For increased energy, and as a way to detoxify a stressed system, set aside a long weekend when you can allow yourself to do very little. Just Friday night, Saturday and Sunday all to yourself for a little 'me time'.

Fill your kitchen with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limitless amounts of mineral water. During the weekend, aim to eat and drink only foods in a raw state: these will provide an abundance of nutrients that will help to combat stress.

Start each morning with 3 cups of boiled water, and drink it as hot as you can comfortably stand. You may add either a slice of lemon, or 2-3 slices of fresh raw ginger to the water to add flavour, but this should be drunk before anything else.

This tonic has a cleansing effect on the liver, and induces the production of bile, to clear any backlog in the common bile duct. This is particularly beneficial after a bout of excessive eating and/or drinking.

Virtually all vegetables can be juiced, as well as fruits. You should aim to drink between three and four green vegetable juices per day.

As fruits are high in fructose, it is advisable to dilute fruit juices 50/50 with water.

Spend plenty of time resting, go for some gentle walks, and be sure to get lots of sleep.

Breathe... Meditate... Laze around... Chill...

By the second day it is possible that you will experience a headache or some muscle aches and pains, but this is not a bad sign - it shows that your body is detoxifying itself.

Remember that you will reap the benefits at the beginning of the following week, when you will feel as if you have been away on vacation!

Throughout, ensure that you drink plenty of water.

You could also arrange a shiatsu or aromatherapy massage for the second or third days - an enjoyable way to assist the detoxification process.

Juice Your Vegetables...

The best juicing vegetables are....

Parsley - Spinach - Zucchini
Green peppers - Lettuce - Watercress