Nichole Martinson takes a break from Obama, Autobahns and obligations for a touch of Indian tranquility, in a spa in Rhineland-Palatinate.

The piles on your desk aren't getting any smaller. The phone rings off the hook. Children need attending to, as do social and charitable obligations. There was a president to elect, okay, only for the Americans but the world watched our every move – would we, wouldn't we? – and that was VERY STRESSFUL!

At this frenetic pace, rarely do any of us properly take care of ourselves let alone unplug and take a little me-time. For some, the only way to do just this is to leave our city, state and even country.

It’s that time of the year when you’re likely to come down with a cold or flu. Lisa Willers has worked in health care in both the US and Germany offers some tips on navigating your way through the German health care system.

The alarm rings mercilessly. As you reach over to try to find the snooze button you realize that your entire body hurts. Your head is pounding. Your nose is running. You’re forced to drool since your throat hurts so badly you can’t swallow. Maybe it’s time to see a doctor.