It is that time of year again where the nights have drawn in and your work schedule is about to ramp up. Although for most of the planet this is a time where people can relax a little, and maybe cut their work days short to accomodate socialising or even just a quick getaway to beat the rush on their commute. You as a performer do not have this luxury, and you're starting to enter the period of time where demands are increasing as the Christmas crowds are attracted to the theatre and more shows are put on to accommodate them.
So how can you cope with this added load, whilst remaining healthy, energised and also able to do some socialising of your own, during this lovely time of year?
Make a plan
Like may great stories, it begins with making a plan. Sitting down and writing down your performance schedule on a calendar will allow you to zoom out and appreciate what's coming. This also will allow you to identify the opportunities you may have to actually go out and enjoy this time of year with your friends and family, whilst not compromising your performance.
What goes on the plan?
Performance times and dates
Social events you want to attend
Any days off you may have (if you are lucky)
Days/times you may want to train
Which meals you think you can prepare in advance
Advanced planning
If you really do enjoy a plan, and don't find this type of approach overwhelming (which a fair few people do) there is a little more detail you can think about which are aimed at anchoring your two most powerful circadian clocks. This can help a huge amount when it comes to falling asleep quickly and waking at a consistent time.
Target bed time and wake time: Remember to leave time to digest evening meals
Meal/feeding times
Recipes/batch cooking you can use: Will buy you time during that hectic week
This can be a starting point to making the Christmas performing schedule more manageable without compromising the fun side of the festive period. It might not be for everyone but hopefully there are a few things that you feel you may be able action, and we'd love to hear what they are and how you implemented them.
Have a wonderful December
Barry
Thanks so much for your time, if you want to learn more about positively affecting these and more aspects of your performing life then please consider signing up to our free newsletter made specifically for performers like you. Click here and scroll to the bottom of our homepage to find the sign up form for The Performer newsletter
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