Anth, 

Dr. Weil (an American) is also a major proponent of proper diet, exercise, and nutrition (supplements). Read his book Aging Naturally for the whole story. I copied only the part of his article dealing with meditation to follow paddy’s post.

Weil recommends the short exercise to activate the relaxation response (the heart rate slows, blood pressure falls and metabolism and immunity are optimal) and to positively affect both physical and mental health. Apparently the effects of the exercise are physically measurable.

He suggests you practice the exercise twice a day, whenever you feel stressed, anxious or off center. Taking four deep breaths twice a day is not that much of a time investment - 5 minutes tops.

You can then devote the rest of your day to fighting poverty.

Steve, trust me, I'm one of the most cost- and time-efficient people around.