Now that the holidays are well behind us and we've had an opportunity to refocus and recharge, many workers are entering another stressful period -considering career or job changes or just planning out the rest of the year.

Executive coach Mary-Ann Owens says the best way to focus on your career is to keep your mind clear.

"Part of it is just about expectations," says Owens. "Give yourself a break and lower the expectations."

Activities that, "quiet the mind," -whether it's meditating or a stroll through the park -are an important part of a person's ability to cope with stress, so Owens recommends setting some time aside from what is a hectic schedule to maintain balance.

Building solid relationships is one of the most important ways of dealing with stress because they help people to talk through their problems and see all of the good things in a person's life, says Owens.

"Sometimes when we're stressed, the normal reaction of people is to isolate because they don't want people to see them when they're not on top of their game," she says.

"That's the worst thing you can do. Often when we're stressed, our focus is very narrow."

Although the beginning of the calendar year is a time when people reflect on their professional accomplishments and what they'd like to change moving ahead, it can also be helpful to just forget about work for a few days at the start of the new year and focus on the other things in life that make us fulfilled, says Pam Klassen, an expert in career transitioning.

"Part of the work-life balance concept is giving ourselves permission to turn off the BlackBerry and forget about work for a while," she says.

"Resisting those temptations really does help us to recharge, and then you're more refreshed when the busy pace of work starts up again."

Owens suggests seeking out experiences rather than just material things.

"You remember experiences more," she says. "It's fun, and there's usually an interpersonal connection."

The link between stress and physical health is well established.

Taking a few simple steps to help you manage stress goes a long way to staying fit -mentally and physically.

"We have human limits," says Owens.

"Don't expect yourself to be a machine that doesn't break. Remember what you've got going on for you, and build on that ... instead of focusing on what's wrong.

"It's a time to take care of yourself and to simplify."