Despite its bad reputation, stress is one of our bodies' best defense systems. When we sense danger-such as a car coming at us-our bodies release adrenaline and other chemicals that make us more alert, raise our blood pressure and increase our strength, speed and reaction time. This positive effect of stress can be harnessed for short term productivity goals. Procrastinators work very efficiently in the last minute to get things done. This is an example of working under stress. Similarly, if you feel that your business may have to be shut down unless something is done, you will work extra hard to meet the goal. It has similar effect as a life threatening danger. What we need to learn to do is to make sure that this behavior does not continue for extended periods of time to affect our health.