This is a time of year when you’re likely going to plan too much for the holiday break or get anxious about these two weeks off before the new year, which brings up all sorts of anxiety. It can play tricks with your mind and spirit, so here are a few things you can do to survive—even thrive—during the holiday break. (And “break” is key.)
1. Accept the Silence. You want to get ahead, especially as the end of the year is looming, so the holidays can be an unwelcome break in your progress. Accept that downtime, use it to reflect, and really check in with yourself.
2. Write. You probably won’t have someone to collaborate with creatively, but writing lets you check in with yourself. Write. Anything. A play, a short, a story, a blog, journal entry—whatever connects you.
3. Walk. Wherever you are, go for a long walk. Moving your body in silence allows you to process the past and plan, and plan for the future so you can be more present.
4. Take that yoga, dance, or martial arts class. Get on a meditation schedule. Ease into a new practice for the new year now.
5. Do that something you always want to do but rarely give yourself the time to do. Go to a museum or art exhibit, read a book, go see two movies back to back, take that mountain hike or a drive to a new town, explore parts of your city where you rarely go. Break the routine with an adventure.
6. Be nice to family. They don’t get what it’s like to be an actor. Don’t expect them to understand your life. When they tell you that you should really work on getting on that new “NCIS” show, just smile and say, “I’ll get right on that.”
7. Find an old friend. And make a date—especially someone who’s not in the business. If you’re heading home for the holidays, it’s a great way to get out of the family pressure cooker.
8. Give yourself a social media and electronic device holiday. Take at least one full day of not checking texts, emails, Facebook, and Twitter. No cheating!
9. Volunteer. Give to a cause or charity. In person. Do something wonderful for others who will deeply appreciate your giving.
10. Don’t overdo it. Enjoy yourself, but remember that January is right around the corner. Eating too much and drinking too much does you no favors. Moderation means that you don’t have to spend most of January pulling yourself together again.
And here is a piece we wrote in December 2012 that applies just as much today: “10 Ways to Survive the Holidays”
Relax. Refresh. Rejoice!
Visit us at today at The BGB Studio for new, career changing 2015 Classes! & our upcoming must-do Pilot Season Solution.
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