Being an actor isn’t easy, no matter how much you love it. We are called on to tell stories with our whole selves—our bodies, our minds, and our emotions. The auditions, rehearsals, and that all-too-familiar rejection can be draining. In order to survive—and thrive—physically and emotionally, we have to prioritize self-care. Here are five tips to help you take care of yourself each and every day of your career.
Don’t skimp on sleep.
I once heard Emmy- and Tony-winning actor Cherry Jones blame a few instances of forgetting her lines on not getting enough sleep. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep does play an important role in supporting our memory, as well as our metabolism; circulatory, respiratory, and immune systems; and how well we react, think, and learn. Experts agree that it’s fundamental to put yourself on a regular sleep schedule and get at least seven hours of shut-eye each night.
Feed yourself.
Whatever your body type—and whatever characters you’re portraying—you need enough energy and nutrition to function in top form. Some basic recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture include eating whole grains, protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as watching your intake of sugar, saturated fat, and salt.
An Actor’s Comprehensive Guide to Self-CareMove your body.
Being physically fit is important for endurance and for allowing yourself to take on the physicality of different characters. You might not have to work out for 10–12 hours a day like Jennifer Lawrence reportedly did to prep for “X-Men: First Class,” but you do have to fold exercise into your life.
The World Health Organization recommends at least five hours a week of moderate aerobics or two-and-a-half hours of vigorous aerobics (or some combination of the two), along with strengthening activities involving major muscle groups at least twice a week. Try planks, lunges and squats, and using weights and resistance bands. Find a great gym, try out different classes (barre, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and even stage combat), or just turn on your favorite music and dance around your kitchen.
Get in touch with your mind.
In order to thrive as an actor—and a human being—you must remember to circle back to yourself; understand what your thoughts and feelings are, and how your mind works. One of my former acting teachers, Suzanne Shepherd, said that meditation is essential to being a good actor, and she included a book on the practice as required reading.
There are scores of meditation techniques—from mindfulness to using a mantra to moving meditations. I had luck with Ziva Meditation, created by former Broadway actor Emily Fletcher. Find a method that works well for you and practice it for at least one 20-minute session a day. Other ways to touch base with yourself can include journaling or going for a quiet stroll in nature.
Give yourself a break.
We all need some downtime and some pampering! Be sure to schedule at least one activity a week that feeds your soul. Visit a new museum, go for a hike, meet friends for a tasty meal, get a massage or a manicure, or run a warm bubble bath and luxuriate. Find ways to give yourself microdoses of this me-time every day.
Get away from it all at least a couple of times a year (but don’t forget to book out with your agent, if you have one!). Stay at a hotel or take that lucky friend with the “Holiday”-esque country house up on their offer to visit. After giving your all day after day, you definitely deserve this time to yourself.