Can your job make you sick?

Recently a viewer e-emailed me and asked if her job could be making her sick. She said she gets migraines every time work gets stressful. The truth is, stress–at work or at home-can very often mimic symptoms of being sick. Headaches, stomach pains, sleep problems, depression, even high blood pressure can be caused by stress.

To reduce the level of stress in your life, you need to first figure out what triggers it. Perhaps it's your boss, your kids, money or a combination of several things. Here are a few ways to manage stressful situations:

1) Set realistic goals: One in four Americans say their workplace is their main source of stress. If you have piles of work stacking up, try to prioritize and organize a day-of task list. Setting nonessential duties aside can relieve some of the pressure. Also, learn to say "no." It won't benefit you or your co-workers if you are stressed with too many assignments.

2) Find your safe zone: Think about when you feel the most relaxed–maybe in the shower, reading a book, cooking or driving around listening to your radio. Having an outlet to relax, even if it is for 10 minutes, can help keep your stress level down.

3) Think positive: Keeping a positive outlook will not only relieve your stress level, but also keep you healthier! Studies show people who are upbeat have a stronger immune system. Also, research shows optimists live about seven years longer, on average.

If you notice that the stress in your life is prohibiting you from daily tasks and severely affecting personal and professional relationships, reach out to you a health care professional for advice.

Be sure to tune in to Dr. Sanjay Gupta every weekend on HOUSE CALL. You'll find the answers to your medical questions Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. ET on CNN.