Taking a break from your loved ones might be painful – but it’s the only way to grow

In therapy, time apart is key to making the relationship work. The same applies to all the other people in our lives

You need a break. It is very important, from time to time, to take a break from your partner, from your work, from your children, from your exercise, from your screens, from alcohol and drugs and therapy and podcasts and crisps. We need time and space to rest; this is a crucial part of a better life. This much is obvious.

But we need to take breaks for less obvious reasons too.