Writer and director Oisin Kearney: I try to get as much sleep as is socially acceptable

Each day is different – I could be up at the crack of dawn for rehearsals or filming, or I could be treating myself to a lie-in. Either way, coffee is key in the morning, not just because it’s a great way to wake up, but also because of the process: boiling the kettle, whizzing the beans, letting the coffee percolate – it's all a gentle way to start the day and prepare myself to be productive. Depending on my schedule, breakfast is usually a solitary affair, but sometimes my partner and myself enjoy food in a local café.

For Breakfast, I like to be decadent. I have crunchy nut corn flakes or a croissant. Don’t judge me. I’ve been trying a lot of vegan food lately and I’m a full convert to oat milk, though cutting out cheese entirely is a challenge.

I’ve reconciled myself to just making an effort to eat less dairy and meat. So, for lunch, I’ll usually have a lovely bagel with tomato, onion and hummus, or a delicious tomatoey pasta dish.

In the evening, it’s veggie fajitas or mushroom pie, vegan lasagne, or butternut squash and sweet potato curry. Something comforting. And maybe once or twice a week, I’ll go off the wagon and order a takeaway. But, life is a fine balance.

Nutrition is important to me, but I’m in no way a fanatic. I try my best to eat responsibly, buying products locally, those with less single-use plastics, buying from ethical companies and those that do not discriminate. My vegetable intake is good, but I really should eat more fruit. I frequently buy a banana, only for it to blacken into a wizened witch’s finger, which I toss into the freezer to use in a smoothie next year.

Anything Italian. Or Japanese.

Chocolate. I love chocolate. I love chocolate biscuits and brownies. I think life would be much poorer if there was no chocolate.

I haven’t been on a diet, but I am trying to eat more responsibly. I once fasted for 24 hours to raise money for Trócaire and found it really hard. It did, however, make me really appreciate food and how lucky we are to have easy access to it.

I sometimes take Vitamin B12, as I hear it’s all the rage (with the kids).

Lights off. Scented candles. Essential oils. And a film on the projector. Or, if I want to feel intellectual, I’ll read a couple of pages of a book before I fall asleep.

Tipple. Hot whiskey in the winter. Saison in the summer.

I like to mix it up.

Hmm… yes? I walk as much as possible along the Lagan towpath and I go for the odd run in Lagan Meadows. I really should go to the gym, but I find it incredibly boring and soulless. I know this will come back to haunt me in later life.

Drink water. As much water, as often as possible. When I don’t feel good, it’s usually because I haven’t drunk enough water.

I’m probably at a seven, if I’m honest. I can get this to a nine when I’m in the mood to exercise – but I’m happy as I am.

I’ve tried homeopathic and herbal remedies. I used to be critical of anything outside of conventional medicine, but my view now is that anything is worth trying if it can help you and make you feel better.

I loved playing football at school lunchtimes, but I wasn’t a fan of sports day. One time, I created my own sport: somersault down a hill. I broke my wrist.

I used to smoke a bit and, in the last couple of years, I’ve decided I want to try to prevent getting lung cancer as much as possible. But I won't chastise myself for having the occasional social cigarette.

Do one thing for your career, one thing for yourself, and one thing for someone else.

My parents have the best attitude to life. They’re making the most of their retirement by travelling, spending time with their grandchildren, and not worrying. They love each other and their family and the West Wing. And they laugh all the time.

I get to bed around midnight and make sure to unwind with a film or a book before sleep. I used to subscribe to 'You can sleep when you’re dead' theory, but really, it’s so good for your mental and physical health – so I try to get as much sleep as is socially acceptable.

We could all die at any moment and therefore we should be happy to be alive. It may sound grim, but I think it helps you to remember not to take life too seriously. We’re on borrowed time, so maybe we should live in a way that makes us happy and not how others expect us to live.