Michael was a well liked and successful manager in a company I once did business with. He worked long hours and treated his job as the most important thing in his life. At the age of 48, he was cutting the lawn at home when he had a massive heart attack and died.

As a management trainer, I see many managers living the same life that Michael did. We live in an increasingly stress-filled world. Not so long ago, businesses worked without emails, mobile phones and even computers. Now, managers are expected to give an immediate response on a whole range of issues. People ignore the traditional lunch breaks when trying to make contact. Taking work calls at home - and even on holiday - is increasingly the norm.

If you are manager, it is quite likely that you were promoted because of your hard work and dedication. Perhaps you love being busy. The fact that people want your attention can make you feel important and builds your ego. But where do you stop? There is a fine line between doing a good job and being a workaholic. Here are 3 steps to help you reduce your stress levels and get balance back into your life.

Step 1 - Get regular health checks

When your body is under stress, your blood pressure rises and more fats and sugars are kept in the bloodstream for instant energy. Your body thinks that you are in "fight or flight" mode. These conditions disappear after the stress episode and your body returns to normal. But if you live in a state of constant stress, then you run the risk of heart disease. Other ailments, such as backache, tension headaches etc. are often a direct result of stress. Knowing the effect on your health may encourage you to make real change.

Step 2 - Keep work at work

Have you noticed how quickly an hour can go by on a phone call? and what about your family, who are often silently longing for your attention? Realise that you are not indispensable. It is hard, but switch off that phone and laptop at home. If you find that thought impossible, do it for short periods and gradually increase over time. You will be fresh and much more effective at work if you allow your mind and body to relax at home.

Step 3 - Make time for yourself

Build in a quiet time each day so that you can step back and reflect on what is going on in your life. Combine this with a walk, jog or maybe a swim. Exercise releases endorphins in your body which helps reduce stress. Meditation and yoga may also be the answer for you. Choose something that you enjoy so that you look forward to it each day. It could also be cutting the lawn - as long as it is not just another chore fitted in to a stress-filled, busy schedule.