Stress can have a big impact on physical and mental wellbeing. Research by the Health and Safety Executive has found it affects one in five of the working population and is the single biggest cause of sickness in the UK. Over 105 million days are lost to stress each year – costing UK employers £1.24 billion.
We all have different ways of dealing with work-related anxiety. Whether it's practising the meditation technique mindfulness to calm interview nerves, using an organisational tool to deal with a heavy workload, or banning emailing checking at the weekend.
One approach to improving wellbeing that's receiving attention at the moment is connecting with water. In his recently published book, Wallace J. Nichols presents anecdotal and scientific evidence on why water makes us happy. He talks about the benefits of a surfing course for traumatised servicemen and a study showing that students perform better academically if taken out on watery wilderness treks. Whether it's taking a shower or staring out to sea, Nichols believes that water enhances your mood.
If you're looking for some advice on tackling stress or have some tips on methods that can help prevent you feeling tense, join our live chat on Wednesday 23 July from 2pm to 4pm (BST). As well as talking about how to cope with anxiety, our experts will be suggesting ways to support colleagues who are feeling wrung out.
We'll be discussing:
• Relaxation techniques for dealing with nerves and anxiety
• Organisational tools that can help with workload management
• How to support colleagues who are suffering from stress
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Hannah Friend who can post them for you.
Our panel
Frances Taylor is a fellow and trustee of the International Stress Management Association (UK). ISMA is a professional body for the prevention of stress and the promotion of wellbeing and performance at work. Frances also runs her own business specialising in building organisational and individual resilience.
Professor Craig Jackson is the head of psychology and is a professor of workplace health psychology at Birmingham City University. He has extensive knowledge of a variety of workplace mental health issues, including stress, depression, anxiety and burnout.
Neil Shah is the chief de-stressing officer at the Stress Management Society. He is a speaker, author and wellbeing expert who can share his expertise on the impact of stress in the workplace.
Jordan Friedman is a global stress management speaker, author and former director of Columbia University's health education program. You can connect with Jordan on his website.
Dasha Amrom is a founder and managing director of Career Coaching Ventures – a career and business coaching consultancy in London. She helps clients with managing workplace stress related to coming back from long periods of absence, maternity leave, career transition, restructure, moving abroad and other areas.
Kate Fielding is a qualified life coach, who runs her business, Culverden Life Coaching. She believes stressful situations at work can ultimately overflow and impact our personal lives. She helps clients deal with both work and home issues, which she says are inextricably linked and need to be in harmony.
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