What is stress?  The dictionary definition is 'demand on physical or mental energy, distress caused by this' 

The dictionary definition of distress is ' anguish or suffering caused by pain, sorrow, worry or exhaustion; state of difficulty or helplessness; lack of money or necessaries.  So it seems to me that maybe when we talk about being stressed, what we actually mean is that we are distressed.  And if we are distressed, things start to unravel.  We might become tearful, we might start drinking more, smoking more, eating more, spending more time on the internet.  We might begin to have physical symptoms such as headaches, rashes, aches and pains and maybe sleep problems such as insomnia, or sleeping too much. We may become short-tempered and irritable which can lead to relationship problems. I'm sure you can add to this list. 

So, what can you do if you are feeling stressed?

First of all, take some time out.  I know this can be difficult, especially when you are stressed because of demands at work, but you will find that even 10 minutes away from the stressful situation will allow you to re-charge your batteries.  It's really important to do this before you burn out completely. 

Take yourself off somewhere quiet.  Sit down with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in your lap. Make yourself comfortable.  Close your eyes and take a deep breath in through your nose, and slowly exhale through your mouth.  Repeat this several times and as you focus on your breathing, with each breath in breathe in relaxation and calm, and with each breath out, breathe out tension and stress. Feel your muscles relaxing with your breathing.  If your mind starts to wander back to the stressful situation, just focus again on your breathing.  Do this for 10 minutes or so and you will feel relaxed and invigorated and ready to return to your normal tasks.  Why not try it next time you feel like things are getting on top of you?