Dr Arroll explains: “Taking care of ourselves is paramount for individual and group survival, as it allows you to break the negative emotional contagion [the transfer of negative emotions around the group] and turn it into something more adaptative.

“Research shows that positive emotions are more contagious than negative ones, so if you can manage and regulate your own emotions successfully, you can spread joy, hope and serenity to your social group.”

While you shouldn’t feel responsible for the emotional states of everyone you spend time with, Dr Arroll’s words are a reminder of the positive influence we can have on our friends and family – and how taking time to invest in ourselves can benefit the world around us, too.

Emotional contagion: how to avoid emotional exhaustion if you tend to ‘catch’ other people’s moods