Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with some hugely talented Early Years teachers. Watching them at work as they create an environment for the youngest children to thrive, I think of what we can learn from them at times when we feel pressured and overwhelmed.

We know that our autonomous nervous system needs to find balance if we are to thrive. Too much pressure and stress for too long causes us to go out of balance. This is just as true for adults as it is for children. But little children are at a very early stage of learning to manage this feeling of balance. We know how easily they become over stimulated, fractious and emotional. So how do Early Years teachers support them to find it?

Watch them and you can see they employ the techniques we all need.

They encourage regular movement, through dancing and playing indoors and outdoors, exercising the whole body.

They plan the routines so children pause at regular times to eat and drink, and serve simple foods with a good mix of proteins, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

The day in an good Early Years environment can feel quite regimented in between the periods of play - there are built in times for quieter, predictable activities that happen at the same times each day, encouraging a sense of rhythm and safety. This creates space to rest.

They protect children from the worst influences - most limit screens, and it is increasingly popular to try to avoid brightly coloured plastic toys that over stimulate and depress creativity.

Finally, they are places where you can be in the moment, sharing beauty in simple things like pouring water or sifting sand, mixing paint or playing with mud. Places where you can immerse yourself deeply and find a sense of flow.

When we are anxious, finding it hard to switch off, or struggling with moods, it may be a good idea to audit our day as if we were an Early Years teacher. Put in movement breaks, plan some simple foods, keep to a routine for the basics that have to be done. Look at where we can reduce the things we know are toxic for us -and that will vary from person to person. It could be those late coffees or alcohol, or over scrolling on your phone. You know what yours are. Finally, make time and space to lose yourself in the projects that interest you.