This is despite knowing that the impact of stress can linger well beyond the moment – even being a key factor in a range of serious health complications.

But there are some simple things we can do to help combat stress and lessen its impact on our health.

Positive outlook – simply taking a more positive outlook can help reduce stress levels. Take a moment to think about the things you are thankful for in life. And when under pressure, don’t keep reminding yourself how stressed you are. This will only add to the feeling that you’re being overwhelmed by the tasks at hand.

Know what’s important – Understand what is important to you and how you define success. Plan for that success, but also take time for the things that matter to you the most.

Relaxation time – People who are feeling stress need to be able to switch off. Set aside some “do nothing” time to allow you to recharge your batteries. Many people find relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi or meditation have revitalising benefits.

Breathe – Long, slow, deep breaths can have an immediately calming effect on the body. When you’re feeling the strain, take a few moments for a long inhale. Hold your breath for a moment before exhaling. Repeat this several times, making each breath longer than the previous one. Those few moments can lessen your anxiety levels, clearing your mind to help you deal with the stress you may be feeling.

Stay healthy – exercise is a known stress beater. Combined with a healthy diet it can provide you with added energy and help clear your mind ready to deal with the stressful situations you may face.

Outside interests – If you work in a high pressure situation, you need a release. A hobby, sport or musical interest can help take your mind off the things you find stressful. Maintaining contact with friends can be similarly valuable – and also allow you to have someone who you can talk to about the stress you may feel.

Laugh – Laughter is a known stress beater. Engage in things that make you laugh – whether it’s a comedy show, playing around or just some light-hearted banter with friends. Remember, life needn’t always be serious – so lighten up and enjoy the good things.

For those with a home or mobile office, the ability to respond to emails as they arrive on smart phones or other devices until late in the night can be convenient and add to the flexibility of your role.

However, you may find this is counter-balanced by the difficulty of keeping work from encroaching on leisure and family time. Not only does it become difficult to switch off and enjoy some true “down time”, but it can be a struggle to find the necessary balance between work and home life.

But there are strategies that can help:

Set rules for yourself: Make some rules for yourself about what time your working day will finish – whether it’s leaving the office or rounding out your day in the home office.

Also set rules about how much work-related contact is acceptable outside of that time.
Once the rules are in place, stick with them.

If there are occasions where the rules have to be bent, make sure those times are few.

You should even try switching off your phone for at least a period of your leisure time. After all, quality relaxation time will ensure you’re more productive during business hours.

Establish priorities: Take time at the start of each day to work out your priorities.

Just five minutes spent writing a simple “to do” list can not only set you on a less complicated path for the day, but have you working pro-actively, rather than in a reactive manner.

There can also be an immense satisfaction in crossing off tasks as you finish them.

Know your limits: Sometimes its best for both you and your business to say no to an extra project – especially when you’re already working at or near capacity. If it’s a project you really want to be involved in then you may have to shuffle your schedule, pass off some of your other work or bring in extra help.

Learn to switch off: Nobody expects you to be switched on for work all the time. Let your voicemail take calls outside of normal hours and you can deal with issues that arise at the appropriate time.

Finding a hobby or other interest outside of work can also help you take your mind off the job, give you the chance to achieve other goals and refresh you outlook.