Me time

If you constantly feel stressed and under the clock whilst helping everyone but yourself perhaps you need a bit of 'me time': but that doesn't just mean curling up with a good book. We've come up with 10 fun ways to liven up - and maybe even change - your life this month.

Budget makeovers: 'Urban pit stop' Cucumba undercuts the big swish spa places and offers more reasonably priced facials, massages etc. with reductions the more you book (£7.50 for a 10 minute massage - bargain!). At the moment they're in Soho, London, but watch out for news of more branches on www.cucumba.co.uk.

Wine tasting: Hosting a wine tasting night will make you the centre of attention and should be perfect for those long summer nights. Go for a champagne tasting to really put everyone in the party spirit. Don't forget to lay on some nibbles to help clear the palate between glasses - and stop everyone getting too drunk! To find the right wine company to help you set it up, ask at a good local wine merchant or try www.degustation.co.uk or www.stonevine.co.uk.

Life coaching: Trying to work out what you really want from life? Talk through your goals with a pro. Most Life Coaches offer either phone or in-person sessions and encourage you to keep in touch so they can support you and help you stick to your plans. Try Rachel at www.clutterfree.co.uk or www.coaching-life.co.uk.

Lifestyle management: If you just can't keep track of your social life, how about paying someone to sort it out for you? Try lifestyle management companies like www.bn3lifestyle.co.uk or party planning services such as www.citybash.com, who will look at your requirements and book the right venue for a night out in the big smoke.

Personal shopping: Another time-saving idea: plan your wardrobe courtesy of a shop's in-house shopper (usually free) or pay someone to tell you what suits you. Kind of like having your very own Trinny and Susannah, only polite. Try www.johnlewis.com for a free session.

Pilates: If sweating it with the gym equipment isn't your style, how about trying a more relaxed keep-fit method like Pilates? At friendly Tri Yoga centres (www.triyoga.co.uk), beginners' classes can help improve your posture, balance and fitness. Also try www.pilatesfoundation.com for teachers in your area.

Nutritionist: Just eating the right breakfast can change your life, reckons nutritionist Kate Cook, and she's not wrong. Following her personal advice - given after extensive chats about your eating habits and health - can leave you feeling perkier and healthier. Contact Kate at www.thenutritioncoach.co.uk/0845 0502 442.

Singing Coach: Singing is a great way to blow off steam, and there's nothing like a bit of pro training to warm you up for a good karaoke session. Larion van der Stolk has worked with Blue, Girls Aloud and Charlotte Church, and he'll give you tips on breathing and belting it out for £60 per hour (seventh lesson is free). www.pro-vocals.co.uk/07771 776 363/07790 005 507/info@pro-vocals.co.uk.

Karaoke: To show off your sparkling new voice, book a private room in a swanky karaoke club. Karaoke isn't just about drunken pub punters these days – it's about glamming up, booking a booth and downing the champers. Keep the numbers down and you can hog the mic as much as you like - bliss! Try London's Lucky Voice (www.luckyvoice.co.uk) or search for local venues on www.karaokeinfo.co.uk.

Ordering groceries online: Just think, no more struggling down the supermarket aisle with bags of potatoes: sit back, relax and get it brought to your door. Most supermarkets such as Sainsbury's (www.sainsbury.co.uk) and Tesco (www.tesco.com) provide a delivery service, and Tesco will deliver within your chosen two-hour time slot. Or why not turn over a new leaf and go organic? Try www.organicdelivery.co.uk or www.freshfood.co.uk.

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