Body, mind & Soul; Take time out to enjoy a stress-free way of life.

RUSHING about at breakneck speed just to meet the demands of our daily lives leaves us tired and emotional and looking like we're in need of rest and relaxation.

Well, stop putting it off. You can make time to de-stress.

What's an hour once a month? Nothing! It is possible to fit that round your 12-hour working day, school run or anti-social shifts.

We've got 10 ways to turn your life around, so stop dreaming of it and do it. Your body, mind and soul will thank you for it.

1 MASSAGE

HAVE you ever enjoyed a massage? If you have, you'll already know the benefits to your body and soul. If not, you don't know what you're missing.

Let the masseur invigorate or relax you. On a physical level, massage stimulates the circulation and relieves muscle tension, pain and inflammation.

Try an aromatherapy massage for an hour of sheer heaven.

Call Linda Sinclair, Perth, on 01738-444422 or The Sunflower Room on 01382-225555.

2 ANGEL THERAPY

DO you know we all have a guardian angel?

That's what angel therapists believe and they claim that angels can help with our day-to-day lives if we just know how to contact them. Don't think this is a "spooky" I treatment, because it's not.

Lorraine Sloan, of the Angel Sanctuary in Clydebank, said: "This treatment is great for anyone who is looking for a new direction in life, or questioning where they're going.

"This therapy can help them get on the right pathway. It's a gentle and relaxing treatment. We are also using angel therapy for bereavement and depression."

For more information, call 01389-875850 or text 07817 543526 for an appointment.

3 REFLEXOLOGY 

DON'T worry if you don't like your feet being messed with - reflexology is so much more, as the health and condition of your body can be read from your feet.

By massaging certain reflex points on the feet, reflexologists believe it is possible to improve the health of every organ in the body.

Therapists don't claim to cure. They treat the person holistically and assist the healing process.

Worth a try if you're shy about getting a full-body massage.

Contact the British Reflexology Association on 01886-821207.

4 SHIATSU 

THIS is a form of pressure massage from Japan and has much in common with acupuncture and acupressure. Shiatsu means finger pressure, but therapists can use palms, heels of hands, elbows and even knees to apply pressure.

It's very good for treating asthma, muscular aches, depression, insomnia, digestive problems and headaches. Call The Shiatsu Society on 01733-758341 for your nearest practitioner.

5 SPA HOLIDAY

HOT on the heels of Oscar hit Brokeback Mountain, head for a spa experience with a kick.

Offering the perfect blend of rugged adventure and healing spa therapies is the Echo Valley Resort Ranch. It's perched at the summit of a picturesque plateau in British Columbia's Cariboo country in the tranquil wilderness of Western Canada.

And it's here the adventurous J action-packed West meets the peaceful wisdom of the East.

The ranch features its own Baan Thai spa designed by Dr Pinyo Suwenkiri, architect to ' the Thai Royal family. A seven-night stay with Ranch Rider costs from pounds 1399 per person. Departures are available April to October.

Call 01509-618811 or visit Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com for further information.

6 E'SPA HOT STONE THERAPY

MASSAGE techniques used with essential oils reinforce the holistic approach to this luxury treatment at the Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire.

Black Basalt stones are claimed to bring about a total balance within the body. The effects are both emotional and physical. Costing pounds 110 for 80 minutes, there are a wide range of full-day and half-day spa programmes available for non-residents. Call The Spa on 01764-694332.

7 TREATS

SPLASH out on a really expensive beauty product and be inspired to update your beauty routine as a result. Guerlain's OrchidAe ImpAriale costs pounds 200 but use it sparingly and you'll be surprised at how economical you can make it. It's a wonderful creme that does everything your neck, night, day, serum and anti-ageing creme would do ... and more. From Harvey Nichols or 01932-233909.

8 ACUPUNCTURE

YOU may hate needles, but don't worry it doesn't hurt! And even if the treatment is slightly uncomfortable, the benefits will far outweigh any fear of needles. It heals and revitalises by rebalancing the flow of energy, known as chi, within our bodies.

Many health problems can respond well to acupuncture, including arthritis, headaches, depression, addictions and stress. For advice, call Dr Wenbo Xu in Perth on 01738-587989.

9 MEDITATION

THIS is something you can do in the comfort of your home - but it might not be as easy as you think.

Have you ever tried having just five minutes of peace and quiet every day? It can be difficult to clear your mind and keep those thoughts from popping into your head. To perfect your technique, take a class. Call the Buddhist Centre on 0141-333 0524.

10 CRYSTAL AND COLOUR THERAPY

WE'VE all seen crystals in shops, but have you ever wondered why certain ones attract you? It's all about colour and what we're drawn to at the time.

"No, it's not hocus pocus. More and more people are using crystal and colour therapy for health," said colour therapist Lorraine Sloan from Dumbarton.

"Crystal and colour therapy are used for different ailments to clear out chakras and treat anything from stress, to depression or even cancer."

Call 01389-875850 or text 07817 543 526 for more details.

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TAKE A BREAK: Echo Valley Resort Ranch in Canada and The Spa at Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, inset