Get the main supermarket shopping out of the way early - or do it online, even if you have to wait for ever for delivery.

Sing a daft Christmas song into your mobile's voicemail. It'll make people laugh - and might even deter them from leaving messages.

Go to the kitchen right now and fill your freezer with as many ice cubes as it will hold. As well as making you feel efficient, it will ensure you can produce a refreshing glass of something at times of crisis.

Ban so-called seasonal selections of music from your home. Instead, curl up in your favourite armchair and listen to one of those weirdo New Age CDs that make dolphin noises.

Soak a flannel in warm water with a few drops of lavender oil, and breathe deeply until it (and you) cools.

Don't check your e-mail. Then don't check it again.

How long is it since you've had a long hot candlelit bath with plenty of bubbles and a glass of whatever you're having yourself? What are you waiting for?

Buy yourself flowers. Corny, but it always works.

Make one final list - of places you want to go next summer.