Co Down actor Rory McCollum: I was surprised how bad my imposter syndrome used to be

My routines can be a bit random, depending on the projects I'm doing. Currently, I am in rehearsals for the Christmas show, The Shop at the Top of the Town at the Theatre at the Mill, so it means an early start. But regardless of whether I'm up at 6am or rolling out of bed at 9.30am, every day starts with an incredibly strong coffee. Then making breakfast allows my brain to start processing the day ahead.

Breakfast? At the moment, I tend to grab something quick and convenient before heading to the Theatre at the Mill for the morning meet-up. Usually, that will be fruit, Greek yoghurt and home-made granola. Or, if I'm ravenous, eggs, toast and beans tends to do the job.

If I've had the sense to meal prep, lunch would be something hearty and filling, like a curry or a chilli with rice. But I'd be lying if I said biscuits weren't involved too – especially on busy rehearsal days.

Depends on what I'm in the mood for, but potatoes are usually included. It could be steak, fish, chicken - but plenty of veg is a must.

Yes, it is important - our bodies are incredible things that need good fuel. I tend to take some omega 3 in the mornings, just so my body gets what it needs.

No diets. I tried intermittent fasting for a few months a while back, but it made no real impact on my health, so I stopped.

I believe in moderation, so I try not to leave it all to the weekend - that's when I'm likely to binge if I've denied myself something. So, most days I'll have some dark chocolate to satisfy the cravings.

I go the gym as much as I can, which can be tough when my focus, time and energy is on preparing for a show – which in itself can be a mental and physical workout. But even quick workouts most days keeps my body active and clears my head. Also, getting out into nature is a big thing for me. I find it helps to let go of any unnecessary stress.

Don't create huge, overwhelming challenges for yourself. If you walked to the shops to get milk instead of driving... great. You don't have to go on a 10k run at 5am or spend hours in the gym every day. Little changes can make a big difference.

I didn't mind PE. I was usually a bit brain-fried by the time we did sports at the end of the school day. I didn't invest too much energy into it at the time - drama and singing were my focus.

Tipple - but, again, I'd rather have a glass of wine with dinner than crave it all week, binge on the weekend and suffer for it afterwards.

Stairs - unless there are a stupid number of them...

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. It's such an incredible, thought-provoking book about our history as humans.

How To Get Away With Murder - hands down. Viola Davis is a force on screen and the writing is brilliant.

Probably just how bad my imposter syndrome used to be. It's common in the arts industry. It wasn't until I had nothing else to do that I recognised it for what it was and started to let go of it. It helps that I've been able to work with wonderful people since then. And everyone involved in The Shop at the Top of the Town is no different. From the very start, they've been so positive and supportive.

Not really, but I'm hoping to dedicate some time in the New Year to picking up the language learning I've neglected.

It depends. Being with friends and family is usually my ‘go to', but if my social battery needs a recharge, relaxing with music or podcasts does the trick.

To know when to let go of the things that don't benefit me and to keep pushing for the things that make me happy.

My routine changes a lot, especially transitioning from daytime rehearsals to evening shows. Either way, I try to be in bed by midnight at the latest. I do think I get enough sleep, although I have been known to have ‘strategic' naps in the dressing room on double show days...

It's not so much a regret, but with hindsight, I'd choose my school subjects completely differently. It's hard to know what you want to do at such a young age. So, knowing what I know now, I'd switch around a few things that maybe would've helped me further down the line.

Yes. I'd say that, rather than bending over backwards to please everybody, I'm learning that it's important to be able to give some of that same care and energy back to myself.

Not necessarily. I think it's just reminded me to take one day at a time and to appreciate what I have while I have it.