Getting the work life balance right is a constant struggle for many people in the 21st century. More and more of us struggle with working long hours, high stress and little family time. This is often the result of the rising cost of living, including huge mortgages, high utilities, and credit card bills.

However, it seems that more people than you might realise are quietly enjoying their best lives, and one corner of the British community in particular are generally healthy, wealthy and happy.

Statistics just released by funkyangel.co.uk, the website for the 21st Century Family, from its 2006 survey of the lifestyles of its core audience, suggest they are amongst the healthiest, wealthiest and happiest in the UK.

So who are the 21st Century Families? They are people balancing work and family, often running their own businesses around or with their families, and usually from home.

As Claire Burdett, the founder of funkyangel said, “We are seeing a resurgence of a style of living that I would describe as pre-industrial cottage industries with 21st Century communications and technology added in, and I think it’s the best thing that’s happened to the family in decades!”

The 466 participants were questioned about their lifestyles, including hours worked, their support networks, their internet usage and their overall levels of health, wealth and happiness. There was an 80-20 female-male ratio, and 77% were living with children, either of their own or their partner’s. One percent were grandparents.

In the health section, a whooping 81% claimed to be in great shape, with almost a quarter (24%) saying they were bright eyed and bushy tailed and over half (57%) confessing to being healthy but knackered!

When it comes to the happiness stakes, the funky 21st century families are way out in front! Half of them (50%) said that they were generally happy or very happy, which puts them firmly above the national average of 36% as reported on The Happiness Formula series on BBC2 back in the summer.

A further 22% said that they were calm and content, and an impressive 4% of them reported being deliriously happy!

In the wealth section, over half (54%) said they were financially comfortable or managing, and although 16% did comment that they could always do with more, an impressive 1% said they had no money worries at all!

Only 8% said they were struggling, and most of these commented that it was because of the feast or famine syndrome, early-stage own businesses or solo parenthood.

The major issues associated with working from home, such as feeling isolated and overloaded were also reflected in the survey, with 16% reporting that they sometimes felt anxious, 13% saying they felt fed up, 17% feeling frustrated and 6% of the respondents reporting feeling isolated.

Claire Burdett said: “I’m not a bit surprised at what a happy, healthy and wealthy bunch we are generally. Working for yourself from home can be challenging at times, but it does give you control and flexibility, which enables you to spend good amounts of regular time with your children and the rest of your family and friends, which means less stress, better communication and stronger bonds.”

"Working at something you are passionate about means you’re going to be good at it as well as put the necessary time and energy in – all of which is a sure fire way to attract wealth.”

"And being able to choose your own routine and hours in your own home means you can eat better and more healthily, and be more active as part of your daily routine, if you choose to be. All of which is a recipe for success and happiness!”