Self Care

Theatre professionals are very busy. It can sometimes be hard to justify taking time for yourself. It can feel dangerous to take time from work and side gigs. Looking for the next gig or show is the life of a freelancer in the theatre. Sometimes taking time for self care can feel like you are taking pay or work away from yourself. I feel like we as an industry have a hard time equating self care with our career. Actors tend to do better at this as their bodies are their job, but those of us who are back stage or front of house don't always realize that taking care of ourselves is also part of our careers. 

I am a freelancer which makes self care easier and yet harder at times. Here are some small things I do sometimes to self care and to make sure I have a life. I work to live (and love my work) I do not live to work. 
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1. Drink Tea- or kombucha (I know it is also a tea) or coffee. I always have tea with me in my sewing kit, purse, etc. A good "cuppa" can do wonders for your day and attitude. It also forces you to slow down (or else you spill). I have a specific teacup that I use when drinking my tea. It was given to me by one of my assistants as a Christmas gift so that also brings back some lovely memories each time I use it.
2. Call a friend/family member- just taking a little time to call my mother or sister is a small moment of self care. Talking with anyone not in theatre about something other than theatre is great. Bankers don't come home and talk to their friends about banking (at least I hope they don't). It can be a little different to do this as a theatre professional since we love the industry we are also working in, but it is so helpful to separate yourself sometimes. 
3. Use Essential Oils- or a nice candle can help calm your space. I have migraines about once a month so I always have some peppermint oil and coconut oil around. The oils combined help me combat these migraines. Small things you can carry with you in your purse are great to have mobile self care moments. Maybe it is simply having a pair of headphones so you can listen to that rain playlist on your commute to work. 
4. Spend on a Small Weekly Treat- Once I week I have a treat. It could be a sweet treat (Mini Gluten free Trader Joes Cupcakes this week!) or something from the shop you wanted or even seeing a show or museum exhibit. Allow yourself a cheeky treat each week. Something small that won't break the bank.
5. Have a Monthly Treat- Have a larger treat that you look forward to once a month. I try to get a massage. I hold stress in my shoulders and lower back from stitching and computer work, so having a standing appointment with my therapist is very helpful and a nice thing I look forward to each month.
6. Create a Loving Ritual- Taking time to light a candle you enjoy while getting ready, checking in with your best friend at the end of the week, sitting down to watch your favorite YouTube channel with your morning coffee, etc. Create a ritual that brings you joy.
7. Eat your Veg- Trying to get your five a day is hard, but worth it! I recently made myself a huge salad for lunch at work and taking it out of my bag for lunch and sitting down to such a fresh meal was just what I needed that day. 
8. Ask for help- Sometimes it can feel like you have "failed" if you need to ask for help with anything. It is the hardest part of self care. Asking for help with one of your weaknesses can be hard, but asking for help with something you see as one of your strengths can be even harder. Do it! There is nothing to be ashamed of. There have been many times I ask a friend for help. I usually put it off for a while because I think I can do it on my own, but once I finally get around to asking for help, I feel so much better.