Stress. Just the word conjures up visions of feeling anxious, tired and stretched to the limit. Allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed by too many demands, decisions, and difficult people often results in feeling as if all that is within us is speeding up, and everything around us is spiraling out of control. Attempting to relax may seem impossible, our lack of focus can lead to frustration, and our responses to others may be irritable and destructive. Unyielding levels of stress may even trigger physical symptoms such as respiratory difficulties, digestive issues, and cardiovascular effects.