Hey Folks,
This month I wanna chat about Trailer Tension!
You’re on a job, a big job that you’ve dreamt of, and worked your butt off to get. You’ve done all your work, your prep, got your hair and make up done, you’re just waiting to get costumed, hanging in your trailer when ‘bang’ all of a sudden, you are completely paralyzed! Doubtful and terrified, wondering how the hell you got there, querying if the director (who up until now you thought was brilliant!) is insane because he cast you and now you’re sourcing the nearest escape route!
WHAT DO I DO??!!! My usual solution of throwing on the trainers, getting my heart pounding and endorphins flowing is not gonna work because I’m wanted on set in 30 minutes and the make up team are not gonna be happy if you sweat off the hour of hard work just because you’re nervous!
Here’s what I do:
Breathe.
Sit on down on your knees. Close your eyes. Hands on thighs. Palms up if your feeling flat, down if you’re feeling wired. I like to use the alternate nostril breathing technique. It helps to de-stress and alleviate tension as well as releasing blocked energy and allowing both creative and logical sides of the brain to work together. I found this great how-to article here.
Stretch.
As I’ve mentioned before, you can keep a lot of emotional stress and anxiety locked up in those muscles, our bodies are meant to move and bend and when we don’t allow that to happen, we find ourselves wound up, locked up and looking for exit strategies where they are not needed. Check out my previous blog Stretch for the Sky, it’s a great routine to move and stretch that doesn’t compromise your reputation with Make-Up and leaves you feeling long and strong and freeeeeeee!!
Nutrition.
Are you eating right? Whole Foods and moderate eating habits help us to stay on track when it comes to stress and anxiety. If we aren’t allowing our bodies the correct sustenance, our mood can jump all over the place and all of a sudden we have a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde situation. So fuel your body right! Time poor is not an excuse, prep on your days off and check out the great range of healthy meal delivery options that are available now. Supplements are great too, my local health food store has been great to me. Don’t be afraid to go in and ask for advice!
Sleep.
Probably the most important one. Somewhere between 6-8 hours is what’s needed. Apart from helping us look fabulous on screen, it is essential for optimum brain function, emotional stability and just plain happiness. Do not cheat yourself!
Ali pondering some steadfast advice to live by in her trailer for Bruce Beresford’s Ladies in Black
Move.
Don’t just sit and wait around. Stand up, move around, get some air. Being cooped up in a trailer is not a bad problem to have, but it can exacerbate those underlying nerves you’ve been steadfastly denying and ignoring. While you’re moving around, listen to the birds, count the different colours of flowers, it’s all about being present.
Gratitude.
Write down 3 things you feel grateful for. I find it always takes me out of panic mode and puts me back into a place of calm where I feel centred.
Its never easy when you’re doing something you love. If you are anything like me then you just want it to be amazing. The pressure we put on ourselves is a reflection of how much we care and that’s a great thing, let’s just try and be kind to ourselves at the same time.
Keep on keeping on guys, you’re doing a great job…and Breathe, Move, React!
Ali xx
Ps..the director is not insane!
Seminar Recap