Are you like me, have you got too much on your plate? Do you suffer with what I call ‘constipation of the mind’? It is tough going when we’re trying to deal with grieving, keeping the wolves from the door, coping with family rifts and other emotional or physical pain. In my case, I am also worrying about my daughter who is a paramedic!

On top of our own personal constipation of the mind, there are necessary appointments and commitments to juggle that can frankly render us dizzy. Such levels of anxiety and stress causes headaches, can blur our vision, impair our concentration and play havoc on our sleep patterns. It’s not good for us, and it’s not a sustainable way to live healthily.

So, what can we do to help ease our weighty woes?

Firstly, try categorising your upsets, by listing all the issues you have into two groups: Can Control and Can’t Control. Remember we can only control our own thoughts and our own actions. Keep reminding yourselves of this fact – it’s liberating!

Once you’ve listed your issues into these categories, although your emotional pain will still apply, you can at least breathe a sigh of relief that some of those worries are out of your control – and however much energy you spend on worrying about them, you can’t change them. Try to channel your energy into the Can Control list.

If you feel like combating these worries is getting too much for you, then do seek the support of friends or your doctor, all of whom will want to help ease your troubled mind.

Lastly, take any opportunity to rest during the day, even if it’s a five minute tea break, and try to go to bed at a decent time. Self-care is of the utmost importance!