We'd probably think of saying "No" as an assertiveness issue. It is, of course, but it's also about work-life balance. When we can't say "No" and we take on everything that we would like to do or that everyone else wants us to do, we become stressed and drained - even overwhelmed.

Saying "No" is difficult for us as women. We have taken on the role of nurturers and carers of others. We have been socialised to care about others, to meet their needs, to keep everyone happy. We also place great importance on relationships. As a result, we tend to always say "Yes" when someone wants something done.

What happens then? We find ourselves doing a whole lot of things we don't really want to be doing and not having time to do the things we want to do. We are spending time with people who are of secondary importance in our lives and having no time for those who are of primary importance.