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Work
If you have angina then you may be able to continue working, as long as your doctor feels it is safe for you to do so. Your doctor will need to consider your physical condition as well as the type of job you do.
For safety reasons, some people can not continue to work e.g. pilots, divers, those who operate heavy machinery or those whose jobs are excessively physically or mentally demanding.
It is important that you are honest with your employer and close colleagues so that you do not put yourself under too much pressure. Flexible working patterns can be useful especially if you have good and bad days.
Where physical requirements are too much for you, it may be necessary to retrain or find alternative duties at your workplace. If your work has an occupational health department, this can be a useful source of support and information.
Coping with stress
When your job is mentally demanding or stressful it is important to learn some stress management skills, including time management. A simple rule of thumb regarding time management is to split your day into thirds: one third sleep, one third work and one third social and leisure activities.
You may find it useful to learn relaxation techniques and practice breathing control exercises. These can help minimise the effects that stress and anxiety have on your life.
Try to pace yourself e.g. heavy jobs (such as gardening and decorating) at home can be dealt with a little at a time, but don't let the thought of them cause anxiety.
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