Friday 28 September 2012

Tech Week Blues: Don't Get Sick Before You Open!



My partner is about to open a show at Red Stitch Actors Theatre.
The show opens next friday, with two previews prior.

He has officially hit "tech week".

Todays post is about keeping yourself healthy and energized all the way through tech week, into the season and well after season close.

So many actors (myself included) get sick around this time. There are super long hours, nerves, stress and you're needed to run the show numerous times a day to get it right before opening!!  If actors don't get sick and tired during tech week, their bodies usually hold off just long enough until closing night, then they crash in a big heap and are sick for a week.

A theatre season is very taxing, emotionally, physically, mentally and energetically.

Here are a few handy hints to keep your health and stress levels running at an optimum...

MEDITATE- this will relieve stress and anxiety's about the show and keep your body and mind connected.

Get a SHIATSU massage to keep your immune system healthy and balanced.

Drink loads of WATER- Actors use way more energy when performing on stage with their hearts beating beats very similar to that of a skydiver. Adrenaline dehydrates you, so remember to drink more water than you usually do.

I know it's hard for some actors, but keep the ALCOHOL, COFFEE & BLACK TEA consumption to a LOW- They're very acidic- An acidic body is the perfect playground for colds, flus and illnesses. They are also huge dehydrators. Instead...

Drink FRESH VEGETABLE JUICE- The nutrients will be absorbed straight into your blood stream and will give you the energy, vitamins and nutrients you need plus much more!

Take VITAMIN SUPPLIMENTS- The best during this time is zinc, vitamin D and the B group vitamins.

Start your mornings with 'Earthsprout's' GOLDEN DETOX DRINK http://www.earthsprout.com/?p=1133
2 cups hot water
1/2 lemon
5 drops of stevia concentrate (natural sweetener)
1/2 tsp tumeric powder
1/2 tsp powdered ginger
pinch of cayenne pepper
This is the best thing for warding off colds. Drink this in place of your hot water and lemon. If you feel yourself coming down with a cold, drink this drink though the day and maybe add some echinacea.

Make sure you have at LEAST one GREEN SMOOTHIE A DAY.
Your body will definately absorb the nutrients you need. So many actors eat take out during tech week- smoothies are the altimate fast food and so so so good for you.

MINERAL WATER really rehydrates me. If you're sweating a lot, under hot lights, costumes & make-up, you need to top up your minerals, so drink BOTH mineral AND still water.

COCONUT WATER is your superfood on the run. So much potassium and vitamin C  and also contains HEAPS of electrolites- & is all natural!! No more coffee or coca cola for you!!

Nibble on ORGANIC RAW CACAO NIBS- They're the super-est superfood! Super high in magnesium- which is great for your calcium and muscle cramps- they're easy, very quick- all you have to do is eat them.. They are super high in antioxidants, which will help to keep the doctor away!



EXCERCIZE- Take it easy though.. don't push yourself. Get to the studio early and warm up with yoga stretches- great for grounding, connecting to breath, warming up your body and voice and will ease your mind.

HERBS and SPICES are the best medicinal things to consume.

ROSEMARY is proven to release chest congestion and is rich in anti-inflammatory tannins, that soothe sore throats.
TUMERIC is anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, improves liver funtion and lowers cholesterol.
PAPRIKA is anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, aids digestion and is high in vitamin C.
CHILLI reduces inflammation, relieves pain, boosts immune system, prevents stomach alcers and lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes.
CARDAMOM antioxidant, aids digestion, improves circulation, stimulates appetite, good source of potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese.
CUMIN boots immune function, aids digestion, anti-carcinogentic.
CORIANDER anti-inflammatory, lowers cholesterol, helps reduce the amount of damaged fats in cells.
CLOVE anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, high phytonutrient content including manganese, omega 3, vitamin K, dierty fiber, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
CINNAMON anti-microbial, anti clotting, controls blood sugar, boosts brain function, helps warm the body in the onset of cold or flu.
NUTMEG anti-inflammatory, improves memory, aids digestion, improves appetite, relieves diarrhea.
*all of these can be found in the supermarket- spice isle... they're all quite common and easy to find.

QUINOA is great for long lasting energy and will keep you full for longer- but not bogged down. Quinoa is a complete protein & is high in iron and fibre. Make a fresh salad with quinoa as your base and you're set.

If you're going to get take away- choose something like a baked spud with fresh toppings, or sushi etc.

STAY HEALTHY, ENJOY THE SEASON AND KEEP TELLING GOOD STORIES.

X

And don't forget to pack your lunch, snacks & dinner, which will save your body and your wallet!!

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