Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. Common symptoms of stress can include fear, worry, inability to relax, increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing. Elevated or prolonged stress may manifest as disturbance in sleeping patterns, change in eating patterns, difficulty in concentrating worsening of pre-existing health conditions (physical and mental) and increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.