21 Apr Healthy Actor Habits
As an actor, it is crucial for you to develop healthy actor habits because your health and well-being is so important! I have been in this industry for decades, and currently teach students at my acting school in Los Angeles, and cannot emphasize the positive effects of healthy actor habits. Here are some suggestions — beyond, of course, being enrolled in a supportive acting class — for healthy habits:
Physical activity that you genuinely enjoy
Of course, exercise is important. We all know that. It’s also important for you to engage in a form of exercise that is really fun for you. Is that dance? Running? Swimming? Playing tennis? Yoga? Find an activity that you love, and consider developing your skills to the intermediate or advanced level. Why? Because your healthy actor habits can turn into fun special skills for your resume.
Sleep
Do not underrate the value of a good night’s sleep! Sleep assists you with your memory, which is important for learning lines. In the middle of a busy film shoot? Remember that SAG AFTRA rules guarantee a 12-hour turnaround between evening wrap time and morning call time. Set yourself up to win by organizing your belongings in advance of the shoot – so that you can simply go home and go straight to sleep and be fully rested for the day.
Meditation
Meditation is a powerful healthy actor habit. Meditation can be especially impactful when utilized just before an audition! If meditation is new for you, you could consider trying a new app, such as Headspace. Meditation is great for your overall health and well-being.
Play
As actors, it’s our job to play! So you should also be playing in your real life – and engaging in activities that bring you joy. This is one of the best healthy actor habits. I know some actors who also love art and playing sports. Many comedic actors enjoy improv. Also, spend time outside in the beauty of nature. It’s also very important to connect with an uplifting community of like-minded actors. Your community is so important. Get out there, have fun, and play!
Challenge yourself
As artists, we should be challenging ourselves on the regular. One great healthy actor habit is to keep a journal. Perhaps you could ask yourself if there are any new experiences or activities you could try that would break you out of your comfort zone. If you’ve never sang in public, maybe you could sign up for a singing class. If you’ve always wanted to play basketball but fear that you are not very good at it, perhaps this is a hobby that you can take up. We always want to be stretching ourselves out of the routines that are used to.
Have fun
Overall, the most important healthy actor habit is to have fun! A happy actor is also a booking actor. When you are experiencing genuine joy in your life, casting directors and directors will be able to sense this. You will bring your happiness into the room with you, and it will feel genuine.
SIgn up for a free acting class in Los Angeles.