We all know that job stress is bad but you may not know the negative effect that it could have on your physical and mental health. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, one quarter of workers viewed their job as the most intense stressor in their lives. The organization goes on to report that over forty percent of workers felt their jobs were extremely stressful while twenty-six percent of workers reported reaching a burnout point. And it gets worse – job stress that is continuous can lead to physical issues such as back pain, headaches, muscular aches, exhaustion, depression, heart disease and high blood pressure. Many companies have already loss billions of dollars a year due to absenteeism, high turnover, employee accidents, medical costs and decreased productivity all due to job stress.

Now is the time to take control of your stress level. Making the transition to a new, less stressful career is not as hard as it may seem especially with all of the convenient online schools. It doesn’t matter if you choose to pursue an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree, there is an online school that can meet your needs. Check out the top five jobs that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health report as the least stressful.

1. Chef – Do you put together gourmet meals in your own kitchen? Are you known for hosting the best dinner parties? Perhaps it’s time to turn your favorite hobby into a steady paycheck. While busy restaurants are often fast paced during peak times, there’s also the option of becoming a personal chef for a more intimate atmosphere. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, executive chefs make an average of $38,770 per year while private chefs make an average of $24,070.

2. Dental Hygienist – Most dental hygienist only work part time which translates into lots of relaxation time. Your certificate or associates degree only take two years. Job prospects for dental hygienists are great and rapidly growing which in turn means less stress in landing a good position. The average salary for a dental hygienist is $66,570.

3. Radiographer – While most jobs in the healthcare industry can be stressful, radiology technicians often work at a steady pace. All you need is an associate’s degree or a certificate to get started. A bachelor’s degree could lead to even better positions as a supervisor. The average salary is $52,210.

4. Counselor – If you enjoy helping children then you should consider becoming a counselor. Although a master’s degree in psychology or education is usually required, some employers will accept a bachelor’s degree if you have the appropriate counseling courses completed. The average salary is $51,050.

5. Graphic Designer – As a graphic designer you can let your creativity shine. About 25% of graphic designers do freelance work and even those who work for large firms have lots of creative freedom. A bachelor’s degree in graphic design is required however some technical positions will accept an associate’s degree. The average salary is $42,400.

Check out a few other low-stress jobs…

• Actuary – Interprets statics to determine probabilities of accidents, sickness, death, and loss of property from theft and natural disasters.
• Dietitian – Assesses patients’ dietary needs, plans menus, and instructs patients and their families about proper nutritional care.
• Astronomer – Uses principles of physics and mathematics to understand the workings of the universe.
• Mathematician – Applies and records historical information from a specific era or according to a particular area of expertise.
• Software Engineer – Researches, designs, develops and maintains software systems along with hardware development for medical, scientific and industrial purposes.