Living with the unpredictable onslaught of anxiety is exhausting! But I find it really helpful to write down all the things which are causing my stomach to twist in knots. Once I’ve written them down, I prioritise each item using a mark out of ten. For example: “Oh crikey I’ve got an appointment next week and I need such and such to be done.” With this I’ll give it a lower score of 3 or 4 and plot it back into my diary as an action for later in the week. An immediate sense of relief washes over me – often by simply doing this I can instantly melt some of my anxieties away.

Next, I’ll cast my eye over my list and remind myself that I can only control my actions and my thoughts. So if I’m worrying about a future meeting and what other people may be thinking, I’ll simply ensure that I’ve prepared my part thoroughly and well in advance. This again is helpful in calming down what I call my “atoms”, whilst giving me something to tick off my to-do list. It feels extremely liberating!

I also find that a great way to nourish my wellbeing is to include on the list pleasant things which need doing, like thinking about my daughter’s birthday, or planning a weekend break.

So next time you feel the sharp claws of anxiety tear at your insides, try this simple organisational exercise and see if you can help combat some of your worries.