Britney urged to quit party lifestyle

Britney Spears' cousin has urged the singer to take a break from the showbiz circuit to safeguard her mental health.

Alli Sims said escaping the media spotlight was a crucial step towards improving the popstar's state of mind.

She told The Mirror: "Britney desperately wanted to come out to party with us last night but we had to tell her 'no'. She needs to rein herself in. She needs to take a break from the limelight - from showbiz - and just concentrate on getting herself better.

"[She] is so anxious and so on-the-edge right now. She is incredibly keen to go out and doesn't understand when we tell her it's not a good idea. She just needs a break for as long as it takes until she's completely better."

Spears' relatives have been keeping a close eye on her following her early release from the UCLA Medical Centre last week.

Sims added: "Every day's a struggle but Britney is getting a bit better day by day. I was with her today and, as a family, we are taking turns to watch over her 24/7."