Everyday life can leave us with steam coming out of our ears and the feeling that we just can’t cope with it all; here are the tips that can help our life easier and stress less.

I don’t have time to get everything done

We all fulfill a dozen roles, are busier than ever, and never have enough time to get things done. But if we’re constantly on the go, we become exhausted, maybe irritable, and everything we do seems insurmountable. Take 20 minutes out of your day to do something entirely unrelated to your to-do list. It might seem counterproductive when you’re so busy, but not only does a break leave your feeling energized, it gives you more space in your mind to cope and achieve things more effectively.

Try an activity that takes you completely out of your situation. If what you’re doing is physical, change tempo by sitting down and listening to classical music, or read a magazine. If you’re in front of a screen, get out for a short work.

The search for meaning is an essential part of what makes us human. It answers a deep need within us to find some kind of purpose in life. We want to know we're doing something significant with the time we've been allotted.

I personally believe that there's a concrete link between meaning and happiness. It's well documented that people who have a vocation or calling in life are significantly happier than those who don't because their daily lives have real meaning.

Where it's Saving the Japanese Dolphins or setting up your own amateur animal welfare shelter, find a cause that fires you up. It needn't take up hours – start by organizing a recycling system at home, holding a fund-raising quiz night or writing a letter to the government. People who are committed to causes report being happier because they can recognize their contribution.

Nothing puts pressure on a relationship like money problems – it's one of the main reasons why people split-up or get divorced. So in these tough times of global financial problems, you have to take action to preserve your finances as well as your love.

It's important to resolve problems and make financial decisions together. You don't want one person deciding how to spend and invest for you both – it's a huge responsibility.

This never been as important as it is now. Strain is put on a relationship when there is not enough money to make ends meet. Be honest and put your heads together to work out the best way to confront your financial problems.

Get as much free information as you can. If you know someone who manages money well, ask them to be your financial mentor and pick their brain. If you want to keep your finances private, look for someone outside the family. You don't have to follow their advice – you and your partner can decide together if it works for you.