I join a long queue of people who are facing uncertainty in such unprecedented times. I’m in the process of trying to find new clients and managing many other areas of my life – none of which are conducive to being able to relax!

So how do I relax? Well, I take the lead from other people who are more accustomed to being able to chill, and that even includes my pet!

Oddly, although I was not taught how to enjoy downtime myself, I instilled the important pursuit in my daughter. I recognised from when she was a child the value to her mental wellbeing in simply allowing her time to do nothing. Frequently, as she grew up, I’d encourage her to make a “nest” on the sofa and give her the time and space to, in her case, watch Friends. Nowadays she can almost recite every episode!

I never made her feel guilty and as a result, even now when she’s not busy saving lives, she cosies up on her sofa and watches TV or reads a book.

Equally, I’ve studied my pet dog, too. I get an enormous sense of contentment through observing her simply stretched out on the sofa, snoring. I think to myself: “Aww you are so secure here, you can sleep in utter bliss.”

However busy your schedules may be, taking time out to relax is essential for your mental wellbeing. It is not lazy, and nor is it a waste of time. You are investing in yourself, and even enjoying half an hour daily will help rejuvenate you. I call it “settling your atoms!”