As actors, it can be easy to get caught up in the cycle of going from audition to class to meeting to class to event without prioritizing health and relaxation. Yet as actors, we must be healthy in order to do our jobs! No matter what your age, being on set all day takes stamina. Your role could demand that you run, jump, yell, scream, cry, and do 20 takes of the same scene. You could go into overtime. The actor who is in shape physically and mentally (remember acting takes tremendous concentration) will get through those long days on set with little problem.
Cultivating healthy habits will allow you to be more centered, focused, and energized in your personal and professional life—and especially during those longs days on set. Implementing new healthy habits takes work and dedication. But it’s the little things that we do every single day that lead to great successes in the long run.
Here are five habits of healthy actors:
1. Meditation. Meditation works wonders, especially for actors! Having quiet minds allows us to fully engage with our work and our characters. So often, we can get overwhelmed by the “noise” that is entertainment industry buzz—what’s in, what’s out, what we should and shouldn’t do—and we get distracted by the chaos that is the world around us. It is so important to take time out to be still and quiet and to reconnect with the reason why we are pursuing an acting path to begin with. If the notion of meditating seems daunting, just start with five minutes a day.
2. Yoga. Yoga is especially great for actors because, after all, our bodies are our instruments! Having flexibility and strength only makes it easier for us to take on characters. More significantly, yoga is great for the mind. If meditation isn’t your thing but you enjoy moving, you could try yoga. If there isn’t a studio near you, there are tons of online resources. There are also so many different styles of yoga! Shop around, and find what works best for you.
3. Healthy food prep. As actors, we are often running around town from audition to audition to rehearsal without much down time. It’s very easy to get into the habit of grabbing any food that is fast and convenient. It’s also easy for us to forget to eat. Preparing healthy food items in advance saves time and money…and, most importantly, helps us to feel more energized throughout the day. Actors should always have, at minimum, a few healthy snack items with them. You never want to audition on an empty stomach! I recommend camping out in your kitchen once or twice a week and preparing several meals at once. Store them in tupperware containers, and throw them in a cooler before you head out for the day.
4. Vocal exercises. One element of on-camera auditions that actors sometimes overlook is the voice. When you are auditioning for a part, casting directors are not just looking at you, they are also listening to you. Being connected to your voice is a crucial aspect of any acting job. There are many methods for training your speaking voice, such as the Alexander Technique and the Linklater Technique. Singing can also be a great way to expand your voice and vocal resonance.
Doing vocal exercises goes hand in hand with yoga; your body must be relaxed so that you can breathe from your diaphragm. Ideally, as an actor, you should warm up your voice every single day. This is a great habit to cultivate as, over time, you will see a difference in your range, and you will feel more confidence and ease when communicating.
5. Regular sleep schedule. This is the single most important habit that you can cultivate. One of the exciting things about being an actor is that your schedule tends to be flexible and unpredictable. You may need to be on set at 6 a.m. one day, and you may not have any commitments until noon the next. It may feel challenging to keep a consistent sleep schedule, but it so important that you attempt to do this. Waking up at the same time every day will give you structure and will help you to feel more focused. Also, make sure that you are getting adequate sleep; studies say that adults over the age of 18 should get no less than seven and a half hours of sleep a night!
Choose what works for you. Only you can know what specific habits and rituals will be the best for you. Chances are, if there is a habit that you have been resisting, it is a good one to try out. The most important thing is that you set a goal that you can meet, whether it be waking up at 8 a.m. every day, preparing your meals two nights a week, or meditating for five minutes each morning. Start small. Choose one habit, and make that a part of your daily life. Then add another. And another! Soon, habit-forming won’t feel so daunting. It will feel fun and empowering.
Best of luck to you as you take on new and healthy habits!
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