Energy is Essential in Entertainment
Oftentimes, you will be expected to perform like the famed Energizer bunny in entertainment, and it’s important to keep up your stamina so you don’t catch yourself snoozing on set. Here are some ways in which you can maintain all-day energy so you can keep going, and going…
Limit your caffeine intake. It may sound counter-intuitive but consuming too much caffeine will ultimately leading to head nodding. This is because caffeine is addictive, which means, our bodies become reliant on it. And, with reliance comes tolerance. So, over time, we’re forced to consume more and more in order to maintain the same energy level we’ve become accustomed to, and eventually, no amount of caffeine can keep us awake. It’s best to steer clear altogether and stick with more natural energy-inducing alternatives.
You’ve heard it time and time again – getting enough sleep is key to sustaining energy. It’s essential to get at least seven to eight hours of z’s every night. Our bodies rely on this shut-down period in order to rest and recharge. Getting too little sleep lowers our immune defense, too, which means, our bodies are unable to fend off illness. And, getting sick is the last thing we need while running from project to project.
Stock your medicine cabinet with energy-inducing vitamins, such as Vitamin B, magnesium, and iron (if you suffer from anemia). Start your day with a protein-rich shake. Include antioxidants, such as carrot juice, kale, or blueberries, to cleanse the system and keep energy levels up. Then, eat complex carbohydrates throughout the day, limiting simple sugars such as baked goods, candy, ice cream, and other junk foods. Eating these unhealthy foods regularly not only leads to obesity, tooth decay, and insulin resistance but can cause a serious sugar crash, dipping our energy levels to an all-time low.
Stick with a well-balanced lunch, that’s “just enough” to fill you up. Don’t overdo it mid-day, particularly if you’re headed out to lunch with colleagues. Steer clear from heavy, nap-inducing options, such as pizza, pasta, and bread. Opt for a salad instead. Soup is also likely to quickly fill you up quickly, since it’s water-based, so you can feel full without overdoing it. Often, restaurants dish out larger than normal portions, too, so ask for a to-go box upfront.
If you have an opportunity to take a brisk walk during your break, take it. Mid-day exercise helps our brain to release endorphins, which can boost energy and keep us going the rest of the afternoon. Alternatively, taking occasional mental breaks throughout the day will also help keep us centered and focused, improving energy and overall concentration.
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to laugh. A good chuckle – at an appropriate time, of course – will release serotonin and endorphins, increasing energy while keeping us motivated to power through ‘til closing time.
