Learn to say no

Learning how to say no is one of the best ways to reduce your stress level. Use it to protect your personal time and resources, and to avoid the resentment you feel when you allow yourself to be pushed into saying yes. Learn it and use it.

Think how you feel when you agree to do something you don't want to do for someone you resent, or when you give up your time to meet the demands of others instead of attending to your own priorities. Stressed!

Learning how to say no is one of the best ways to reduce your stress level. Learn it and use it. The longer you allow others to assume that you are always available to fit in with their plans and demands, the more difficult it becomes to change your behaviour - and theirs. This is true both at work and in your personal life.

Maureen Collins believes that saying no can be simple and easy if you resist the temptation to give excuses and apologise unnecessarily.

Rehearse what you will say the next time you are confronted. Be sure the person knows you have listened to and considered their request.

Present the reasons for your decision clearly, so they are able to understand and respect the basis for it. Say no. Then feel your stress level start to drop.