We all seem to lead such busy lives these days juggling family and work and trying to keep in touch with all our friends that sometimes it feels like the day has slipped through our fingers without a minute to spare. It can be hard to stop, relax, let go and enjoy ourselves. But with a little thought, imagination and organisation it is possible to lighten the load and make life easier.

Start by sitting down and thinking about what's really important to you - spending more time with your family, learning a new profession or pastime, or getting out and about and travelling more. Just by focussing on what you want to do and what you can cut back on can help you shift your perspective and make you see where you should be putting all your energy.

Begin to learn to say no. It's not as easy as it sounds though. Being asked to help at the local school fete and feeling too guilty to say no can put real pressure on you when you really can't spare the time. Obviously it's good to help others wherever you can, but not at the risk of your health and wellbeing - your family won't thank you for it. Just say that you're sorry, you can't help at the moment but if you have some spare time later in the year with, say, the summer fete, you'd love to join in and be part of the committee.

Try to streamline your beauty products and your daily regime. Only using a light nude nail varnish, for instance, is a good plan. The chips won't show so easily and a lighter shade doesn't take as long to dry as some of the darker tones available today. When you wash your hair, towel it through and then get on with your other chores until it's nearly dry and then finish off with a hairdryer.

Learn to delegate and get your family to help wherever they can. If the house seems a bit airless after all these months with the central heating on get a member of your family to whiz around the house using Febreze on your curtains and soft furnishings. It's a really easy task for them to do and will instantly make you feel good as the light, fresh aroma permeates throughout the house while you're getting on with something else.

And try and do as much shopping as you can online. Not just food and household products but presents and anniversary gifts. Spend a little time with your diary open looking at events coming up over the next six months and then log on to your favourite sites. What could be easier? You'll be making someone else happy while freeing up some important time for yourself into the bargain!