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Mental Health Toolbox

Self-care PraCtices

The Little Things | Longer Term Practices | Self-Compassion & Inner Critic | Unplugging | Anxiety | Emotions | Health & Nutrition

‘Find the sustainable rituals that best support your practice.’


Rick Rubin

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CONNOR

Early in my acting career, I was so consumed by the pursuit of success that I neglected my own well-being. I pushed myself to the brink, sacrificing sleep, healthy eating, and leisure time in the relentless pursuit of my goals. At first, I thought I was being diligent and dedicated, but soon enough, the toll on my mental and physical health became undeniable.


I found myself burnt out, exhausted, and disillusioned with the very thing I once loved so deeply. It was a wake-up call—a stark reminder that without good self-care practices, even the most passionate pursuits can become unsustainable.


From that moment on, I made a commitment to prioritise self-care in my life, and it made all the difference. I started incorporating simple yet impactful practices into my daily routine—things like getting enough sleep, eating nourishing meals, and making time for exercise and relaxation. I also discovered the power of mindfulness and meditation in quieting the noise of the outside world and reconnecting with my innermost self.


As I began to prioritise my own well-being, I noticed a profound shift in my approach to acting. I felt more grounded, more present, and more connected to the characters I portrayed on stage and screen. I found joy in the process itself, rather than fixating solely on the end goal of success. And most importantly, I cultivated a sense of balance and resilience that allowed me to weather the inevitable ups and downs of the industry with grace and fortitude.


I urge you to make self-care a non-negotiable priority in your life. Carve out time each day to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Listen to your body's cues and honor its needs with kindness and compassion. And never underestimate the transformative power of self-care in unlocking your fullest potential as an actor and as a human being.


Remember, your well-being is the foundation upon which your success and happiness are built. By investing in yourself and practicing good self-care habits, you're not only ensuring your own flourishing but also laying the groundwork for a long and fulfilling career in the arts.

Connor

Theatre is tough – we’re not working in a factory or doing heavy manual labour, but it can demand a lot of us. We can suddenly find ourselves working through intense rehearsal periods, working intimately with new people, and that can require support.  Finding practices that help is invaluable. This may take a while and may need adapting and adding to overtime, but starting the process of understanding what works for you can really help sustain you over the course of your career.  

Tip
Consider self-care as proactive rather than reactive. Establishing self-care practices is more manageable when you're feeling good and everything is going well. However, implementing them becomes more challenging during tougher times – and we all experience those!


Have a range of self-care tools to reach for.  You may not always have the time/capacity for a yoga class, an early morning run, or meditation, but you might be able to have a cup of tea, talk to a friend, or go for a quick walk.

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The Little Things | Longer Term Practices | Self-Compassion & Inner Critic | Unplugging | Anxiety | Emotions | Health & Nutrition

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