PICS: Fitness may guard you against stress related health issues

If you are physically fit and in good shape, you may be well-guarded against the health problems that arise when you feel particularly stressed at work, a study says. The findings showed that a high fitness level offers particularly effective protection for professionals who experience a high degree of stress in the workplace -- known as psychosocial stress. Psychosocial stress is one of the key factors leading to illness-related absences from work. This type of stress is accompanied by impaired mental well-being and an increase in depressive symptoms. It also raises the likelihood of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and an unfavourable blood lipid profile.