Everyone experiences stress at some stage in their life. However, with growing pressures on employees in the current climate it is important to stay in control of your work. Daniel Freeman advises how to stay calm in these tough times...

* Don't hust say 'yes', take control. Make sure you really understand what is being asked of you. Write it down, and discuss it with the person making the request so you both agree on what's involved.

* Know your limits. If you have a sense that you won't be able to do the job, turn down the request and offer to do something less demanding instead.

* Set goals. Tell people when they'll be able to get the task and set yourself a realistic schedule.

* Aim high. The most stressful requests are those that demand a lot of effort for little reward. See whether you can reduce the effort required, or make the task more rewarding.

* Manage your time. Plan ahead and prioritise the most important tasks. Allowing time for exercise and fun - laughter is a great way to de-stress.