiety), obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart beats, and acne and other skin problems.

This week, CareerCast.com released its report of most and least stressful jobs of 2011. Two hundred jobs were surveyed, measuring work environment, job competitiveness, and risk to determine the rankings. Results showed the following:

Lowest Stress Professions

1. Audiologist (practitioner who assesses and treats hearing disorders)
2. Dietitian
3. Software Engineer
4. Computer Programmer
5. Dental Hygienist
6. Speech Pathologist
7. Philosopher
8. Mathematician
9. Occupational Therapist
10. Chiropractor

Highest Stress Professions

1. Commercial Airline Pilot
2. Public Relations Executive
3. Corporate Executive, Senior
4. Photojournalist
5. Newscaster
6. Advertising Account Executive
7. Architect
8. Stockbroker
9. Emergency Medical Technician
10. Real Estate Agent

Surprised by these findings? How do you think your job ranks?

We’ve mentioned some ways you can deal with your own stress levels, but maybe you can also help make your workplace a healthier, less stressful environment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a website dedicated to healthier worksites—the Healthier Worksite Initiative (HWI). You can find everything from information on program design to tools for assessing the walkability of your worksite. The Cooper Institute contributed to this initiative with the PEP guide, a strategy for worksites to promote healthy eating and moderate physical activity. Check it out!

Share what your worksite is already doing to promote healthy behaviors on our Facebook page.