One way people get stressed is by not being able to say no and so taking on more then they can handle. Saying no can be hard. Actively listen but then explain you are unable to help and why. Active listening is about hearing the problem and repeating it back, and then going on to explain why the answer is no. “I know the project needs to go out tomorrow, but I can’t work overtime tonight as I have prior obligations. I will attend to the project first thing in the morning”.