What they are doing is harnessing the adrenalin of stress and using it to stay alert and motivated. Unfortunately, stress can also work to your detriment. It can rob you of your creativity and motivation, it can make you jittery and unable to sit still or focus your attention and, it can, literally, make you sick. Health problems from headaches to heart attacks have been attributed to stress in its negative manifestations.

So, you need to find ways to combat "negative stress". If you frequently find yourself in situations where you feel overwhelmed and anxious then stress is negatively affecting the way you handle life situations and you need to find a stress reliever that works well for you. Walking or running work great and can actually boost your energy and creativity.

But if it's the middle of winter, the middle of the night or the middle of a torrential downpour then going for a walk probably isn't the best idea. Stress is not going to wait for a dry sunny day, it is going to descend on you when you least expect it. So, something you can do, right where you are, right when you need the relief is your best choice.

So, if you are in the middle of an important assignment or preparing a presentation and your deadline is approaching faster than you are working, anxiety may suddenly overwhelm you. You lose your train of thought and your mind goes blank. Now what? First, take a deep breath, then take a break. Go to the fridge, get a drink or a snack then, do something totally different from the activity that caused the stress.

On line games may be a good option for you. You don't have to go anywhere, you just hit a few keys on your computer and magically you are in a colorful, fun place that is totally non threatening. There are hundreds of these sites, choose a game you like and spend a few minutes in relaxing play to ease your stress and get you back on track.

Putting your mind to work at a totally different and stress free task will relax, rejuvenate and even energize you. It is called recreation and it can do just that: recreate the competent, confident person that can go back and finish the project with time to spare. Just be aware of the time.

Games can be addicting and you don't want to spend so much time playing that you hurt your chances of making your deadline. Set a limit when you start your break and stick to it. That way, you can get back to work refreshed and still have the time you need for your paying job.