The government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign asks households to prepare for three days of disruption. Sensible advice, but for some people a vague ‘what if’ can switch a background worry up to something very loud. A counsellor’s look at emergency preparedness anxiety: why unspecific warnings feel bigger, how to tell preparing from living on edge, what research says about feeling capable, and who finds this hardest.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s unsurprising that many people feel stressed or anxious on a regular basis. Work pressures, personal relationships, and the constant flow of information can sometimes feel overwhelming. I believe everyone deserves to feel calm and in control. Here are practical strategies to help you manage stress and anxiety and take back a sense of balance in your life.