Confidence is an important part of being an actor, both for your performance and surviving the hectic industry. Walking into an audition room with confidence (not to be confused with arrogance) feels good and goes a long way toward booking more jobs. But what should you do if you don’t have enough confidence or sometimes it’s there and other times it’s not?
There’s no quick fix to “hacking” confidence, but there are steps you can take to help you have more of it every day. I believe the more authentic confidence you have, the happier you are and the more abundance will come your way. Daily mental and nutritional practices set the stage for an authentically confident self so that when the time comes to be “on” and the stakes are a little higher, you’re more than ready.
Incorporate these practices into your daily routine so they build upon each other. Gradually, your confidence will become sturdy and steady—and who doesn’t want that?
1. Cut processed sugar out of your diet.
Avoid a high intake of foods like soda, sweets, most cereals, highly processed bread, and other foods loaded with processed sugars as they’ve been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
2. Eat dark chocolate regularly.
Chocolate contains magnesium (the anti-stress mineral) as well as polyphenols, which help improve energy and lift your spirit. Choose dark chocolate that contains 70% or more cocoa. I usually have two squares of 85% dark chocolate 20 minutes before auditions.
3. Add cinnamon to your food.
Adding cinnamon to your oatmeal, coffee, or smoothie is a wonderful way to help stabilize your blood sugar. When your blood sugar is balanced, your mood is more stable.
The Actor’s Comprehensive Guide to Self-Care 4. Include good fats in your diet, especially omega-3.
Your brain is nearly 60% fat, so feed it what it needs! There's a clear correlation between depression and low levels of essential fatty acids so be sure to eat fish, olive oil, avocados, and hemp seeds to get the necessary mood-boosting fats. I also recommend taking a daily omega-3 supplement.
5. Eat a banana.
Bananas are packed with calming magnesium and potassium as well as tryptophan, the amino acid that gets converted into serotonin, your “happy’” neurotransmitter!
6. Make time to meditate daily.
This has been a game-changer for me, both for my inner-stillness and confidence. I simply sit and set my iPhone timer for 6–10 minutes, then slowly breathe in and out. If anxious thoughts come into my head (or any thoughts, really), I simply surround them with love and prevent them from taking hold. Instead, I picture them floating away.
There are countless apps and programs that can help you start meditating. And I encourage you to find a practice that works for you. Start with two minutes a day and work your way up. Try to do it as close to the beginning of your day as you can.
7. Repeat daily affirmations.
As close to when you wake up as possible, or after you meditate, set a timer for one minute and repeat whatever affirmation you choose over and over again with as big a smile as you can muster. As you repeat the affirmation, get more and more pumped each time you say it. You’re literally pumping yourself up!
Two of my favorite affirmations are “I am (your name) and I believe in myself. I feel good. I love feeling good. And I love myself” and, “I believe in my ability and my talent, and I love believing in myself.” Sprinkle your affirmations throughout the day as well. Do them when you’re stuck in traffic or quietly to yourself as you walk down the street. They’re an energy booster.
Confidence is an ongoing practice and not something that comes magically for all of us. These daily practices will set the foundation for a more confident, happier, and healthier you.
Looking for remote work? Backstage has got you covered! Click here for auditions you can do from home!
The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
