In today's hierarchically flat, always-on work environment, more and more low- and mid-level managers are expected to manage their departments like small business owners, presiding over their own piece of the operational puzzle. And with post-crisis cutbacks and burgeoning work weeks, more and more of them are suffering the extreme stress and work-life tension common to entrepreneurs. The Wall Street Journal provides the following tips for managing stress when you are the boss:

• 1. Take Mental Health Time -Find innovative ways to leave the office behind. Indulge creative interests such as dancing, painting or cooking, or take some time to read a book, go for a walk, or soak in the tub.
• 2. Make Fitness a Priority -Build exercise into your routine. Studies show that exercise not only relieves stress, but also enhances creativity and improves self-esteem.
• 3. Eat Right -When we're under pressure we tend to shortchange mealtime and rely heavily on unhealthy snack foods. Take time to have a sit-down meal, and keep healthy options such as carrot sticks, nuts and dried fruit on hand for those times you just can't getaway.
• 4. Get Your Rest -Wringing more productivity out of your day by skimping on sleep is unsustainable and can lead to memory loss, poor-multitasking and a host health problems. If stress is keeping you up, jot down a list of to-dos before bed, then spend a half hour relaxing, meditating or reading a book. Taking short naps during the day can also help.